We have entered an era where it is now possible to sequence an individual's genetic blueprint. In the case of cancer this can be used to determine the genetic damage that has occurred in cancer cells. This fellowship seeks to carry out large scale sequencing of cancer patient and map out the genetic damage that is common to get a handle on what drives the disease. It will also investigate how personalized mutation detection might improve cancer treatment selection for individual patients.
Early Detection Of Melanoma Metastases Using MicroRNA As Novel Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$109,363.00
Summary
The use of a minimally invasive blood test to measure the circulating levels of melanoma-specific miRNAs may provide a rapid assessment for clinical management of the disease during dissemination of the tumour. This work has the potential to provide new prognostic markers for melanoma as well as to identify new gene targets for the design of rational therapies to treat this disease.
Novel Epigenetic And Molecular Determinants Of Gastric Cancer Initation And Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,909.00
Summary
Over one million deaths from stomach cancer occur annually. This often fatal disease can be caused by infection with the bacterium H. pylori. I am a molecular biologist seeking to understand how inflammation caused by H. pylori drives a genetic signature which can be used to predict stomach cancer risk. I will also study how a new family of stomach proteins can prevent tumour growth. My research aims to lead new initiatives for early detection and treatment of stomach cancer.
Defining Genomic Mechanisms Associated With Treatment Response, Drug Resistance And Early Blast Crisis In Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a fatal disease if untreated. Most patients now survive with new drugs, but some still rapidly die. I aim to understand these differences by investigating the genetic makeup of patients at diagnosis. Some may have gene mutations that prevent drugs from working effectively. Mutations will be detected using technology that can search more than 30,000 genes at the same time. This work could lead to improved survival for more patients by finding new targets for therapy.
Metagenomic Analysis To Determine The Prostate Microenvironment And The Aetiology Of Inflammatory Mediated Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,534.00
Summary
Infectious organisms have been implicated in the development of several different malignancies. This project aims to determine if this may also be applicable in prostate cancer and if so, to define which organism/s may be responsible, thus providing targets for improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies. The approach will be to identify DNA in the prostate tumour tissue that is foreign to the �normal� prostate environment and indicative of an invading organism.
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally. Symptoms may not develop until disease is advanced, so it is often incurable at diagnosis. Scientific developments have greatly improved our ability to test for the changes in DNA structure and function responsible for this deadly disease and its progression. This study examines whole lung cancer genomes then uses these findings to develop safer methods for detection based on changes in DNA sequence.