Utilising Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) To Optimise The Adjuvant Therapy And Follow-up Of Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,316,682.00
Summary
The management of patients after surgery for rectal cancer presents multilpe dilemmas; what treatment should be given and to which patients? Our initial studies in colorectal cancer patients demonstrate that a novel blood biomarker (circulating tumour DNA) can accurately predict patient risk of recurrence and with serial samples, can indicate whether chemotherapy is being effective. During follow-up changes in this biomarker promise to be a specific and very early indicator of cancer recurrence.
SOFT And TEXT Premenopausal Randomised Adjuvant Endocrine Breast Cancer Trials.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$722,380.00
Summary
SOFT and TEXT trials enrolled premenopausal women with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer to assess if post-operative hormone treatment that included ovarian function suppression plus tamoxifen, or an aromatase inhibitor exemestane, could improve outcomes. Initial results indicate fewer breast cancer recurrences with the treatment combination of ovarian suppression plus exemestane as compared with tamoxifen, and follow-up of women in these trials can show if overall survival can be improved.
Personalisation Of Aspirin Adjuvant Therapy In Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$762,580.00
Summary
Aspirin use is associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer recurrence. However, benefit appears limited to a subset of patients, and some individuals experience side effects. We will analyse tumour samples from patients participating in the ASCOLT clinical trial of aspirin to identify molecular features that can predict who will benefit from aspirin. Predictive biomarkers would be of substantial clinical utility for guiding treatment, minimising toxicity and improving disease outcomes.
The OUTBACK Trial - The Role Of Adjuvant Chemotherapy In Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,472,782.00
Summary
This international randomized phase III trial will test the value of giving additional chemotherapy treatment to women with locally advanced cervix cancer following standard chemo-radiation treatment. The aim is to improve survival rates for these women, many of whom have a 40% or greater chance of their disease relapsing after treatment. The trial has been designed in Australia, and is open in multiple countries with Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) as the lead group ....This international randomized phase III trial will test the value of giving additional chemotherapy treatment to women with locally advanced cervix cancer following standard chemo-radiation treatment. The aim is to improve survival rates for these women, many of whom have a 40% or greater chance of their disease relapsing after treatment. The trial has been designed in Australia, and is open in multiple countries with Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) as the lead group.Read moreRead less
Improving Anti-cancer Therapy By Stromal Targeting And Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,742.00
Summary
We have developed a new drug which binds to abnormal cancer blood vessels. Upon binding, shape and tone of cancer vessels are restored and they become tighter. Our research will now test whether combining this new drug with current standard-of-care therapies such as chemo- and immunotherapy, will improve cytotoxic drugs and also make the immune system work better to fight the cancer. We also expect that tightening of blood vessels will stop cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.
Temporal Trends In The Incidence, Site And Survival Of Metastatic Breast Cancer In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,494.00
Summary
There have been major advances in breast cancer treatment over the last decade. This project will use information collected from the NSW cancer registry and hospitals to report on changes in the type and risk of breast cancer spread and survival for women with a new diagnosis of breast cancer before and after new treatments introduced since 2005. This information is essential for doctors to provide women with up-to-date information; and for planning appropriate health services and research.