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This study focuses on key endocrine pathways involved in the remodelling of the breast stromal cells into a reactive stromal environment which is more permissive for tumour growth. We have identified key pathways involved in the regulation of estrogen biosynthesis and fibrosis in tumour associated stroma. These studies will lead to the development of novel breast cancer therapies.
Enabling Personalised Risk Assessment For Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Bowel cancer screening will be most effective in disease prevention if it is applied proportionately to individual person's risk. Risk-based screening requires a risk calculator to assess personal risk. By utilising existing large, international datasets, I will identify the risk factors specific for different bowel cancer types and incorporate them to upgrade the prediction model that I have developed. This will achieve more accurate risk prediction to enable personalised risk-based screening.
Identifying And Exploiting Novel Pharmacological Targets For Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Breast cancers are made up of different types of cancer cells, and not all cells contribute equally. A subset of cancer cells may be uniquely capable of driving tumor growth, rebuilding fatal tumors after therapy and establishing new tumors at distant sites. Identifying and exploiting the pathways that regulate the activity and survival of these cells will lead to better modes of treatment, and move towards a relapse-free future for breast cancer patients.
Characterisation And Therapeutic Targeting Of Molecular Pathways That Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis To Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,573.00
Summary
Breast cancer that has spread to bone cannot be cured. Using the most clinically relevant model of breast cancer available we have identified that tumour cells growing in bone need to suppress immune elimination (by suppressing the Type I interferons) and invade through the bone tissue (by activation of cysteine cathepsins). Studying the functional role of these pathways will provide novel insight into the mechanisms of breast cancer spread to bone that can be augmented therapeutically.
This award will allow Associate Professor Marie Pirotta to continue her work in establishing whether the complementary medicines widely used in our community for cancer are actually effective and safe. Her research plans include a clinical trial of acupuncture for arm swelling after breast cancer surgery and of the nutrient lycopene, found in tomatoes, for symptoms in men after treatment for prostate cancer.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Early Intervention To Improve Sexual And Couple Functioning After Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,000.00
Summary
Treatment for localised prostate cancer has a long term negative impact on the sexuality, quality of life, and relationship quality of Australian men and their intimate partners. This study will trial a remote access couples based sexuality intervention for this patient and carer group that has potential for broader translation into community and acute health care settings. This approach will also have broader application for chronic disease self management for other health conditions.
Integrating Behaviour Change And Technology Uptake Models Into Skin Cancer Prevention And Early Detection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,271.00
Summary
Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and skin cancer incidence is expected to increase. Therefore optimal ways to prevent and early detect skin cancers are of utmost importance to Australia’s public. By integrating the latest behaviour change models and technology uptake models to develop innovative interventions, this fellowship aims to ascertain that all Australians regardless of their location have access to optimal skin cancer prevention and early detection ca ....Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and skin cancer incidence is expected to increase. Therefore optimal ways to prevent and early detect skin cancers are of utmost importance to Australia’s public. By integrating the latest behaviour change models and technology uptake models to develop innovative interventions, this fellowship aims to ascertain that all Australians regardless of their location have access to optimal skin cancer prevention and early detection care.Read moreRead less
A Program Of Research In Behavioural Oncology: On The Interface Between Behavioural Research And Cancer Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Health behaviours are very important in the early detection of cancer, and they often determine whether a cancer patient will have a good quality of life after cancer treatment. The proposed research program aims to increase our understanding of how to improve health behaviours in order to be able to diagnose cancer as early as possible, and to develop interventions that will help patients to have the best possible care after cancer treatment.
The Regulation Of Aromatase In The Context Of Obesity And Postmenopausal Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,601.00
Summary
Current hormone therapy for breast cancer using inhibitors of oestrogen formation results in serious side-effects including bone loss, joint pain and possibly cognitive issues. Our current work is aimed at understanding how oestrogen formation is regulated with the goal of developing breast-specific inhibitors of oestrogen formation to obviate these problems. In addition, this work is aimed at devising therapeutic intervention to break the linkage between obesity and breast cancer.
Identifying And Characterizing Genes That Regulate Breast Tumorigenesis And Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
I am a breast cancer biologist. My research focuses on identifying the changes in normal cells that allow cancer to form, and identifying the changes in cancer cells that allows them to spread. To accomplish this, I have developed new methods using mouse models of breast cancer. My goal is to use these methods to further our understanding of the causes of breast cancer development and progression.