Germline Mutations In Mismatch Repair Genes: Prevalence, Risk Of Cancer, And Environmental Modifiers Of Risk.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$216,750.00
Summary
Aims: 1. Develop a model that will predict who has a mutation in a group of genes that cause cancer 2. Estimate risk of cancer in people who have a mutation in these genes (carriers) 3. Determine if cancer risk in carriers can be reduced People who inherit a mutation in a group of genes called 'mismatch repair genes' are at increased risk of cancer, particularly cancer of the colon and rectum. If these carriers can be identified they can take preventive measures such as screening to reduce their ....Aims: 1. Develop a model that will predict who has a mutation in a group of genes that cause cancer 2. Estimate risk of cancer in people who have a mutation in these genes (carriers) 3. Determine if cancer risk in carriers can be reduced People who inherit a mutation in a group of genes called 'mismatch repair genes' are at increased risk of cancer, particularly cancer of the colon and rectum. If these carriers can be identified they can take preventive measures such as screening to reduce their risk of cancer and death. We will develop a model using data from the Colon Cancer Family Registry (CFR), the world's largest dataset of carriers and non-carriers which has already recruited and genetically tested over 4,000 families from Australasia, USA and Canada. The model will allow clinicians to predict who is a likely be a carrier based so they can be tested for the mutation. We know the risk of cancer is high in carriers, but we don't have precise estimates. We will use the Colon CFR applying sophisticated statistical methods required to answer this question. This data is critical for genetic counselling so appropriate decisions can be made by the patient and the doctor as to what preventive measures to take. We will also use the Colon CFR data to find out what how the carriers who develop cancer differ from those who stay cancer free using their completed lifestyle questionnaires which includes questions on diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, aspirin use, and oral contraceptive pill use. We may identify risk factors that carriers can avoid (or take up if they reduce cancer risk) to reduce their risk of cancer.Read moreRead less
In Australia, over 2000 families suffer the tragedy of stillbirth each year. By building on our achievements of the first Stillbirth CRE rapidly translating new research into maternity care, we will reduce stillbirth rates by 20%, and reduce inequities in stillbirth rates by Australia by 2025. We also anticipate a reduction in adverse neonatal outcomes. When stillbirth or neonatal death does occur, our research aims to ensure that all women and families receive optimal care.
Staying Connected: Personalising Stroke Recovery And Rehabilitation Through New Technologies For People With Stroke Living At Home.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,730,999.00
Summary
One in 4 people experience a stroke. On return home the person with stroke is challenged to sense, move, think, and engage in valued activities with an altered brain and body. Yet the current approach to ongoing recovery is limited. We propose to: monitor for markers of recovery using personalised sensors and artificial intelligence; deliver bursts of therapy at point of need, at home; and provide feedback through new technologies and a central hub...to stay connected, and to recover at home.
Prediction Of Fracture By Clinico-genetic Profiling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,339,215.00
Summary
The loss of bone with advancing age is the main cause of osteoporosis and bone fracture. Bone loss is highly variable between individuals, and we are not sure why. I want to find out factors that contribute to bone loss, and then use this knowledge to identify individuals at high risk of excessive bone loss for early prevention. My goal over the next 5 years is to create a new clinico-genetic model for assessing the rate of bone loss, and predicting the risk of fracture for an individual.
The Landscape Of Cancer Genes And Associations With Prognosis In Breast Cancer Diagnosed In Premenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,512.00
Summary
Using state of the art technology, the purpose of this project is understand the implications of known cancer mutations in breast cancer diagnosed in premenopausal ER-positive breast cancer. Mutations are abnormalities in the DNA of genes that can provide a signal for uncontrolled growth, a hallmark of cancer. The unique aspect of this project is use of tissue samples from patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. This information will help us develop new treatments.
A Risk Stratification Tool For The Prevention Of Avoidable Perinatal Mortality And Morbidity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Stillbirth is more common in Australia than in some high-income countries. Babies born early may experience lung or other problems. Many current stillbirths and preterm birth can be prevented. Using a cohort of >4.5 million births from WA, NSW, SA and NT (N >4.5 million), this project will develop a strategy to predict the risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Better identification of risk in pregnancy will improve antenatal care to reduce stillbirth and neonatal morbidi ....Stillbirth is more common in Australia than in some high-income countries. Babies born early may experience lung or other problems. Many current stillbirths and preterm birth can be prevented. Using a cohort of >4.5 million births from WA, NSW, SA and NT (N >4.5 million), this project will develop a strategy to predict the risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Better identification of risk in pregnancy will improve antenatal care to reduce stillbirth and neonatal morbidity.Read moreRead less
Advancement Of A Personalised Approach To Minimising Infective Complications In Cancer Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,138.00
Summary
Managing infections in patients with cancer have become more difficult and unpredictable because of new generation cancer therapies. Measuring the response of the immune system (immune profiling) will allow us to predict which patients will develop infection so that action such as vaccination can be taken to reduce their risk. This program will refine immune profiling to personalise infection care for cancer patients and to introduce it into hospital practice.
PRE-EMPT: Prediction Of Early Mental Disorder And Preventive Treatment - Centre Of Research Excellence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,500,000.00
Summary
Mental health clinicians currently do not have the means to predict which young people with emerging symptoms are most at risk of progressing to serious mental illness. This CRE will help us better understand how mental illnesses develop, identify the risk and protective factors, and introduce tools for use in clinical practice to better predict onset of serious mental illness. This will help with providing and further developing early treatments to delay or prevent the onset of mental illness.
Predicting Infections In Cancer Of The Plasma Cells In Bone Marrow (myeloma)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,764.00
Summary
The study will look for new risks for infection in patients with multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Currently these patients are expected to live longer because of the discovery and use of new generation cancer drugs. By finding new infection risks, the treatment of life threatening infections can be improved or infection can be prevented so patients have a better quality of life whilst on cancer treatment.