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.
Translation Of PALB2 Genetic Information Into Breast Cancer Clinical Genetic Services
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,081.00
Summary
Today in Australia women attending clinical genetics services and receiving genetic counselling due to a personal and/or family history of breast cancer are not considered for testing of PALB2 despite mounting evidence that the risk of breast cancer in mutation carriers is at least as high as the risk for BRCA2 mutation carriers. This project will provide the evidence base to support the incorporation of PALB2 gene testing into routine clinical genetics services both in Australia and around the ....Today in Australia women attending clinical genetics services and receiving genetic counselling due to a personal and/or family history of breast cancer are not considered for testing of PALB2 despite mounting evidence that the risk of breast cancer in mutation carriers is at least as high as the risk for BRCA2 mutation carriers. This project will provide the evidence base to support the incorporation of PALB2 gene testing into routine clinical genetics services both in Australia and around the world.Read moreRead less
Circulating Tumour DNA Analysis Of Acquired Treatment Resistance In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,807.00
Summary
Taxanes are commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer, yet treatment resistance remains a significant clinical problem for which new approaches are needed. Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)) into the bloodstream, and analysis of ctDNA can allow assessment of tumour specific genomic changes occurring during treatment. This project aims to utilise ctDNA to study acquired treatment resistance to taxane-based chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer.
Kallikrein Gene Variants In Prostate Cancer: In-depth Association And Functional Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer varies substantially between races, indicating a role of genetics in prostate cancer development. Recently, genetic variations in the PSA gene have been related to prostate cancer risk. I aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this correlation and to systematically investigate the association of other novel genetic variations in PSA and related genes with prostate cancer risk in a search of sensitive clinical biomarkers for prostate cancer di ....The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer varies substantially between races, indicating a role of genetics in prostate cancer development. Recently, genetic variations in the PSA gene have been related to prostate cancer risk. I aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this correlation and to systematically investigate the association of other novel genetic variations in PSA and related genes with prostate cancer risk in a search of sensitive clinical biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis.Read moreRead less
Circulating Tumour DNA As A Noninvasive Biomarker In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,299,114.00
Summary
The expanding repertoire of treatment options in melanoma is bringing into focus the need for improved ways to accurately monitor treatment responses and guide treatment decisions. Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (ctDNA) into the bloodstream and changes in ctDNA levels have potential to be used as specific markers of response to cancer therapy. This project will evaluate if ctDNA can be used as a form of ‘liquid biopsy’ to guide treatment decisions in patients with melanoma.
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
Germline Epimutations Of Tumour Suppressor Genes In Familial Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$502,500.00
Summary
In the case of bowel cancer, studies of the pattern of disease in our community indicate that up to 20% of all bowel cancers has a inherited component . We now know the genetic abnormality in up to 4% of these cases. We have recently discovered a previously unrecognised cause of cancer. Individuals who are affected by this disease may have cancer in the bowel, as well as the breast and womb. In this condition the gene alphabet is correct but the genes are chemically modified. This change called ....In the case of bowel cancer, studies of the pattern of disease in our community indicate that up to 20% of all bowel cancers has a inherited component . We now know the genetic abnormality in up to 4% of these cases. We have recently discovered a previously unrecognised cause of cancer. Individuals who are affected by this disease may have cancer in the bowel, as well as the breast and womb. In this condition the gene alphabet is correct but the genes are chemically modified. This change called methylation means that certain genes are spelt incorrectly or not at all. To date we have found two individuals who have this problem. Our work has shown that these individuals have inherited a genetic change and potentially could pass this change on to their offspring. This grant application seeks to formally pursue this findng. We will study a group of people in whom the genetic cause for their cancer remains unknown. Blood samples from these individuals will be examined for methylation of their DNA. A successful project will lead to a full description of this new type of hereditary cancer, and thus serve as the basis for identifying and effectively managing people and families at risk of this disease. It is likely that identification of individuals who are 'at risk' of cancer will allow us to implement preventative screening strategies. We will also be able to provide reassurance to those family members who have not inherited the methylation abnormality.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Novel Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,093.00
Summary
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers, with around 1 million cases diagnosed annually. These cancers can be caused by a combination of lifestyle/environmental and genetic factors. Genetics cause ~30% of colon cancers, although the cause is unexplained in ~2/3 of these cases. The aim of this project is to discover new colon cancer genes by extensive gene sequencing of multi-case unexplained colon cancer families, and screening of additional cases and cancer-free individuals.
Metagenomic Analysis To Determine The Prostate Microenvironment And The Aetiology Of Inflammatory Mediated Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,534.00
Summary
Infectious organisms have been implicated in the development of several different malignancies. This project aims to determine if this may also be applicable in prostate cancer and if so, to define which organism/s may be responsible, thus providing targets for improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies. The approach will be to identify DNA in the prostate tumour tissue that is foreign to the �normal� prostate environment and indicative of an invading organism.
Leukaemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, constitutes an important component of Australia's overall cancer burden. We aim to improve our understanding of the genetic and familial contributions to this disease. By establishing the Victorian Paediatric Family Cancer Study, we have evidence of a relationship between maternal age, onset of leukaema and overall risk of cancer in the family. We aim to determine if this finding is genetically based, implying a larger inherited component than ....Leukaemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, constitutes an important component of Australia's overall cancer burden. We aim to improve our understanding of the genetic and familial contributions to this disease. By establishing the Victorian Paediatric Family Cancer Study, we have evidence of a relationship between maternal age, onset of leukaema and overall risk of cancer in the family. We aim to determine if this finding is genetically based, implying a larger inherited component than previously recognized.Read moreRead less