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.
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.
Genetic Variants, Phenotypic Spectrum And Breast Cancer Risk Associated With Germline Mutations In PALB2: Identifying Female PALB2 Mutation Carriers At The Time Of Diagnosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$45,093.00
Summary
Population studies of female breast cancer (BC) show only a small proportion of familial aspects of BC can be explained by current knowledge of its causes. Women carrying PALB2 mutations who also have a strong family history of BC are of increased risk of BC. Our work will further define the risks and devise criteria to identify women most likely to carry PALB2 mutations. This will help prioritize testing, classify PALB2 variants and provide appropriate clinical management to carriers.
Genetics And Genomics Of Breast And Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
Our knowledge of the number and nature of the genes involved in breast and ovarian cancer is limited. To rapidly define the critical breast and ovarian cancer-causing genes my laboratory uses an integrative genomics approach whereby information from several genome-wide platforms are combined. A key initiative that will underpin much of our work is Lifepool, which is a unique cohort of 100,000 Victorian women attending BreastScreen that will support a range of research into breast cancer.
Identification And Molecular Characterisation Of High-risk Premalignant Breast Lesions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,382.00
Summary
Understanding the full repertoire of genetic events that underlie the development of breast cancer may allow development of prevention strategies. This study will analyse genetic data of benign breast lesions that may be non-obligate precursors of breast cancer. Importantly, clinical management of these lesions is difficult. A reliable method of predicting the risk of progression to cancer would be a significant advance, with benefits to individual patients and also the health system.
Elf5 And The Basis For Antiestrogen Resistant Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,181,326.00
Summary
Resistance to anti estrogen therapies causes half of breast cancer deaths. We have recently discovered (Plos Biol 2012) that the transcription factor Elf5 is intimately involved in this process. This grant will develop our understanding of the transcriptional and genomic events involving Elf5 that lead to antiestrogen resistance and metatstasis, to develop new models of antiestrogen resistance, biomarkers that predict antiestrogen resistance and new therapeutic targets and strategies that preven ....Resistance to anti estrogen therapies causes half of breast cancer deaths. We have recently discovered (Plos Biol 2012) that the transcription factor Elf5 is intimately involved in this process. This grant will develop our understanding of the transcriptional and genomic events involving Elf5 that lead to antiestrogen resistance and metatstasis, to develop new models of antiestrogen resistance, biomarkers that predict antiestrogen resistance and new therapeutic targets and strategies that prevent antiestrogen resistance.Read moreRead less
Exploring The Function Of Breast Cancer-Associated Variants In Long Non-Coding RNAs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,585.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known protein coding genes, suggesting that non-protein coding genes could be responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes. Understanding how sequences variations in these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel a ....Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known protein coding genes, suggesting that non-protein coding genes could be responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes. Understanding how sequences variations in these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.Read moreRead less
Using Twin And Family Studies To Make Genomics Relevant To Population Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
This Fellowship will make major impacts on health by building on decades of research creating large studies of families, and in particular twins. One aim is to produce a simple web-based tool for women to accurately know their risk of breast cancer based on family history, mammography and genetic markers. This could transform breast and genetic screening across the world. Another is to develop new ways of analysing twin data which resolve which risk factors are causal and relevant to prevention.
Molecular Determinants Of Susceptibility And Progression In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,006,551.00
Summary
Breast cancer is heterogeneous, making management a challenge. High-grade cancers including the ‘basal’ type are aggressive, often found in young women and have a propensity for distant spread. They are also associated with a BRCA1 gene mutation. We will study mechanisms that predispose some women to develop breast cancer, the process that allows cancers to grow at distant sites such as the brain and lungs, and how DNA repair proteins are implicated. This will allow development of new diagnostic ....Breast cancer is heterogeneous, making management a challenge. High-grade cancers including the ‘basal’ type are aggressive, often found in young women and have a propensity for distant spread. They are also associated with a BRCA1 gene mutation. We will study mechanisms that predispose some women to develop breast cancer, the process that allows cancers to grow at distant sites such as the brain and lungs, and how DNA repair proteins are implicated. This will allow development of new diagnostic tools and treatments.Read moreRead less
Personalised Biomarkers In Breast Cancer Using Circulating Tumour DNA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$231,060.00
Summary
The measurement of tumour specific circulating DNA in the blood of women with breast cancer has the potential to be utilised as a personalised biomarker and revolutionise the management of this disease. This project aims to improve our understanding of the relationship between circulating tumour DNA, the progression of cancer, and responses to cancer treatment. Furthermore, it aims to address how this new tool can be integrated into clinical practice to provide benefits for women with breast can ....The measurement of tumour specific circulating DNA in the blood of women with breast cancer has the potential to be utilised as a personalised biomarker and revolutionise the management of this disease. This project aims to improve our understanding of the relationship between circulating tumour DNA, the progression of cancer, and responses to cancer treatment. Furthermore, it aims to address how this new tool can be integrated into clinical practice to provide benefits for women with breast cancer.Read moreRead less