Therapeutic Targeting Of MYCN Oncoprotein Stability In Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,206.00
Summary
A high level of MYCN protein is a major indicator of aggressive neuroblastoma (NB) but unfortunately there have been many barriers to the design of targeted therapies. We have identified a protein called PA2G4 which is a cofactor for MYCN in promoting cancer cell growth. We have developed a compound which inhibits PA2G4 and MYCN protein levels and reduces tumour growth. We will examine how PA2G4 cause aggressive tumour characteristics and test new methods to block PA2G4.
Treatments that target cancer causing genes called oncogenes have resulted in new treatment paradigms for cancer. We suggest that outcomes of patients with cancer will be further substantially improved by understanding how cancers can overcome resistance to these treatments that develops in many patients. To accelerate the adoption of these and other new treatments for cancer we will also develop new frameworks for clinical trials.
Next-generation Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapies Based On Multistage Delivery Nanovectors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Nanomedicine provides novel therapies with enhanced treatment success and reduced side effects, which improve the patient’s quality of life. Drug delivery systems that are able to treat highly drug-resistant tumours such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are a key target for nanomedicine-based therapies. We will investigate a new GBM treatment by developing a multistage delivery nanovector to selectively carry and release a combination of chemical and physical therapeutics.
Preclinical Development Of A Therapeutic Anticancer Antibody To C-Met
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,530.00
Summary
Many common cancers cannot be effectively treated. A range of these cancers (e.g. gastric and lung cancer) display the molecule c-Met on their cell surface. c-Met promotes tumour growth; therefore, blocking c-Met is a promising strategy for treating these cancers. However, no antibodies or drugs that target c-Met have been licensed. The therapeutics that are being developed to target c-Met all have considerable limitations. Thus, there is an opportunity to develop a 'best-in-class' therapeutic.
Design And Application Of New Nanomaterials Theranostic Platforms For Targeted Treatment Of Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,626.00
Summary
The project aims to develop intelligent drugs that attract to malignant tumors like magnets. These powerful, next-generation chemotherapy drugs seek out cancerous cells, allowing physicians to see exactly where tumours lie. Nanoparticles inside the drugs then switch on upon contact with X-ray radiation beams. This new method, which can diagnose, deliver targeted therapy and monitor the response to therapy all at the same time, would reduce the amount of radiation needed to kill cancer cells.
Strategies For Enhancing The Treatment Of Colon Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,785.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related death in Australia. Strategies to improve outcomes for these patients are urgently needed. This NHMRC SRF Fellowship will seek to identify new molecules in cancer cells which can be targeted to treat this disease, and to discover genes which can be used to improve patient response to treatment.
A New Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Targeting CD302 In Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
This project will develop a new antibody treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Antibody treatments help the body to attack the leukaemia using its immune system. The prognosis of this leukaemia is poor. Our current treatments use high dose chemotherapy and sometimes a stem cell transplant. Many patients cannot have the current therapy due to their age or other medical problems. A new antibody therapy may be used on its own or with other therapies to help more patients achieve remission.
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.
There is a need to improve early detection, monitoring of relapse, and treatments for melanoma, to increase long-term survival. My research vision is to use innovative and cutting edge approaches to conduct a range of complementary studies under three broad but inter-related themes: Theme 1 – Genetic predisposition to melanoma in the general population; Theme 2 – Genetic predisposition to melanoma in high-density families; Theme 3 – Somatic aberrations underlying melanoma development.
Stability Engineering Of Human Antibody Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,104.00
Summary
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are among the fastest growing class of drugs with more than $30 billion sales in 2011. Unfortunately, antibodies often display limited stability and a tendency to aggregate. This greatly hinders their development and results in high failure rates of otherwise promising candidates. We have recently identified mutations that render human antibodies resistant to aggregation. Here we apply this technology to a monoclonal antibody candidate developed by a leading pha ....Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are among the fastest growing class of drugs with more than $30 billion sales in 2011. Unfortunately, antibodies often display limited stability and a tendency to aggregate. This greatly hinders their development and results in high failure rates of otherwise promising candidates. We have recently identified mutations that render human antibodies resistant to aggregation. Here we apply this technology to a monoclonal antibody candidate developed by a leading pharmaceutical company.Read moreRead less