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Quantifying Breast Cancer Over-diagnosis In An Organized Mammography Screening Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
While breast screening reduces breast cancer deaths by finding cancers earlier, it may also find cancers that would never have required treatment. Currently there is no clear consensus about the level over-diagnosis. This study will examine the extent of over-diagnosis by comparing the breast screening histories of women diagnosed with breast cancer and women who have not had breast cancer. Findings will inform policy on breast screening in Australia.
CLINICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GENETICALLY DEFINED GERMLINE SUB-GROUPS OF MELANOMA AND BREAST CANCER PATIENTS.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
In this project I will assess how cancer patients’ genetic makeup influences the nature and outcome of their cancer, especially in terms of how successful treatment is likely to be. We will show how key genetic variants influence cancer behaviour and by combining these genes we will have a better understanding of how to develop more successful treatments.
Incorporating Genomics Into Breast Cancer Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
This study will investigate use of genomic sequencing in advanced and early breast cancer. We will characterise genetic characteristics of patients who benefit from two different therapies in the metastatic setting. We will use circulating tumour DNA analysis to monitor for and genetically characterise minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients apparently cured by initial therapy. This will thus identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing MRD progressing to metastatic disease.
Understanding The Clinical Significance Of Tumour Genomic Architecture And Host Immune Response In Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,732.00
Summary
This study uses sophisticated DNA sequencing technologies to help patients and their doctors better understand and treat breast cancer. It also tries to understand how the cancer DNA may change over time, and if this is important to how the cancer is treated. In addition, it looks for a link between the DNA changes in a tumour and the anti-tumour immune response, which may help identify patients that could benefit from immunotherapy in the future.
Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein (PTHrP), Common Genetic Variants In The PTHrP Gene (PTHLH), And Breast Cancer Risk And Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
In a partnership between Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, and The University of Melbourne, we are investigating the role of PTHrP, a peptide integral to the growth and spread of Cancer. Initially thought to facilitate cancer spread, recent studies suggest it may actually be protective. In a new approach, we will analyse new DNA databases and patient data from around the world. We hope to extend our understanding of PTHrP, and perhaps find novel drug and therapeutic targets.
Developing Microenvironment-based Prognostic Biomarkers For Early Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Approximately 20% of breast cancer patients are now diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early stage where tumour cells are confined within the ducts of the breast and pose no threat to life. Once cells spread beyond the duct into surrounding breast tissue, risk of spread increases dramatically. This project aims to use a unique set of patient samples to identify markers that predict DCIS patients that are most at risk of spread, to personalise therapy to and reduce over-treatment.
Dual 68-Gallium/FDG PET Imaging In Neuroendocrine Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$75,006.00
Summary
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are uncommon cancers. Low-grade tumours may grow very slowly and not require treatment, but high-grade tumours can grow over weeks and have a poor prognosis. Grade is determined by looking at tissue, but this may vary considerably even in different disease sites in the same patient. Two PET scans (FDG PET and 68Gallium PET) can show high grade and low grade disease respectively, and we plan to investigate their combination in imaging advanced neuroendocrine tumours.
Cell Survival Pathways As Potential Targets In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$142,914.00
Summary
Cancer cells are characterised by their capacity for relentless growth, survival and evasion of cell death. This proposal will use patient derived xenograft models of primary breast cancer to test the hypothesis that addition of BH3-mimetics could improve response to anti-HER2 therapy. This technique involves transplantation of patient tumours into immune-compromised mice. This represents a useful method for testing new agents.
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.
Despite the clear epidemiological evidence that physical activity can reduce breast cancer recurrence and risk, little is know about the mechanisms. The aim of this project is determine the metabolic pathways and immunological effects of exercise in preclinical breast cancer models and in breast cancer patients, and to determine if there are synergistic effects with current systemic therapies.