I am a clinical psychologist by training, with 15 years experience in providing psychological treatment for patients with chronic illness, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain. My research interest is primarily involved with understanding th
Treatments that target cancer causing genes called oncogenes have resulted in new treatment paradigms for cancer. We suggest that outcomes of patients with cancer will be further substantially improved by understanding how cancers can overcome resistance to these treatments that develops in many patients. To accelerate the adoption of these and other new treatments for cancer we will also develop new frameworks for clinical trials.
Strategies For Enhancing The Treatment Of Colon Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,785.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related death in Australia. Strategies to improve outcomes for these patients are urgently needed. This NHMRC SRF Fellowship will seek to identify new molecules in cancer cells which can be targeted to treat this disease, and to discover genes which can be used to improve patient response to treatment.
Utilization Of Gene-engineered T Cells For Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,656.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells, whilst minimizing toxicity to normal tissue.
New Strategies For Enhancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$849,540.00
Summary
The role of the immune system in cancer is now recognised as highly important, highlighted by the success of immunotherapy in patients. Yet many patients fail to respond to this form of treatment due to low frequency of lymphocytes present at the tumor site. A new form of immunotherapy involving transfer of gene-modified lymphocytes is a potential way to overcome this problem. This project will explore new strategies to enhance the utility of this approach against blood and solid cancers.
Integrated Basic And Clinical Cardiovascular Research For The Development Of Innovative Approaches To The Treatment Of Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,346.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a common cardiovascular problem which causes disabling symptoms and reduces life expectancy. HF is the commonest cause or contributor to hospitalization in people over 65 years. For patients with advanced HF, survival is worse than that for aggresive cancers. At present, for patients with advanced HF and its complications, there are very few treatment options. Over the next 5 years I will conduct a comprehensive series of studies in animal models and in patients to develop ....Heart failure (HF) is a common cardiovascular problem which causes disabling symptoms and reduces life expectancy. HF is the commonest cause or contributor to hospitalization in people over 65 years. For patients with advanced HF, survival is worse than that for aggresive cancers. At present, for patients with advanced HF and its complications, there are very few treatment options. Over the next 5 years I will conduct a comprehensive series of studies in animal models and in patients to develop new treatment options.Read moreRead less
The Physical Activity Continuum In Relation To Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention And Mental Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
Although incidental physical activity and sleep occupy the large majority of people’s time, we know very little about their joint importance for a healthy heart and a healthy mind. This program of research will examine how physical activity of any intensity and sleep influence cardiovascular and mental health. This research will enable health professionals and public health authorities to develop sustainable and realistic evidence-based lifestyle programs to benefit the health of Australians.
Mass Media And Tobacco Policies To Reduce Smoking Prevalence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,685.00
Summary
Professor Wakefield's research program will investigate the impact of mass media campaigns and tobacco control policies on reducing population smoking prevalence. Her research will assess the effects of mass media campaigns, especially in low socioeconomic groups, and in low to middle income countries; the effects of plain cigarette packaging on the sensory experience of smoking; and the impact of advanced policies on tobacco marketing and cigarette pack labelling on smoking attitudes and behavi ....Professor Wakefield's research program will investigate the impact of mass media campaigns and tobacco control policies on reducing population smoking prevalence. Her research will assess the effects of mass media campaigns, especially in low socioeconomic groups, and in low to middle income countries; the effects of plain cigarette packaging on the sensory experience of smoking; and the impact of advanced policies on tobacco marketing and cigarette pack labelling on smoking attitudes and behaviour.Read moreRead less
There is a need to improve early detection, monitoring of relapse, and treatments for melanoma, to increase long-term survival. My research vision is to use innovative and cutting edge approaches to conduct a range of complementary studies under three broad but inter-related themes: Theme 1 – Genetic predisposition to melanoma in the general population; Theme 2 – Genetic predisposition to melanoma in high-density families; Theme 3 – Somatic aberrations underlying melanoma development.
Unlocking The Health Effects Of Sitting To Reduce Chronic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
This fellowship involves a series of studies that will fill gaps in evidence to inform national and international public health and clinical guideline recommendations on sitting time. It will provide crucial evidence on dose-response relationships, underlying mechanisms and the feasibility of making the relevant behavioural changes, providing more-precise evidence-based contributions to the development of public health policy and guidelines on sitting time.