Intelligent Total Body Scanner For Early Detection Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,963.00
Summary
Melanoma is the 4th most common cancer in Australia; the main screening tool is a time-consuming total body examination with a hand-held dermoscope. This project aims to develop a total body scanner using fast-refocusing lenses to take total body dermoscopy images of all skin lesions in approximately 6 minutes, integrated with a computer aided diagnostic tool providing a risk score for each lesion incorporating medical history, genotypic and phenotypic risk markers.
The three interlocking aims of this fellowship are to address the contribution of specific genes to melanoma development in: (i) families (ii) the general population (iii) tumour progression. The findings will be used to develop better models to predict which individuals in the population are at greatest risk of melanoma and to identify molecular targets for the design of new therapies to treat this disease.
Which Modifiable Risk Factors Actually Cause Cancer?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,076.00
Summary
Observational studies suggest that modifiable risk factors such as low vitamin D levels, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption and obesity may be important in cancer risk. However, observational studies can only demonstrate association between a risk factor and cancer, and association does not equal causation. We present an alternative approach to help determine which risk factors actually cause cancer.
Determining The Natural History Of Localized High-risk Melanoma And Risk Factors For Melanoma Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,980.00
Summary
This PhD thesis aims to describe 2-year survival rates of patients with localised melanoma. We will investigate risk factors and patterns of melanoma spread in patients with high-risk localised lesions. Risk factors for developing ulcerated versus non-ulcerated melanomas will be explored. We aim to describe support service use in melanoma patients in rural, regional and urban areas in Queensland.
A large mole (melanocytic nevi) count is the strongest known risk factor for melanoma. An understanding of the factors governing naevus development may therefore lead to important insights into the etiology of melanoma. We shall carry out molecular genetic analysis of DNA samples collected from twins and their parents with the aim of identifying major genes affecting moliness, pigmentation and other risk factors for melanoma. The importance of this study is that it will significantly advance our ....A large mole (melanocytic nevi) count is the strongest known risk factor for melanoma. An understanding of the factors governing naevus development may therefore lead to important insights into the etiology of melanoma. We shall carry out molecular genetic analysis of DNA samples collected from twins and their parents with the aim of identifying major genes affecting moliness, pigmentation and other risk factors for melanoma. The importance of this study is that it will significantly advance our understanding of the relationship between moliness and melanoma risk and may lead to new preventative and therapeutic interventions.Read moreRead less
Professor Whiteman is a medical epidemiologist with interests in the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer. His fellowship will be directed towards research focussing on methods for controlling cancers of the skin and oesophagus.
Investigating The Role Of Pigmentation Pathway Genes In Moliness And Melanoma Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$943,545.00
Summary
Melanoma is an important cause of death in Australia and our generally light pigmentation in a geographical area of high sun exposure is a major factor in this. Our research increasingly points to certain pigmentation genes having a direct biochemical influence on cancer risk in addition to their risk via pigmentation. Understanding how the genes that deternine skin, hair and eye colour act to modify moliness and melanoma risk is important for public health prevention schemes.
Comprehensive Assessment Of Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors For Melanoma: A Population-based Family Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,679.00
Summary
Excessive sunlight can cause melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. However, there are other factors including a person's genetic make-up that are thought to put some people at higher risk. Many 'healthy' people have small changes in their genes that might make them more likely to develop melanoma. We need to know more about these genetic factors. Our study will investigate how particular small genetic changes influence a person's likelihood of developing melanoma.
Using Epidemiological Methods To Investigate How Genetic, Environmental And Lifestyle Factors Influence Cancer Incidence And Cancer Survivorship; And Translation Into Cancer Prevention And Policy Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
This research program focuses on investigating genetic, environmental and lifestyle causes of cancer, preventing new cases of cancer, and improving outcomes after a cancer diagnosis, particularly for melanoma and gynaecological cancer, which carry a heavy burden in the Australian population. The research will also inform the best allocation of health system resources for cancer control, and ensure translation of research findings into cancer prevention, clinical practice and policy outcomes.