Improving Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Outcomes Through Understanding Genomics And Treatment Toxicity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,013,282.00
Summary
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive cancer, as most patients will not survive for more than 5 years. Therefore we need to find better ways to treat patients. In this study we will identify the DNA mutations in oesophageal cancers that were part of clinical trial. The data allow us to determine why some tumours responded well to therapy, and why some patients had serious side effects to the treatment. The results will help inform on selection of therapy for future patients.
Blood Serum MicroRNA Biomarkers For Oesophageal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,433.00
Summary
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is the 6th commonest cause of cancer deaths in the Western World, and is increasing in incidence. In Australia most patients present late and require risky treatments with a low cure rate. There is a big difference in survival between individuals presenting early vs. late. Better methods to detect cancer early or detect pre-cancer will improve outcomes. Our research will develop a blood test for identifying individuals with early OAC to allow earlier treatment.
Over half of all cancers contain mutations in a gene called TP53, also known as the “guardian of the genome”. Mutation of TP53 provides tumour cells with a growth advantage, and leads to resistance to chemotherapy and poor outcomes for patients. We have identified a potential “Achilles heel” in cancers with TP53 mutations. In this project we will establish a new paradigm for treating tumours with TP53 mutations that will be applicable to a large number of patients across all types of cancer.
DOCetaxel With Or Without Radiation Therapy For Resectable Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Based On Early PET Response To Induction Chemotherapy (DOCTOR).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,024,738.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer continues to have poor survival despite surgery. Patients responding to pre-operative chemotherapy have better survival than those who do not. This study proposes using early FDG-PET scan to identify patients not responding to standard chemotherapy. This will permit the timely change of therapy to alternative regimens with a newer agent with or without radiotherapy, aiming to improve outcomes. This represents a paradigm shift in the management of oesophageal cancer.
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.
Identification Of Biomarkers Of Response And Toxicity To Chemoradiotherapy For Oesophageal Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,935.00
Summary
Chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal tumours has high interpatient variability in response and toxicity to treatment. Predictive biomarkers of response and toxicity would help select patients who would benefit most from this treatment modality. The proposed project will determine blood-derived microRNA and mRNA profiles that identify patients according to risk of unfavourable treatment outcomes, enabling clinicians to offer personalised alternative treatment strategies for those patients.
A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Role Of The Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Cluster In Alcohol-related Disorders And Esophageal Cancer Through Deep Resequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,323.00
Summary
Excessive alcohol consumption remains a major public health concern in Australia where the burden of mental health disorders is dominated by substance-use disorders. Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are essential in the breakdown of alcohol in the body and we seek to resequence seven ADH genes with the aim to comprehensively catalogue and identify sequence variants that contribute to risk for consuming excessive quantities of alcohol, alcoholism and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
HPV And Oropharyngeal Cancer In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,547,109.00
Summary
Oropharyngeal cancers are frequently excluded cancers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. HPV is a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer. HPV vaccination is effective against HPV, with some promise that current vaccines may prevent oral infections; potentially reducing the risk of oropharyngeal cancer. The project will have important outcomes to improve risk of HPV infection and oropharyngeal cancers among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Mechanisms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,214.00
Summary
The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn and acid burning) are extremely common in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), especially during sleep (nocturnal reflux). The reasons for this are unclear. This research project will investigate the reasons for this increased occurrence of reflux in OSA.
A Comprehensive Genomic Analysis Of Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Understanding The Genetic Aetiology Of OAC Towards Biomarkers Of Progression, Prognosis And Targeted Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$987,906.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer (OAC) continues to have poor survival despite surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Selecting patients for the most appropriate therapies and improving survival remain unmet research needs. We propose to undertake a detailed genetic study of OAC, including “next generation” sequencing, in order to catalogue the genetic changes in the disease. This information forms an essential basis for identifying genetic signatures of OAC progression, prognosis and treatment response.