The Effect Of Exogenous Hormones, Smoking And HPV On The Incidence Of Screen Detected Pre-invasive Cervical Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,201,168.00
Summary
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women internationally. About 15,000 women are detected in NSW annually as having pre-invasive cervical cancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade I, II or III). Infection with certain high risk human papillomaviruses is known to be necessary for the development of cervical cancer. In addition, recent long term exposure to smoking and to hormonal contraception are two new factors considered as independent risk factors for ....Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women internationally. About 15,000 women are detected in NSW annually as having pre-invasive cervical cancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade I, II or III). Infection with certain high risk human papillomaviruses is known to be necessary for the development of cervical cancer. In addition, recent long term exposure to smoking and to hormonal contraception are two new factors considered as independent risk factors for the disease. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations taken around the menopause are a similar composition to hormonal contraceptives, (oestrogen and progestogen), therefore women on HRT may also be at increased risk. No comprehensive study exists internationally to measure the relative importance of these exogenous hormones on the development of pre-invasive cervical cancer in a way that is of public health relevance (e.g. recent long-term use of oral contraceptives and time since stopped, and among smokers and non-smokers). No Australian data are available on the proportion of women who are current users of hormonal contraceptives or HRT. No local prevalence data on the major high risk HPV subtypes (e.g. 16, 18, 33, 45) are available for Australia to describe its distribution and to inform the cervical screening program and future vaccine initiatives. The NSW Pap Test Register holds the screening history of all women on the cervical screening program, hence this is an ideal source for recruiting a representative sample into a study. We wish to conduct a large study of ~2600 NSW women using the NSW Pap Test Register to measure the relative importance of hormones, smoking and HPV infection on the development of CIN II or III.Read moreRead less
Infectious And Lifestyle Determinants Of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$983,711.00
Summary
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the leading cancers in Australia, with about 2% of the population developing them each year. As well as sun exposure, a number of other factors have been thought to effect these cancers. This study will examine if factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and infection with certain skin related human papillomaviruses also increase their risk. Even a small effect may make a big difference when it comes to preventing these common cancers.
Factors influencing workforce attrition of Australian radiation therapists. There are major international shortages of radiation therapists, acutely so in Australia. These shortages lead to long delays for radiotherapy cancer treatment and cause some patients to undertake less suitable forms of treatment. An innovative Australia-wide study of working and recently separated radiation therapists will be carried out, providing a unique opportunity to study an entire profession, integrating a ran ....Factors influencing workforce attrition of Australian radiation therapists. There are major international shortages of radiation therapists, acutely so in Australia. These shortages lead to long delays for radiotherapy cancer treatment and cause some patients to undertake less suitable forms of treatment. An innovative Australia-wide study of working and recently separated radiation therapists will be carried out, providing a unique opportunity to study an entire profession, integrating a range of frameworks. The theoretical model developed will lead to the formation of recommendations and strategies aimed at improving retention of radiation therapists in the workforce. This will result in improved staffing and reduced waiting lists for cancer treatment.Read moreRead less
Growing up with Cancer: A mixed method examination of how cancer influences the transition from adolescence to adulthood. In the last decade, over 10,000 of Australia's adolescents and young adults were diagnosed with cancer. Over the last 30 years, improvements in survival for 15 - 30 year olds have been the lowest of all age groups.Despite this, few health care facilities have the specialised infrastructure needed for dedicated psychosocial support of adolescents.
In finding out from adolescen ....Growing up with Cancer: A mixed method examination of how cancer influences the transition from adolescence to adulthood. In the last decade, over 10,000 of Australia's adolescents and young adults were diagnosed with cancer. Over the last 30 years, improvements in survival for 15 - 30 year olds have been the lowest of all age groups.Despite this, few health care facilities have the specialised infrastructure needed for dedicated psychosocial support of adolescents.
