Characterisation Of Two Novel Markers Of Osteosarcoma Metastasis As Potential Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,500.00
Summary
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone tumour in children and adolescents. In spite of aggressive chemotherapy, OS tumours that metastasise to the lungs result in dismal long-term survivals of only 10-20%. For these patients, new treatment options are desperately needed. In this proposal we show compelling data identifying two new markers of OS metastasis. This research aims to validate the suitability of these novel markers as therapeutic targets to prevent OS metastasis.
Antibody-based Inhibition Of ADAM10 As Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,788.00
Summary
Despite our advances in understanding the molecular basis of cancer, treatments for metastatic cancers are limited, emphasising an urgent need for strategies targeting several oncogenic pathways. We generated monoclonal antibodies effectively blocking the activity of ADAM10, an oncogenic cell surface protease that activates tumour growth, invasion and metastasis through multiple pathways. Here we describe the strategies that progress these antibodies as lead therapeutics for clinical testing.
EphA3 Is A Marker Of Glioma Stem/progenitor Cells And A Potential Target For Therapy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,860.00
Summary
EphA3 is a cell surface marker which is enriched on glioma ‘propagating’ stem cells (GSCs) and furthermore has a functional role in regulating GSC differentiation and fate determination. EphA3 therefore provides a novel therapeutic target for high-grade glioma.
Cyclin E1 As A Therapeutic Target In Women With High-grade Serous Cancer And Primary Treatment Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,170.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer in women and the most lethal gynaecologic malignancy. We found tumours with extra copies of the CyclinE1 gene (CCNE1) are less likely to respond to standard treatment, and show reliance on its activity. Therefore, targeting CCNE1 may be a novel treatment strategy for these cancers. We will perform preclinical studies with therapeutic inhibitors towards the CCNE1 pathway and further explore the underlying biology of tumours with CCNE1 amplification.
Novel Dual Domain Targeting Strategies Against ErbB Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$711,216.00
Summary
This project will develop innovative strategies to treat cancer through novel antibodies to erbB growth factor receptors, and identify ways to improve conventional treatments.
This Fellowship will focus on the development of novel therapeutics for cancer, and identify mechanisms for selection of treatments best suited to individual patients. It will also develop innovative strategies to identify cancer through molecular imaging techniques.
ADAM Metalloprotease Inhibition For Treatment Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$770,925.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes over 4000 deaths/year, typically from developing drug resistance and spreading to other organs (metastasis). These processes involve tumour cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which rely on specific cell surface proteins for survival and function. We are developing antibodies against one of these type of proteins, to test in mouse models of CRC. These already show promise in targeting CSCs and inhibiting drug-resistance and metastasis in mice.
Inhibiting Tumour Growth By Targeting EphA3 And Disrupting Tumour Stromal And Vascular Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,136.00
Summary
Tumours consist of cancer cells, tumour blood vessels and connective tissue, all of which are different to normal tissues. Many of the cells making up tumour vessels and connective tissue are recruited, during initial growth and subsequent spreading of tumours, from the bone marrow. Our research will examine the presence and function of the EphA3 receptor on these cells during tumour development and assess how our anti-EphA3 antibody inhibits tumour growth by targeting stroma and vasculature.