Mitochondrially targeted anti-cancer drugs modulate the mitochondrial genome. Successful cancer management requires novel therapeutical approaches. This project will test the effect of a new class of compounds that target mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, where they suppress expression of mitochondrial genes. By this mechanism, cancers that are resistant to apoptosis induction can be inhibited.
Physiological, bahavioural and functional motor abilities in children with undifferentiated tongue movements during speech. A subgroup of children with speech disorders who have difficulty moving parts of their tongue independently during speech has been identified. This study aims to investigate if this is a unique phenomenon of the tongue during speech, or indicative of more generalized patterns of motor movement. This will enable us to explore the similarities between patterns of movement in ....Physiological, bahavioural and functional motor abilities in children with undifferentiated tongue movements during speech. A subgroup of children with speech disorders who have difficulty moving parts of their tongue independently during speech has been identified. This study aims to investigate if this is a unique phenomenon of the tongue during speech, or indicative of more generalized patterns of motor movement. This will enable us to explore the similarities between patterns of movement in the articulators during speech and non-speech tasks and the upper limb. In turn, this will inform the debate about motor control mechanisms for speech and other body movements, which would lead to more effective treatment regimes.Read moreRead less
Determinants of successful community transition for individuals with acquired brain injury and their families. Transition home following acquired brain injury (ABI) is a critical phase in which individuals and families are vulnerable. Unsuccessful transitions are characterised by events such as financial crisis, family breakdown, loss of work, social isolation, and institutionalisation. ABI does not discriminate, but there is a higher rate in Indigenous, rural and remote communities and amongst ....Determinants of successful community transition for individuals with acquired brain injury and their families. Transition home following acquired brain injury (ABI) is a critical phase in which individuals and families are vulnerable. Unsuccessful transitions are characterised by events such as financial crisis, family breakdown, loss of work, social isolation, and institutionalisation. ABI does not discriminate, but there is a higher rate in Indigenous, rural and remote communities and amongst younger people. The societal impact of ABI includes loss of income and livelihood, health and welfare dependence, and long-term accommodation support. Research into the determinants of successful transition will alleviate the personal, social and economic burden of ABI and inform policy and program priorities for appropriate Australian Government bodies.Read moreRead less
Bilateral Cochlear Implants for Children: Does a Second Implant Improve Language, Psychosocial and Other Outcomes? Severe-profound congenital hearing loss engenders significant costs to society. In 2005, specialised education cost -- on average $25,000 per child, loss of productivity cost -- $6.7 billion, and social security benefits were paid to approximately 129,000 individuals who were unemployed due to hearing loss. If bilateral cochlear implantation results in improved language, social dev ....Bilateral Cochlear Implants for Children: Does a Second Implant Improve Language, Psychosocial and Other Outcomes? Severe-profound congenital hearing loss engenders significant costs to society. In 2005, specialised education cost -- on average $25,000 per child, loss of productivity cost -- $6.7 billion, and social security benefits were paid to approximately 129,000 individuals who were unemployed due to hearing loss. If bilateral cochlear implantation results in improved language, social development, and academic outcomes, the community benefits arising will be greatly improved quality of life for these individuals and significant savings to society. In partnership with Cochlear Ltd, this study will provide some of the first data worldwide comparing the effects of an additional implant on language, social and educational outcomes.Read moreRead less
EGFR-directed radioimmunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibition: development towards clinical application for aggressive cancers. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive diseases which lack effective therapies in clinical use. A novel and curative therapy was developed against PDAC and TNBC which involves targeted radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA damage response inhibition. This project will develop a “p ....EGFR-directed radioimmunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibition: development towards clinical application for aggressive cancers. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive diseases which lack effective therapies in clinical use. A novel and curative therapy was developed against PDAC and TNBC which involves targeted radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA damage response inhibition. This project will develop a “preclinical data package” comprising a biological rationale and preclinical evidence of safety and efficacy that together would justify an early phase clinical trial. This package includes the choice of formulations, mechanism of action and safety studies. This development will have an immediate impact for PDAC and TNBC patients and a future impact on other EGFR-positive cancers.Read moreRead less
Caged lanthanides for use in photo-dynamic therapy and near infra-red imaging. The early detection and effective treatment of cancer are two critical factors which determine survivability. This project will provide improved drugs for photo-dynamic therapy and develop emissive probes for near infra-red imaging to allow better discrimination between healthy and diseased tissue and improve subsequent treatment.
Identifying Resistance Mechanisms Of Targeted BRAF Inhibitors In Metastatic Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$379,015.00
Summary
Late-stage melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer for which traditional treatment strategies such as chemotherapy are ineffective. Recently, a new class of targeted drugs (BRAF inhibitors) has become the standard of care for a subset of melanoma patients; however, long term treatment success is complicated by drug resistance. This study will identify the causes of resistance with the purpose to improve targeted drug strategies and increase survival rates for late-stage melanoma patients.
Physiologically-based Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics Of Therapeutic Stem Cells For Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$848,710.00
Summary
This project focuses on the challenging area of effective and optimal dosing cell-based therapy for liver diseases. We will investigate the fate and therapeutic effects of natural, modified and artificial therapeutic cells in the body and in liver regions using a physiologically-based kinetic model. Our key goal is advance cell therapy by providing a better understanding and dosing guidelines.
Cellular genomic approach to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. This project compares the levels of gene usage in two important immune cell types between patients with multiple sclerosis and people who do not have the disease. It aims to identify the molecular basis for the disease, in order to identify new diagnostic, preventative and treatment options.