Exploring The Causal Pathways To Cutaneous Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$159,171.00
Summary
Melanomas are cancers arising from the pigment cells of the skin, and are among the most commonly occurring cancers in this country. Each year, more than 8000 Australians are diagnosed with invasive melanoma, resulting in some 900 deaths annually. Survival from melanoma is high if the disease is detected early (5 yr survival for thin melanomas-94%), however survival rates for thicker tumours are significantly worse, and for metastatic disease, very poor (<10%). Sunlight is the principal facto ....Melanomas are cancers arising from the pigment cells of the skin, and are among the most commonly occurring cancers in this country. Each year, more than 8000 Australians are diagnosed with invasive melanoma, resulting in some 900 deaths annually. Survival from melanoma is high if the disease is detected early (5 yr survival for thin melanomas-94%), however survival rates for thicker tumours are significantly worse, and for metastatic disease, very poor (<10%). Sunlight is the principal factor which causes this disease, although there is increasing evidence that the role of sunlight in causing melanoma is not the same for all people who develop this disease. A new hypothesis proposes that the malignant course of melanomas may reflect their causal origins, with melanomas induced by chronic sunlight exposure perhaps being more aggressive than other melanomas. We will undertake a large study of patients with melanoma to investigate both the causal pathways to melanoma and their influence on markers of tumour aggressiveness. We will capture detailed information about the microscopic appearance of the melanomas from pathologists at the time of diagnosis, and marry this to the information reported by the patients about their past history of sun exposure. When complete, this study will provide new information about the causes of melanoma. Such knowledge is crucial to controlling and preventing this cancer.Read moreRead less
Risk Of Recurrence After Diagnosis Of Invasive Breast Cancer By Molecular Subtype As Defined By ER, PR And Her2 Status
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,622.00
Summary
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Molecular subtypes have been identified that differ in terms of prognosis and response to treatment. This study aims to estimate recurrence free survival of breast cancer by molecular subtypes in a population-based sample of Australian women. The results will assist clinicians to guide their therapeutic decisions and will inform women about their anticipated outcome after diagnosis of breast cancer.
Molecular approaches to solving current and emerging problems in the epidemiology and diagnosis of Marek's disease in Australia. Marek's disease (MD) is a ubiquitous viral disease of chickens that is currently controlled in meat chickens by blanket vaccination of all chickens. However, as has happened overseas, the efficacy of the HVT vaccine being used in Australia is breaking down resulting in subclinical and clinical losses due to MD. To assist industry deal with this situation we propose to ....Molecular approaches to solving current and emerging problems in the epidemiology and diagnosis of Marek's disease in Australia. Marek's disease (MD) is a ubiquitous viral disease of chickens that is currently controlled in meat chickens by blanket vaccination of all chickens. However, as has happened overseas, the efficacy of the HVT vaccine being used in Australia is breaking down resulting in subclinical and clinical losses due to MD. To assist industry deal with this situation we propose to develop novel molecular methods for the quantification of Marek's disease viruses (MDV) in the host and the environment, to use these methods to design effective early monitoring systems for MD in broilers that predict disease and performance outcomes, and to develop an epidemiological model that will predict the spread and severity of MD as failure of vaccinal protection progresses.Read moreRead less
Integration Of Epidemiological, Biological, And Health Services Data In Cancer Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,032.00
Summary
Improved understanding of carcinogenic mechanisms, such as the importance of gene and environment interaction, has placed increased emphasis on the need for studies combining biological and epidemiological data. The proposed research program incorporates a number of cross-disciplinary studies which bridge classical epidemiology and basic science and strive to improve the clinical relevance and translational potential of research outcomes.
Improving Cancer Outcomes In Under-studied Cancers By Understanding Their Risk Factors And Patterns Of Cancer Care.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
Cancer is the second leading cause of disease burden in Australia. Much can be done to reduce this burden through effective cancer prevention and ensuring all patients receive optimal evidence-based care. This research focuses on thyroid, kidney and ovarian cancer and aims to increase knowledge of these cancers’ causes and to investigate variation in patient care and its impact on outcomes. Ultimately the objective of the work is to decrease Australia’s cancer burden.
Generating The Evidence To Control Cancer And Optimise Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,564,341.00
Summary
Our Program addresses the public health aspects of common cancers, particularly cancers of the skin and gynaecological tracts. Each year in Australia, nearly 400,000 people are treated for skin cancer, and more than 3,500 women develop ovarian or uterine cancer. Our aims are first, to understand how we might prevent these cancers in the future; second, to enhance diagnosis of these cancers; and third, to improve the survival and quality of life for people who are diagnosed with these cancers
Microsimulation Modelling Of Post-Polypectomy Colonoscopy Surveillance Strategies For The Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,535.00
Summary
This research will provide a comprehensive evidence-based framework for post-polypectomy endoscopic surveillance in bowel cancer screening. A population-based micro-simulation model of colorectal cancer development will be used to perform epidemiological and health economic evaluations of Australian and international endoscopic surveillance guidelines. These will help inform policy that will potentially lead to improvements in bowel cancer screening and surveillance programs in Australia.
Testing And Treatment For Prostate Cancer In Australia: Epidemiology And Modelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$267,886.00
Summary
We aim to use observational data and mathematical modelling to investigate testing and treatment for prostate cancer in Australia. We will incorporate changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and in clinical practice to investigate: a) over-diagnosis, being cancer cases diagnosed through PSA testing that would not have been otherwise diagnosed; b) the effect of PSA testing on prostate cancer mortality; and c) mortality and health care use under different PSA test scenarios.
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.
The Prevalence, Incidence And Natural History Of Anal Cellular Abnormalities In Mature-aged Homosexual Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$144,725.00
Summary
Anal cancer is one of the most common cancers in homosexual men and rates in Australia are now higher than those of cervical cancer prior to the introduction of routine cervical screening in women. The Mature Aged Gay MenÍs Anal Health Study will enrol 1000 men over 45 years old and follow them for up to 5 years to investigate the progression of anal pre-cancerous lesions in men and the potential of a screening program to allow early detection of these lesions.