The Australian MRI-Linac Program: Transforming The Science And Clinical Practice Of Cancer Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,001,475.00
Summary
Radiotherapy is indicated for 48% of cancer patients. The Australian MRI-Linac Program will change the science and clinical practice of radiotherapy by explicitly targeting the dynamic anatomy and physiology of cancer, increasing cancer control and decreasing treatment side effects. Successful completion of this program will have a direct impact on the treatment and lives of Australian cancer patients in the foreseeable future.
Frontotemporal Dementia And Motor Neurodegenerative Syndromes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$11,583,107.00
Summary
Frontotemporal degeneration of the brain is a leading cause of morbidity. It is a pathologically heterogeneous group of rapidly-progressive disorders with behavioural, language and motor deficits. This research program brings together international leaders in clinical, pathological and biological research of these syndromes, aiming to fast track new knowledge and innovations to develop the necessary tools and therapies to effectively diagnose, manage and treat these disorders.
Improving The Health Of People With Problematic Drug Use: Hepatitis C And Drug Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$9,060,140.00
Summary
Problematic drug use is the major risk factor to health among Australians aged 15-49 years. The dual harms of drug dependence and hepatitis C virus (HCV) faced by people who use drugs compel improved drug dependence management and HCV prevention and treatment. This Program Grant will improve the lives of people with problematic drug use by investigating health impacts of drug use and evaluating new strategies for managing drug dependence and eliminating HCV among people who use drugs.
More Effective Therapeutic Targeting Of High Risk Childhood Cancer: Neuroblastoma As A Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,601,220.00
Summary
Cancer is the commonest cause of death from disease in Australian children. Childhood neuroblastoma is a particularly aggressive cancer, for which new treatment approaches are urgently needed. The team aims to discover better safer therapies for children with this cancer, conducting clinical trials using new drugs and novel drug combinations. We will also investigate novel ways of targeting neuroblastoma cells and identify therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma-initiating cells.
This Program studies the mechanisms that control blood cell formation and how abnormalities play a role in leukaemia, a significant health problem worldwide. Despite some improvements, two major problems remain: controlling progression of leukaemia and relapse. The Program tackles these two major issues with the combination of studies of normal blood and leukaemia cell function, drug design and clinical trials ensuring a direct pathway from discovery to patient benefit.
Understanding The Major Class Of Cell Surface Drug Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,595,840.00
Summary
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) form the largest family of receptors and drug targets in living organisms. Currently, the major reason that new drugs fail to reach the clinic is lack of appropriate drug effect (approx. 30%). Thus, we need a better understanding of how GPCRs work and how this relates to disease. Our Program addresses this knowledge gap, using GPCR models that are relevant to treatment of metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular and central nervous system disease.
Apoptosis And Stem/Progenitor Cells In The Development And Treatment Of Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$21,809,604.00
Summary
To improve cancer therapy, we are studying two cancer hallmarks. The first is excessive cell survival. To combat this, we are developing drugs with commercial partners that directly activate the cell's death machinery. The second hallmark is inexorable proliferation, akin to that of stem cells, which can generate entire tissues, as we showed for the breast. ‘Rogue’ stem-like cells may initiate certain cancers. We hope to advance cancer therapy by identifying such cells and drugs that kill them.
Apoptosis And Stem Cells In Cancer Development And Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$22,852,198.00
Summary
To improve cancer therapy, we are studying two cancer hallmarks: enhanced cell survival and stem cell-like behaviour. As we discovered, cell death is often blocked in cancer cells. Hence, we are attempting to develop drugs that flip the natural ‘cell death switch’. Stem cells are rare cells that generate entire tissues, as we showed for the breast. Certain cancers may be driven by ‘rogue’ stem cells. If so, eradication of these rare cells within the bulk tumour may require novel therapies.
Improved Outcomes For Children With Cancer Through Improved Target Identification And Drug Discovery: Neuroblastoma As A Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,394,247.00
Summary
The majority of children with neuroblastoma still die of their disease, and survivors have serious side-effects of cancer treatment. We aim to discover better therapies for children with this cancer, conducting clinical trials using existing and new drugs in novel combinations. We will also investigate novel ways of targeting neuroblastoma cells, and study possible prevention strategies for this and other embryonal cancers. This work will have application in other childhood and adult cancers.