Cognitive Effects Of Adding Ovarian Function Suppression To Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy In Premenopausal Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$301,431.00
Summary
There is mounting evidence that potentially curative treatment for breast cancer might, in some women, have an adverse effect on their subsequent cognitive function i.e. their memory and ability to think clearly. Thus it is important that when new treatments are being tested, the testing includes collecting information on the effect of the new treatment on a woman's cognitive function. There is currently an ongoing large international study examining whether suppressing ovarian function (and thu ....There is mounting evidence that potentially curative treatment for breast cancer might, in some women, have an adverse effect on their subsequent cognitive function i.e. their memory and ability to think clearly. Thus it is important that when new treatments are being tested, the testing includes collecting information on the effect of the new treatment on a woman's cognitive function. There is currently an ongoing large international study examining whether suppressing ovarian function (and thus decreasing oestrogen levels) in women having treatment for breast cancer will improve their outcomes. However,it is known that oestrogen is important for normal cognitive functioning in premenopausal women so there is some concern that dropping the oestrogen levels in this way might cause impairment in cognitive function. In this sub-study we will compare the cognitive function of women having ovarian function suppression with those who do not, to determine if there are any differences. We will also examine how this might affect quality of life.Read moreRead less
Tailored Treatments For Premenopausal Patients With Endocrine Responsive Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$257,250.00
Summary
For women under 50 years with hormone receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy, tamoxifen and ovarian ablation are each effective and reduce recurrence. Combining two treatments is more effective than one, although it is uncertain if combining three provides extra benefit. Ovarian ablation by surgery or radiation is permanent, but reversible ovarian suppression by injections is now available. Three international trials called SOFT, TEXT and PERCHE have been des ....For women under 50 years with hormone receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy, tamoxifen and ovarian ablation are each effective and reduce recurrence. Combining two treatments is more effective than one, although it is uncertain if combining three provides extra benefit. Ovarian ablation by surgery or radiation is permanent, but reversible ovarian suppression by injections is now available. Three international trials called SOFT, TEXT and PERCHE have been designed for adjuvant therapy of premenopausal women with ER+ breast cancer. These trials take into account regional-country variations in medical practice and different patient choices in this setting. SOFT is for very young women and tests the benefit of adding ovarian suppression in a woman who has received chemotherapy, with tamoxifen planned, but who has not gone into menopause after chemotherapy. The trial also tests if substituting a newer drug called exemestane for tamoxifen, combined with ovarian function suppression is more effective. TEXT is for women who would ordinarily be treated with ovarian suppression plus tamoxifen. The TEXT trial also tests substitution of exemestane for tamoxifen. Exemestane is an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase inhibitors lower oestrogen levels, but only work if the ovaries are inactive. Recent trials in post menopausal women show aromatase inhibitors are more effective than tamoxifen, and we aim to replicate that improvement in younger women by combining exemestane with ovarian suppression. PERCHE is for women in whom the benefit of chemotherapy is uncertain, for example those with limited or no spread to lymph nodes. All women receive combined endocrine treatment with ovarian suppression plus tamoxifen, and are randomised to receive in addition, either chemotherapy or no chemotherapy, to see if results differ.Read moreRead less
Tailored Treatments For Premenopausal Women With Endocrine Responsive Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,213.00
Summary
For women <50yrs with ER+ breast cancer adjuvant treatment (AT) with chemotherapy (CT), tamoxifen and ovarian function suppression (OFS) are each effective and reduce recurrence. Combining 2 treatments is more effective than 1, but it is unclear if combining 3 provides any extra benefit. 2 trials,SOFT and TEXT, aim to answer this question. SOFT tests the benefit of adding OFS for very young women who remain premenopausal after CT, TEXT is for women who should receive OFS from the start of AT.
Why We Have Two Estrogen Receptors: The Role Of ERbeta In Folliculogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,053.00
Summary
The female hormone estrogen acts via receptors ERalpha and ERbeta. Little is known about the genes and proteins regulated by ERbeta. Ovarian granulosa cells and granulosa cell tumours express ERbeta. By studying the biology of normal and malignant granulosa cells we hope to understand the role that ERbeta plays in granulosa cells. These studies will identify areas for the development of new therapeutics or treatment strategies for a range of female-specific conditions including ovarian cancer.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is vital for egg development, female fertility and health, and is widely used in assisted reproduction technology. But high levels of FSH are associated with premature infertility and menopause, and may lead to diseases like ovarian cancer. Understanding the biological pathways activated by elevated FSH may lead to new treatments for infertility and ovarian diseases (eg. cancer), as well as advancing new strategies for contraception.
Reducing The Burden Of Breast Cancer Through Precision Prevention, Targeted Treatment And Enhanced Survivorship
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,491,192.00
Summary
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 Australian women. Of all the cancers, breast cancer results in the largest number of years of healthy life lost from death and illness. My research will reduce this unacceptable burden of breast cancer for women and their families. Spanning prevention, through treatment to survivorship, it will facilitate reduced breast cancer incidence, more effective treatments and enhanced understanding of the effects of new treatments on ovarian function and fertility.
The Role Of Primordial Follicle Activation In Premature Ovarian Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
As women age, both the quality and quantity of their eggs decline and their chances of conceiving plummets. Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a disease of infertility, diagnosed in 3% of all women, defined by the early onset of menopause before age 40. Our poor understanding of the factors that regulate female egg supply remains a major limitation in treating POF. I will study key factors responsible for controlling egg number, with practical implications for POF diagnosis and treatment.
Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.
SOFT And TEXT Premenopausal Randomised Adjuvant Endocrine Breast Cancer Trials.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$722,380.00
Summary
SOFT and TEXT trials enrolled premenopausal women with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer to assess if post-operative hormone treatment that included ovarian function suppression plus tamoxifen, or an aromatase inhibitor exemestane, could improve outcomes. Initial results indicate fewer breast cancer recurrences with the treatment combination of ovarian suppression plus exemestane as compared with tamoxifen, and follow-up of women in these trials can show if overall survival can be improved.
Preserving Ovarian Function During Chemotherapy And Old Age
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Chemotherapy treatment and the natural ageing process leads to ovarian failure and infertility. For young cancer survivors, chemotherapy induced infertility is devastating, and like aged women, leads to hormonal changes that lead to osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegeneration. Here, a new class of molecules will be tested for their ability to prevent and reverse infertility folllowing chemotherapy treatment, and in old age. These findings will improve the healthy lifespan of women.