The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) invites you to participate in a short survey about your
interaction with the ARDC and use of our national research infrastructure and services. The survey will take
approximately 5 minutes and is anonymous. It’s open to anyone who uses our digital research infrastructure
services including Reasearch Link Australia.
We will use the information you provide to improve the national research infrastructure and services we
deliver and to report on user satisfaction to the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.
Please take a few minutes to provide your input. The survey closes COB Friday 29 May 2026.
Complete the 5 min survey now by clicking on the link below.
A Novel Role For CBF? As A Regulator Of Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,415.00
Summary
Whole genome sequencing studies of human breast tumours identified a handful of common significantly mutated genes, all previously linked to breast cancer, except one, CBF?. Preliminary data from our lab now show that CBF? may be a new regulator of human breast cancer and metastasis. Using mice with altered CBF? levels, breast cancer models and human patient cohorts, this study aims to identify a novel role for CBF? as a new regulator of human breast cancer and potential therapeutic target.
CAPTURE: Circulating Tumour DNA Assessment Of PIK3CA To Guide Treatment Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,299,064.00
Summary
Many breast cancers shed small amounts of DNA (called circulating tumor DNA or ctDNA) into the patient’s bloodstream. This proposal is for a clinical trial which will examine the use of ctDNA to follow levels of a specific therapeutic target (a mutation in a gene called PIK3CA) in blood, to allow the timely introduction of a targeted therapy (PI3K inhibitor). The trial aims to lead to improved outcomes for women with estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer.
Randomised Phase III Trial Of Adjuvant Radiotherapy Versus Observation Following Breast Conserving Surgery And Endocrine Therapy In Patients With Molecularly Characterised Low-risk Luminal A Early Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,087,188.00
Summary
Radiotherapy after surgery for early breast cancer decreases recurrence but its benefit varies. Thus, it is important to identify low-risk patients who are unlikely to benefit from radiotherapy, sparing them its toxicity and costs. We propose a randomised study to investigate if patients whose breast cancer is postulated to be low-risk based on PAM50 (a 50-gene test) may safely omit radiotherapy after surgery. If successful, these patients will be able to avoid the risks of over-treatment.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW SUBTYPE OF AGGRESSIVE BREAST CANCER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,152.00
Summary
Much effort has been invested in the sequencing of cancer genomes, leading to the identification of genes linked to aggressive subtypes. There is now a need to confirm the importance of these genes and to exploit these findings for patient therapies. We have identified a new cancer driver controlling an aggressive type of breast tumour which may act through one carbon/folate metabolism. We aim to map the inner workings of these cancers to devise effective targeted drugs for these patients.
Deciphering Tumour Heterogeneity Of Breast Cancer Metastases Using Barcoded Patient Derived Xenografts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,161.00
Summary
Breast cancer mortality is largely due to metastases that seed from the primary tumour. Breast tumours are known to contain a heterogeneous mix of cells, but the precise way that cells are selected for tumour growth and metastasis (as well as their response to systemic therapy) is not well understood. In this study we will use patient samples and cellular ‘barcoding’ to track the destiny of every single clone throughout disease progression and study the effect of various therapies on metastasis.
Pushing AR Toward Better Outcomes In Breast And Prostate Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,754.00
Summary
Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives ....Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives.Read moreRead less
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.
A Preclinical Humanized Chimeric Model To Investigate Novel Therapeutic Strategies Against Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,362.00
Summary
Using the humanized in-vivo model presented, researchers are in a unique position to develop and evaluate novel therapeutic strategies against breast cancer bone metastasis at multiple intervention points from the primary tumour to bone metastasis. This model makes it possible to study anti-cancer and anti-resorptive effects of human-specific drugs such as the monoclonal antibody Denosumab. The model eventually may help to decrease morbidity and mortality of breast cancer patients.
Selective Activation Of Androgen Receptor To Treat Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$843,325.00
Summary
A major challenge in breast cancer research is to find alternative drugs to treat women with drug-resistant disease. What’s new and exciting is a novel type of drug that mimics the ability of natural androgen hormones to inhibit estrogen action in breast cancers without undesirable masculinising side effects. This research will greatly facilitate the introduction of a new breast cancer treatment into clinics worldwide by the development of a new test that can predict response to this treatment.
Randomised Phase II Trial Of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy +/- Concurrent Aromatase Inhibitor Endocrine Therapy To Down-stage Large Oestrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,302,496.00
Summary
Women diagnosed with large oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer are often treated with chemotherapy before surgery to reduce the size of the cancer, while treatment to lower oestrogen levels is given after surgery. This trial is studying if combining chemotherapy with oestrogen lowering treatment before surgery will better shrink the cancer which can improve the surgery options.