Targeting Histone Deacetylases For The Therapy Of Myc-induced Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,513.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma is the commonest solid tumour in early childhood. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in adults. In this application, we will define how proteins called histone deacetylases promote cancer initiation and progression, and whether combination therapy with an inhibitor of the histone deacetylases and another anti-cancer agent exert efficient synergistic anti-cancer effects in animal models of neuroblastoma and pancreatic cancer.
Targeted Inhibition Of Polyamine Synthesis For Treatment Of Childhood Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,605.00
Summary
The childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, frequently has a dismal outcome despite the use of intensive therapy. Polyamines are molecules that are essential for cell survival and these are increased in aggressive neuroblastoma. Using pre-clinical models, we have shown that inhibiting polyamine production can significantly delay neuroblastoma growth. This project aims to improve the overall efficacy of this treatment by targeting multiple steps in polyamine synthesis in combination with chemotherapy.
The Distinctive Roles Of Tissue Transglutaminase Isoforms In Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,567.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma is the commonest solid tumour in early childhood. Neuroblastoma caused by N-Myc oncogene accounts for about one third of the disease and represents a more aggressive subtype with a worse clinical outcome. This project aims to identify factors responsible for N-Myc-induced neuroblastoma initiation and factors sensitizing neuroblastoma cells to anti-cancer drugs, and to provide the basis for clinical trials of a combination therapy in children with neuroblastoma.
Transcriptional Regulation Of The Tumour Suppressor Gene, Retinoic Acid Receptor Beta
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$336,540.00
Summary
Cancer is still the second commonest cause of death in children. Neuroblastoma is the commonest solid tumour under the age of five years. Neuroblastoma responds poorly to conventional chemotherapy, unlike many other childhood cancers, and thus represents a major unsolved child health problem. A major advance in the field was a recent trial in th US demonstrating that treatment with oral vitamin A improved survival rates in children with advanced neuroblastoma. In previous studies we have identif ....Cancer is still the second commonest cause of death in children. Neuroblastoma is the commonest solid tumour under the age of five years. Neuroblastoma responds poorly to conventional chemotherapy, unlike many other childhood cancers, and thus represents a major unsolved child health problem. A major advance in the field was a recent trial in th US demonstrating that treatment with oral vitamin A improved survival rates in children with advanced neuroblastoma. In previous studies we have identified that a particular gene retinoic acid receptor beta, known to be involved in the vitamin A anticancer effect may be deficient in some neuroblastoma tumours, and is vital to the anticancer effect of vitamin A in neuroblastoma cells. In this application we hope to define those cellular factors which are necessary for turning on the expression of this gene.Read moreRead less