I lead a research program to improve outcomes for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). We aim to identify poor risk patients and test new treatment strategies to reduce adverse outcomes. In good risk patients we aim to reduce the need for lifelong drug dependency. Through a combination of clinical trials, innovative correlative studies, and strong scientific collaborations, my team will continue to improve outcomes for CML patients globally.
Defining Genomic Mechanisms Associated With Treatment Response, Drug Resistance And Early Blast Crisis In Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a fatal disease if untreated. Most patients now survive with new drugs, but some still rapidly die. I aim to understand these differences by investigating the genetic makeup of patients at diagnosis. Some may have gene mutations that prevent drugs from working effectively. Mutations will be detected using technology that can search more than 30,000 genes at the same time. This work could lead to improved survival for more patients by finding new targets for therapy.
The Role Of Oncogenes, Cell Death Machinery And Novel Players In The Regulation Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Leukemogenesis And Hematological Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
This project is focused on the regulation of blood cells and the diseases that arise when they become defective, such as bone marrow failure and leukemia. It will investigate how proteins involved in cell suicide impact on blood cell survival, cancer therapy, and the formation of blood clots. The link between cancer genes and stem cells will be examined. Ultimately, the aims are to identify drug targets in hematological disorders, and develop new drugs to promote the survival of healthy cells.
Learning The Mechanisms Of Programmed Cell Death And Tumour Suppression To Develop Novel Cancer Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
Our bodies prevent the development of cancer through tumour suppressive processes, which also affect the outcome of cancer therapy. Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is one such process, and defects in apoptosis promote cancer development and impair the response of tumour cells to anti-cancer therapies. My laboratory uses molecular biology and cell biology approaches to investigate the mechanisms of cell death and tumour suppression, partnering with pharma to develop novel cancer therapies.
Curing Blood Cancers: Rapid Translation From Target To Drug To Clinic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
Cure rates for many blood cancers have not improved over the last 20 years. We will use patient samples and mouse models of blood cancers to identify and test novel therapies. In particular, we will test the efficacy of a new drug developed by my laboratory in conjunction with a large team of Australian chemists. In collaboration with MERCK, this work will be the prelude to the first human trials in 2018. If successful, this will provide new hope for cure of a broad range of blood cancers.
Microenvironmental Impact In The Treatment Of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,458.00
Summary
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia remains one of the leading causes of death in children and outcomes for adults with this disease remain poor. This project examines how manipulation of the environment where leukemia arises can be used to therpaeutic advancage. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells are highly dependent on the support provided by bone marrow cells but the mechanisms are not well understood. Disrupting signals from the bone marrow cells has potential as a therapeutic strategy.
The blood system is made up of different types of blood cells (red cells, white cells, platelets etc). The correct number of each type of cell is controlled by chemical messengers called cytokines. Because overactive cytokine signalling can lead to inflammatory disease and leukemia it is tightly controlled by the other molecules in the body. This project aims to determine the exact mechanism whereby this is achieved with the aim of developing therapies to treat inflammatory disease and leukemia.
Cytokine Signalling And The Regulation Of Normal And Leukaemic Blood Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,684.00
Summary
The formation and actions of white blood cells are regulated by protein messengers called cytokines. Cytokines deliver their message by inducing the activation of signalling pathways that orchestrate the cell’s response to infection but when these responses occur too robustly or at inappropriate times they can lead to autoimmune disease, tissue damage and blood cancers. We study the naturally occurring feedback inhibitors of these processes in order to devise new treatments for these diseases.
Prevention And Management Of Chronic Disease In Primary Health Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,008.00
Summary
Over the past 10 years, Mark Harris has developed and led an innovate program of research on better ways to prevent and manage chronic disease in primary health care. This has included research on early intervention to assess and reduce the risk factors for these conditions involving innovative approaches to patient education; team based care; information and decision support systems. This research is now being extended to focus on disadvantaged groups and communities.