Major advances in cancer treatment has been made by identifying gene mutations in cancers to which the cancer is “addicted”, such that turning off the effects of the mutations leads to death of the cancer cells. Grant McArthur has been successful in applying this principle to rare types of sarcoma bringing his work to routine clinical practice globally. In this application he will investigate targeting the BRAF, KIT and MYC genes focusing on melanoma, a major cancer problem in Australia.
An Integrated Research Program In Clincial Toxicology Toxicovigilance And Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,892.00
Summary
Drug-related deaths in Australia account for 6.6% of all deaths (ABS 2009). In much of the rural Asia-Pacific, pesticide poisoning and snakebite are major problems. This research supports an integrated national and international clinical toxicology research program covering medicine and chemical poisoning, serious adverse drug reactions, snake and spider bite. Its focus is on the applied research needed to detect new problems and rapidly translate early findings into better treatment, regulation ....Drug-related deaths in Australia account for 6.6% of all deaths (ABS 2009). In much of the rural Asia-Pacific, pesticide poisoning and snakebite are major problems. This research supports an integrated national and international clinical toxicology research program covering medicine and chemical poisoning, serious adverse drug reactions, snake and spider bite. Its focus is on the applied research needed to detect new problems and rapidly translate early findings into better treatment, regulations & policy.Read moreRead less
Molecular Imaging As A Critical Tool In Discovery Of The Basis Of Tumour Heterogeneity And Developing Novel Therapies To Overcome Therapeutic Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,961.00
Summary
Determining treatment options for cancer currently relies on the size and extent of tumour deposits on imaging, combined with a biopsy. However, this approach fails to recognise the ability of tumours to evolve components that are, or become, resistant to treatment. My laboratory uses advanced molecular imaging, targeted biopsies, animal models and genetic analysis to detect and understand the basis of such resistance and thereby develop new, targeted treatments to improve patient outcomes.
Development Of Systemic Therapies To Improve Response And Prevent Resistance In The Treatment Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,219.00
Summary
This program of research utilises the unique resources at Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) to understand the biology of prolonged response and resistance to novel drug therapies used in metastatic melanoma, a cancer that now leads the field in the discovery of new targets for therapeutic manipulation. This program also aims to create new methods to efficiently test and develop drug therapy combinations in humans to improve patient outcomes further or prevent metastatic melanoma altogether.
Integration Of Basic And Translational Genitourinary Cancer Research Into Academic Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,961.00
Summary
Improvements in human health can only occur when the best basic research is tested in the best clinical trials and then applied in clinical practice across the board. Practitioner Fellowships are designed to support people who bridge these areas. This Fellowship will support an integrated program of research involving laboratory studies in prostate cancer, clinical trials in prostate and other types of cancer, application to clinical practice, and high level clinical and research leadership.
Translating Risk Models To Improve Prevention And Early Diagnosis Of Cancer In Primary Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$479,882.00
Summary
Primary care plays a key role in prevention and early diagnosis of cancer. This fellowship will apply evidence about cancer risk to help GPs provide tailored advice to patients about preventing common cancers. It will also use new risk tools to assess people with symptoms suggestive of cancer to support earlier diagnosis. The research extends to studies relating to how people interpret symptoms and ways of promoting earlier presentation to the GP in patients who are at higher risk of cancer.
This Practitioner Fellowship will support studies that will contribute directly to the efforts to eliminate HCV infection from Australia. The research program aims to reduce transmission of HCV infection by evaluating the best models of care for i) engaging and treating high risk individuals with HCV infection, including people who inject drugs and prisoners, ii) preventing reinfection with HCV, and iii) re-treatment of individuals who fail treatment due to drug resistance.
Translating Disordered Iron Metabolism And Liver Injury Research Into Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,014.00
Summary
Disorders of iron excess or insufficiency are common. A major complication of iron overload is liver disease. Another major cause of liver disease is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Most causes of liver disease injure the liver by similar mechanisms. This project will discover new mechanisms by which iron may cause cancer, arthritis, liver and cardiac disease and will define new diagnostic tests and treatments for disorders of iron metabolism and liver disease.
The incidence of melanoma in Australia continues to increase, with Queensland having the highest incidence worldwide. This research uses latest advances in genomics, imaging technologies and microbiopsy devices to develop a personalized screening program for high-risk individuals, with the aim of improving early detection, and reducing the burden of melanoma.
I am a practising hospital physician and a trained scientist and am widely acknowledged at the world leader in my field of study, asbestos cancers. Our latest research discoveries have put us on the threshold of bold new approaches to curing the scourge of these cancers and finding better blood tests but this work now requires extra attention from me to bring it to fruition. A Practitioner Fellowship is an ideal way for me to continue to lead this exciting research.