Phospholipase Cbeta 1b, A Target To Limit Atrial Dilatation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,847.00
Summary
We have identified a heart specific protein that is involved in perpetuating dilatation of the upper chambers of the heart and thereby contributing to cardiac disease. Inhibitors of this protein provide a suitable target for therapy to limit heart disease. The current studies aim to test such inhibitors in vivo as proof-of-concept that such treatment effectively limits cardiac dysfunction.
Compartmental Analysis Of T-cell Responses In Thoracic Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,403.00
Summary
To improve immune therapy for cancer we have to be able to determine how cancer patients ‘see’ mutated cancer proteins. Blood is the easiest & most useful source of immune ‘killer’ cells for that task, but the lymph node that drains the tumour and the fluid that bathes a tumour probably contain a much higher number of these killer cells than blood. If so, studying them would help us better track responses to therapy and enable us to choose the best mutated proteins for a vaccine.
POSNOC (Positive Sentinel Node – A Randomised Trial Of Adjuvant Therapy Alone Versus Adjuvant Therapy Plus Clearance Or Axillary Radiotherapy)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,223,428.00
Summary
POSNOC (POsitive Sentinel NOde – adjuvant therapy alone versus adjuvant therapy plus Clearance or axillary radiotherapy) will address the key unresolved challenge in breast cancer surgery. A controversial US trial, ACOSOG Z0011, indicates that many breast cancer patients with limited disease in the sentinel node can safely avoid further nodal surgery. This would be a major advance, but there is widespread doubt that the results are broadly applicable. POSNOC will clarify this key issue.
Uncovering The Role Of Collecting Lymphatic Vessels In Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,875.00
Summary
Lymphatic vessels are a critical part of the circulatory system, allowing the return of fluid and cells that escape the blood vessels, and playing an intimate role in the body's immune function. In cancer, the lymphatic vessels serve as conduits for the transport of tumour cells to lymph nodes and may contribute to distant metastasis. Our study is designed to understand the role played by major collecting lymphatic vessels in cancer and to identify molecules that control their activity.
The Relationship Between Cancer Surgery, Lymph Nodes, T Cells And Immunotherapy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$960,585.00
Summary
Cancer treatment involves surgery for millions of patients annually, however, many patients do relapse. Surgery often involves removal of cancer-associated lymph nodes at the site. To improve surgical outcomes new immunotherapy strategies aim to activate the patients’ immune cells to eradicate tumours. However the main repository for these immune cells is in the very lymph tissue removed at surgery. This project will investigate the role of remaining lymph nodes in patient recovery/response.
Local Sleep In The Awake Brain: An Underlying Cause Of Neurobehavioural Deficits In Sleep Apnea?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,330.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder which significantly impacts daytime functioning leading to excessive sleepiness, and problems with attention and thinking. Currently, the causes for cognitive impairment in OSA (including attentional lapses and performance deficits) are poorly understood. In the awake state, groups of neurons can briefly go “offline” as they do in sleep. These periods of “local sleep” may explain impaired task performance in OSA.
Local Cardiac Sex Steroids - New Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,994.00
Summary
The sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone, are implicated in susceptibility to heart diseases - the timing and type of disease development is different for women and men. The mechanisms for this are unknown. In this project we investigate the synthesis and breakdown of these hormones in the heart and determine how local hormone levels may affect heart muscle cell survival and function. The aim is to find ways of adjusting hormone balance to optimize protection when the heart is under stress.
Molecular Imaging And Therapy Of Cardiac Fibrosis In Atrial Fibrillation And Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,021,656.00
Summary
Cardiac fibrosis is a serious medical condition which can lead to an irregular heart beat and heart failure. We will develop novel diagnostic agents which are more sensitive and able to detect fibrosis of the heart at an earlier time point. This would allow timely initiation of therapy. In addition, we will investigate novel targeted anti-fibrotic agents to treat this devastating disease condition more effectively and with less adverse effects.
Kidney Function And The Effectiveness And Safety Of Direct Oral Anticoagulants In Atrial Fibrillation: The KODIAK-AF Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,730.00
Summary
The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a relatively new type of drug that are used to prevent the onset of stroke among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). While these drugs have been demonstrated to be safe and effective among AF patients, in those AF patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is uncertainty as to whether these drugs are similarly safe. This program of research will study the safety profile of DOACs in patients with AF and CKD.
Quantifying The Burden Of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact Of Existing And New Treatments And The Potential For Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$398,395.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes considerable morbidity and burden to the Australian economy. We will quantify the prevalent burden and costs of hospitalised AF, ascertain the risk of major events associated with AF and the impact of existing treatments, and determine the population-attributable risk for AF due to emerging risk factors. Our data will inform clinicians and health policy makers regarding the most effective allocation of expensive health care resources to minimise the burden of AF.