Precision Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer: Understanding Tumourigenesis In High Risk People To Optimise Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,562,250.00
Summary
Bowel cancer, Australia’s second most common cause of cancer death, is one of the most preventable cancers. We know some people have a high risk because they carry changes in their DNA, or they have many pre-cancerous growths (polyps). Bowel cancer is increasing in young people, before 50 years of age, with no known reason. If we can identify people who have a high risk and understand how and why it develops in young Australians, we can prevent these cancers.
Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms Of Immune Evasion In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,425,280.00
Summary
Proteins called MHC class I and II on the surface of cancer cells act as sensors that allow the immune system to recognise cancer cells as abnormal and destroy them. However, cancer cells have developed ways to hide from the immune system by silencing MHC class I and II. This project aims to identify ways to overcome this silencing and restore MHC class I and II to the surface of the cancer cells, allowing them to be treated with therapies that activate immune cells to eradicate the tumour.
Realising The World Health Organisation Targets For Elimination Of Cervical Cancer As A Public Health Problem: Effective Implementation And Scale-up Of HPV Vaccination And Cervical Screening In Australia, Regionally, And Globally
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,125,000.00
Summary
This fellowship focuses on improving cancer screening, particularly the implementation of HPV vaccination and cervical screening. CI Canfell will pursue an Australian, regional and global health agenda towards the elimination of cervical cancer. Her work is supporting the successful implementation of the new cervical screening program in Australia, provides crucial support to other countries in the region, and is directly informing the WHO global elimination strategy.
An In Vitro Pipeline For Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers For Cancer Diagnosis And Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,764,215.00
Summary
A droplet of blood contains information whether a person has cancer, the stage of the cancer and how their response to treatment. The proposed research will employ ultrasensitive detection technologies to analyse so-called biomarkers released from cancer cells. We will use lab-based models of cancer, generated with a 3D bioprinter, to learn what biomarkers tell us about cancer type and response to drugs. This knowledge is urgently needed for early cancer detection and better cancer treatment.
Comparative Effectiveness Of Breast Tomosynthesis And Mammography In Real-world Population Screening: Evidence To Underpin And Improve Breast Cancer Screening
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,851,430.00
Summary
This research addresses key evidence gaps in breast cancer screening by investigating tomosynthesis (3D mammography) versus standard 2D mammography screening to establish the effectiveness of tomosynthesis in Australia and internationally, including impact on cancers not detected at screening that progress clinically. Large-scale studies will be done in real world screening services including a prospective comparative study planned collaboratively with BreastScreen to guide screening policy.
Developing Interpretable Machine Learning Models For Clinical Imaging And Single-cell Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,312,250.00
Summary
Machine learning methods will be vital to make best use of the deluge of data generated by high-throughput technologies in biomedical science. To get the most out of these models, however, we need to be able to unpack the 'black box'. I will use curated clinical and public research data to benchmark and develop interpretable deep learning models and software tools. These models will be used for breast cancer screening programs and for analysis of complex, large-scale single-cell genomics data.
Harnessing The Power Of Single Cell Sequencing To Advance Biomedical Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,013,220.00
Summary
Our ability to sequence the DNA code has advanced rapidly in the last 10 years but this data is large and complex and we need advanced computational and statistical methods to analyse these data. Now we are able to generate this data from individual cells. I will provide the analysis approached that are required in order to use this data to understand the complexity of tissues at a cellular resolution. This will provide deep molecular insights into development and disease.
Inflammation is essential to help fight infection and repair tissues. However when overactive it causes diseases such as psoriasis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Less well known, inflammation also helps drive development of cancers. My research aims to understand inflammatory signalling at the molecular and organism level. Experience has shown that this knowledge can be translated to improve existing therapies or generate new ones, and that is the ultimate aim of my research.
Cancer Imaging And Targeted Radiation Therapy: From Discovery To Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,114,215.00
Summary
This program will create a new pipeline of cancer imaging and targeted radiotherapy medical devices, translating discoveries to new first-in-world clinical trials and engaging with industry to see these innovations used in broad clinical practice. The research is applicable to all major cancer types and radiation therapy is essential for cancer cure and symptom control for half of all cancer patients, success means a global real-world impact on the lives of millions of cancer patients.
Translating Molecular Pathology Into Cancer Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,285,520.00
Summary
Precision oncology, the treatment of cancer patients selected with a particular molecular characteristic (biomarker) matched to a therapy, has transformed the treatment of cancer patients. However, many biomarkers used for clinical care are not reliable and do not perform their role. I will translate new research tests from fundamental discovery, clinical trials and the development of novel diagnostics using innovative high throughput laboratory technologies to enhance patient outcomes.