In finding out from adolescents with cancer what is most important in their care, we aim to identify and develop a range of services dedicated not only to addressing some of their needs, but also to building upon aspects of the cancer experience thought by adolescents as having a positive impact on their lives.Read moreRead less
Improving Sexual Health In Men With Prostate Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial Of Exercise And Psychosexual Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,416.00
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common and distressing side effects of prostate cancer. Despite being a critical survivorship care issue, there is a clear gap in knowledge surrounding the optimal treatment of sexual dysfunction in men with prostate cancer. This project examines whether exercise aids in the management of sexual dysfunction and explores if an integrated treatment model incorporating pharmacological, exercise and psychosexual therapies maximises improvement in sexual health.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101518
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,000.00
Summary
Cellular responses to nanoparticles from cells on micropatterned surfaces. The mechanisms underlying cell-nanoparticle interactions remain largely unknown. It has hampered the design and development of innovative nano devices to be used for drug delivery, biomarkers and diagnostics. This project aims to explore the influences of cell size, density, geometry, intercellular communication and substrate properties on cell-nanoparticle interactions. A micropatterning technology is applied to precisel ....Cellular responses to nanoparticles from cells on micropatterned surfaces. The mechanisms underlying cell-nanoparticle interactions remain largely unknown. It has hampered the design and development of innovative nano devices to be used for drug delivery, biomarkers and diagnostics. This project aims to explore the influences of cell size, density, geometry, intercellular communication and substrate properties on cell-nanoparticle interactions. A micropatterning technology is applied to precisely control cell behaviour and provide a novel in vitro cellular model for nanoparticle studies. This project aims to significantly improve the understanding of cell-nanoparticle interactions to provide new insight into nanoparticle design and improve the efficacy of nano devices.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101547
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Novel smart materials: development of positively thermo-responsive polymers for biomedical applications. The project will develop novel materials, which drastically change their structure and shape on a microscopic level in response to subtle temperature changes. In modern pharmaceuticals, this smart behaviour can be exploited to cause tailored microscopic containers to open inside the body and release medicine exactly where and when it is needed.
Precision Nanomedicine-based Diagnostics And Therapeutics For Refractory Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,329,484.00
Summary
The vast majority of cancer patients die of their disease due to the emergence of drug resistant cancer cells or metastatic disease that is diagnosed at late stages. Our program aims to develop new types of therapy to specifically target aggressive cancers. To detect cancer early and evaluate the effectiveness of cancer therapy, we will develop sensitive diagnostic tools and devices. This research has application to both childhood and adult cancers.
Reconceptualising industry sector development within the contemporary Australian city: The case of the information technology sector. This project will aim to uncover the reasons why Australia's Information Technology industry is ranked low among OECD countries by evaluating the impact of global and urban geography of the sector on the sector's performance. It will show how policies to achieve more advanced IT sector development need to consider Australia's distinctive position in the global eco ....Reconceptualising industry sector development within the contemporary Australian city: The case of the information technology sector. This project will aim to uncover the reasons why Australia's Information Technology industry is ranked low among OECD countries by evaluating the impact of global and urban geography of the sector on the sector's performance. It will show how policies to achieve more advanced IT sector development need to consider Australia's distinctive position in the global economy and particular factors in the Sydney and Melbourne IT clusters that both help, and hinder, development in ways not considered in present policy models.Read moreRead less
Real-time Optical Window Imaging Of AKT-FRET Biosensor Mice To Maximise PI3K/AKT Drug Targeting Within The Hypoxic Microenvironment Of Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$683,447.00
Summary
Inefficient drug response in solid tumour tissue is often a limiting factor in the clinical effectiveness of cancer therapies. Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3D models that mimic the disease, we have mapped areas of poor drug response within distinct regions of tumours with low oxygen levels known as hypoxia. Here, we will specifically target factors limiting efficient drug targeting in these areas to improve the encouraging anti-cancer profile of AKT inhibitors in pancreatic cancer.