Detection Of Metastases In Sentinel Nodes From Patients With Breast Cancer Using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$186,372.00
Summary
The objective is to develop magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for the rapid and accurate intra-operative detection of cancer cells in sentinel lymph nodes from breast cancer patients. Accurate intra-operative diagnosis of cancer in lymph nodes will enable informed decisions to be made regarding surgery and therapy and reduce the morbidity associated with complete clearance of axillary nodes. Using current histopathological techniques (frozen section) this is not possible. Proton MRS can dete ....The objective is to develop magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for the rapid and accurate intra-operative detection of cancer cells in sentinel lymph nodes from breast cancer patients. Accurate intra-operative diagnosis of cancer in lymph nodes will enable informed decisions to be made regarding surgery and therapy and reduce the morbidity associated with complete clearance of axillary nodes. Using current histopathological techniques (frozen section) this is not possible. Proton MRS can detect chemicals in malignant cells in lymph nodes with a greater sensitivity than histology and can detect micrometastases in 20 minutes. The MR diagnostic information can be obtained from fine needle biopsies (FNB) making the technique eminently suitable for rapid intra-operative diagnosis. The FNB technique has been shown to be a rapid and accurate method for the assessment of breast lesions, distinguishing benign lesions and invasive cancer with a sensitiviy and specificity of 95% and 96%, respectively. Here we propose to evaluate the use of MRS for the rapid and accurate assessment of sentinel nodes from breast cancer patients. Two blinded studies will be conducted comparing the MRS chemical fingerprints with serial section histopathological data. To evaluate the clinical significance of the MRS diagnosis, all patients will be entered into a prospective study correlating the MRS data with recurrence of disease within 3 and 5 year periods.Read moreRead less
Mechanism Of Breast Cancer Metastasis: Tumour Cell Remodelling Of The Extracellular Matrix
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$377,331.00
Summary
The main complication in breast cancers leading to death is metastatic relapse. This research aims to understand the role for a protease that promotes spread of breast cancer to the lymph nodes and lungs. The outcomes will identify a novel process that leads to lymph node metastasis and offer a new target for therapies that prevent relapse and tests to identify breast cancer patients at risk of relapse.
CD4+ T Cell-independent Immunity Against Salmonellae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,226.00
Summary
Salmonella typhimurium is an important pathogen in both developed and developing countries where it causes significant HIV-linked morbidity. There is a pressing need to understand how immunity might be established against this organism that will function when the patient is immunocompromised either through age or through a comorbidity like HIV.
The Role Of Na-Ca Exchange Current In Cardiac Pacemaker Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,100.00
Summary
The heart rate is controlled by a small group of pacemaker cells within the heart. The pacemaker cells fire spontaneously and this intrinsic rate is modified by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves of the autonomic nervous system. We are studying a new current in the pacemaker cells which helps to control the firing rate. This new current is controlled by the intracellular calcium inside the cells so we are also studying the way in which intracellular calcium changes when the autonomic ner ....The heart rate is controlled by a small group of pacemaker cells within the heart. The pacemaker cells fire spontaneously and this intrinsic rate is modified by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves of the autonomic nervous system. We are studying a new current in the pacemaker cells which helps to control the firing rate. This new current is controlled by the intracellular calcium inside the cells so we are also studying the way in which intracellular calcium changes when the autonomic nervous system is active. This project will provide new insights into the function of this small group of critical cells and may allow treatment of some cardiac arrhythmias without the expense and surgery involved in the use of artificial pacemakers.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Subcapsular Sinus Macrophages In Lymph Node Metastases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,010.00
Summary
This project tackles the problem of lymph node metastases using complementary studies in mouse models and human patients with melanoma. It takes the novel approach of examining the local geographical factors in the lymph node and focusses on a rare cell called the subcapsular sinus macrophage that may be a critical determinant of the clinical outcome. This will result in innovative strategies for primary prevention of not only melanoma but other cancer cell metastases.