Predicting The Individual Risk Of Prostate Cancer In Australian Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,656.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is a major cause of disability and death in Australian men. A number of factors, particularly age and family history, influence the risk of prostate cancer but, in contrast to breast cancer, we don't know what is the risk of developing prostate cancer over a period of time for a man with a specific set of risk factors. In fact, while a number of statistical models have been developed that use a woman's risk factor profile to estimate her risk of breast cancer, none is currently a ....Prostate cancer is a major cause of disability and death in Australian men. A number of factors, particularly age and family history, influence the risk of prostate cancer but, in contrast to breast cancer, we don't know what is the risk of developing prostate cancer over a period of time for a man with a specific set of risk factors. In fact, while a number of statistical models have been developed that use a woman's risk factor profile to estimate her risk of breast cancer, none is currently available for prostate cancer. We will apply standard statistical methods to existing data from the Australian Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer study and from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to develop a prostate cancer risk prediction model. We will test how factor like age, detailed family history, diet, baldness status and possibly previous PSA tests and prostate biopsies predict the risk. After developing the model, we will test the accuracy of the predictions in three ways. First, using existing data from the Australian Prostate Cancer Family Study, we will see whether the number of cases in a group of men is close to the number predicted by the model (calibration). Second, to test whether the model discriminate well men who develop prostate cancer from those who do not, we will collect family trees in a sample from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. We will use these data also to estimate the optimal cut point: men above this level of risk will be considered at high risk. Third, we will apply the model to existing data from the Dutch Prostate Cancer Family Study (DPCFS) to test whether the optimal cut point identify high-risk men and to validate the model in a non-Australian population. Finally, we will prepare a computer package that health professionals will use as decision-making tool in different scenarios including individual cancer risk assessment, design of prevention trials and targeting prevention programs to high-risk men.Read moreRead less
Genetic Epidemiology Of Endometrial Cancer: Towards Understanding Aetiology And Improving Risk Prediction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,573.00
Summary
Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models ....Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Daily Antibacterial Mouthwash To Reduce Pharyngeal Gonorrhoea Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,730.00
Summary
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among gay men, and the throat is the commonest site of infection. There is early data to suggest Listerine mouthwash can be used to prevent gonorrhoea. Our study will examine whether men use Listerine every day will reduce the risk of gonorrhoea in the throat compared those who use another mouthwash product which does not have an effect on gonorrhoea.
The Interaction Between Sexually Transmissible Infections And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection In Homosexual Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,931.00
Summary
This project examines the inter-relationship between HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. The overall goal of the projet is to inform the development of STI prevention and treatment strategies which may be important in reducing HIV incidence in this population. Homosexual men comprise over 80% of people diagnosed with HIV infecton in Australia, and in many developed nations are one of the largest groups affected by HIV. Rates of other STIs are also increase ....This project examines the inter-relationship between HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. The overall goal of the projet is to inform the development of STI prevention and treatment strategies which may be important in reducing HIV incidence in this population. Homosexual men comprise over 80% of people diagnosed with HIV infecton in Australia, and in many developed nations are one of the largest groups affected by HIV. Rates of other STIs are also increased in homosexual men. Currently, HIV rates are increasing in Australia and in many developed countries. We are in need of new and effective methods of HIV prevention. Data in heterosexuals suggest that where STIs are common, the early detection and treatment of these infections may help reduce HIV incidence. There are few data on this relationship in homosexual men. We propose to utilise an existing Sydney cohort of homosexual men to collect data on biologic tests for STIs, history of recent diagnosis of STIs, and symptoms, to allow a comprehensive description of the epidemiology of STIs and their overlap with HIV. The quality of data on the interaction between HIV and STIs in this cohort will be superior to any previously collected in homosexual men, as it will include data on self-reported doctor diagnosed illness, state of the art biologic testing, and symptom data, for the full spectrum of important STIs. The results of this study will be helpful in determining strategies for HIV and STI screening, education and control in the population which comprises the great majority of cases of HIV infection in Australia, and one of the largest risk groups for HIV infection in the developed world. Screening coupled with treatment of asymptomatic STIs may be an effective new approach to HIV prevention in this population.Read moreRead less
Clinical, Environmental And Genetic Factors And The Risk Of Oesophageal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$145,685.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer is a rapidly fatal disease which is becoming more common in Australia, the United States and other industrialised nations. This study will examine the mechanisms leading to the development of oesophageal cancer and aims to measure the effects of genes and environment on the burden of cancer. Ultimately, this research will help target persons at highest risk so that screening, prevention and surveillance efforts can be directed more effectively.
Obesity, Pre-diabetes And Future Risk Of Diabetes: Maximising The Evidence, Minimising The Cost
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,136.00
Summary
The overarching aim of this proposal is to reliably determine how best to identify people at high risk of developing future diabetes. We will do this by using information on biological and behavioural risk factors that was collected on nearly 200,000 people many years ago and who were subsequently followed up to see who developed diabetes. This information will be used to create a risk prediction tool for spotting individuals most at risk of developing diabetes at some point in the future.
Automated Mammographic Measures That Predict Breast Cancer Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,260.00
Summary
Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest predictors of breast cancer risk but its impractical measurement prevents its use in a clinical setting. An automated measure of MD would allow screening programs to identify and target women at higher risk of breast cancer which could lead to earlier diagnoses and better breast cancer outcomes. We aim to develop an automated measurement, maximized by its ability to predict breast cancer risk, and applicable to both film and digital mammograms.
Monitoring cardiovascular risk is a major part of the clinical workload both in general practice and specialty areas, but it is an under-researched area, reflected in a general lack of evidence based guidelines. My research will evaluate how to optimise the monitoring of cardiovascular risk both before and after starting treatment. By maximising clinical benefits for patients and minimising unnecessary resource use, my research will benefit patients, clinicians and the community at large.