Improving Cancer Management By Direct Detection With Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,549.00
Summary
Despite reliable methods of prostate and breast cancer diagnosis there remains considerable uncertainty as to whether the detected disease will have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. This uncertainty is largely due to the inability of current detection methods to show the extent of disease. This project will address this problem by developing new MRI methods that directly measure the microscopic tissue properties that define cancer.
Circulating Tumour DNA As A Personalized Biomarker In ER Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
This PhD aims to study the use of liquid biopsies for disease monitoring in metastatic estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Liquid biopsies involve looking for circulating cancer-specific genetic material in the blood stream. Through the use of liquid biopsies, we hope to understand genetic differences and heterogeneity within metastatic breast cancer; identify potential therapeutic targets; and examine the mechanisms of treatment resistance to facilitate personalised cancer therapy.
PRECISION: Personalised Risk Evaluation In DCIS, International
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,392,930.00
Summary
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is a common diagnosis with problematic clinical management. This study brings together an international consortium to identify and validate clinical biomarkers of recurrence.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women, affecting one in 8. While physical examination, mammography and ultrasound remain first-line screening tools, there are no reliable blood tests to aid diagnosis. This project aims to discover proteins in breast cancer tissue, or in the bloodstream of patients, which can be measured to provide information about the presence and severity of breast cancer. A new, reliable diagnostic test could benefit millions of women.