A/Prof Thomas' Senior Research Fellowship will provide support for the continued development of a broad-based, national and international research program focused on the biology and clinical aspects of connective tissue tumours. A/Prof Thomas' career goals are to continue work in basic, translational and clinical research into these tumours which include osteosarcoma, liposarcoma, giant cell tumour of bone and the inherited risk of development of these neoplasms.
Pre-clinical Evaluation Of The LSD1 Inhibitor HCI-2509: Defining The Biomarkers Of Sensitivity And The Mechanisms Of Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,068.00
Summary
Despite aggressive multi-modal treatment strategies, limited progress in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma (paediatric bone malignancy), has been achieved over the past 30 years. As such, the advent of novel and targeted therapeutics with favourable efficacy/toxicity profiles are eagerly awaited. This proposal will investigate the therapeutic utility of LSD1 inhibition as a treatment for Ewing sarcoma and the underlying mechanisms of sensitivity/resistance to this unique agent.
A Phase II Study Of Continuous, Low-dose LBH 589 (Panobinostat) In Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors, Including CNS Tumors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$811,512.00
Summary
Research done recently across three separate Australian laboratories has shown great promise with a new anti-cancer drug LBH589 used for cancers in children and young adults. We wish to start a clinical trial of LBH589 in children and young adult patients with cancer.
An International Whole Genome Study To Definitively Map Heritable Risk In Sarcomas
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$836,550.00
Summary
We want to understand why some people get sarcomas, and others do not. This is likely due to genetic causes, because these cancers affect the young. We now have the tools to address this question, and have created the largest and best characterised study of sarcoma families in the world upon which to apply these tools. This project will create an enduring foundation for research into the genetic basis of sarcomas for the next 20 years.
I am interested in using new technologies to understand how and why cancers develop. I am focused on sarcomas, cancers that particularly affect the young, but rare and neglected cancers more generally. I want to use the knowledge we can gain from basic research to develop new models of clinical care, that will reduce the morbidity and mortality from these deadly diseases.
Identification Of Novel Familial Patterns And Genotypes Associated With Inherited Risk In Adult-onset Sarcoma: The International Sarcoma Kindred Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,855.00
Summary
Inherited genetic risk is important in cancers that affect the young. The International Sarcoma Kindred Study (ISKS) is the world's first prospective study aiming to better understand how sarcomas can be inherited in families, and the genes that cause sarcomas. The ISKS is a multinational study led from Australia, with partners in the US, Europe and India, and aims to recruit over 3000 families affected by sarcoma.
New Treatments For Epitheliod Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,267.00
Summary
Epithelioid Inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (eIMS) is a rare aggressive cancer, most common in of childhood and young adults. This cancer has been scarcely studied due to its rarity and is not cured by standard chemotherapeutic regimes. Our investigations will extensively characterise eIMS samples from recently diagnosed patients, and apply a new laboratory model to discover more effective drugs and improve treatment outcomes.