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Diagnosing Chromosomal Translocations In Solid Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,997.00
Summary
Mis-repair of broken chromosomes can fuse together genes that then cause cancer. Current clinical tests are only capable of detecting single well-known gene fusions and are incapable of identifying new fusion events or fusion variations. We have developed a diagnostic technology, termed CaptureSeq, that is capable of finding all fusion genes in a patient sample. In this grant, we will demonstrate the use and advantages of CaptureSeq for diagnosing fusion genes in cancer patients.
Harnessing Extracellular Matrix Remodelling By Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts To Increase T Cell Infiltration Of Solid Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,407.00
Summary
The ability of killer T cells to find and eliminate tumour cells is the basis for adoptive transfer immunotherapies, which thus far only work well with blood-borne cancers. There is limited success with solid tumours, which T cells do not readily infiltrate, notably because of remodelling by fibroblasts. We have discovered that T cells migrate in tunnels dug in the tumour matrix by fibroblasts. Here, we will harness this discovery to improve tumour infiltration and rejection of solid tumours.
Contribution Of Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells To Chemoresistance And Recurrent Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,940.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer. Previously, we showed that cancer stem cells are the “beating heart” of the ovarian cancer and are responsible for drug resistance and tumour relapse. The ineffective targeting of these cells by chemotherapy is accountable for the poor clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer patients. This project will define the molecular signals involved in maintenance of cancer stem cells and develop targeted therapies against these cells.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW SUBTYPE OF AGGRESSIVE BREAST CANCER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,152.00
Summary
Much effort has been invested in the sequencing of cancer genomes, leading to the identification of genes linked to aggressive subtypes. There is now a need to confirm the importance of these genes and to exploit these findings for patient therapies. We have identified a new cancer driver controlling an aggressive type of breast tumour which may act through one carbon/folate metabolism. We aim to map the inner workings of these cancers to devise effective targeted drugs for these patients.
Developing Irreversible Electroporation Non-Thermal Tumor Ablation For Organ-Confined Prostate Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,512.00
Summary
IRE is technique for targeted tissue ablation. Electrodes placed into the targeted area deliver intense, brief electric pulses. Nano-scale pores are created in the cell membrane killing the cells but preserving the extracellular matrix. The pulses do not affect sensitive structures including neurovascular bundles, major vasculature and ductal systems preserving their function. It may address prostate regions implicated in prostate cancer without damaging vital structures, reducing side effects.
Osteosarcoma is the most common tumour of bone. Recent success in targeting immune checkpoint blockers such as Programmed death-1 (PD-1) in genomically complex tumours suggests that osteosarcomas may be amenable to such strategies. We will characterise the role of the PD-1 pathway in osteosarcoma development and growth. Using preclinical mouse models we will investigate the biology of the PD-1 pathway and study its potential as a therapeutic target in advanced and resectable osteosarcoma.
Development Of A New Surgical-guidance Tool For Intra-operative Tumour Margin Assessment In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$557,982.00
Summary
One third of breast cancer patients undergoing breast conserving surgery have insufficient tissue removed, resulting in an increased risk of recurrence. We have developed a high resolution optical imaging probe with the potential to detect small areas of cancer. It could be used to help guide the surgeon to remove all cancerous tissue from the patient. This grant will allow us to develop the probe to a stage that it can be used during surgery, and perform the world’s first clinical scans.
Inherited determinants of cancer aetiology. Family history of cancer is a strong risk factor for many cancers. This project will aim to identify inherited factors influencing risk of developing cancer and those factors influencing the course of the disease and outcomes.
My research projects in the fields of cancer biology, vascular biology and immunology assess molecular mechanisms of vascular remodelling and implications for disease.
Use of antibodies for cancer therapy, where a protein is made in the laboratory to recognize and act on cancer cells that have a target antigen, has emerged as an important therapeutic area in oncology. The lewis-y (Ley) antigen is found on more than 70% of epithelial cancers and the A33 antigen is found on colon cancers. We have developed antibodies against Ley (hu3S193) and A33 (huA33) which can target cancer cells. We aim to develop optimal cancer cell killing by our antibodies.