In this section
This year, Cancer Council Queensland has committed a total of approximately $6.21 million towards its external funding program. This funding goes towards supporting cancer research throughout the state in the form of project grants, fellowships, travel/study grants and scholarships.
You can read about our recently awarded cancer research project grants below.
Current multistate and cancer research project grants
2012 - 2013
A/Prof Helen Blanchard, Griffith University
Design of inhibitors targeting the tumour promoting protein Galectin-1
In Australia 115,000 new cases of cancer were projected for 2010 and 43,000 deaths due to cancer resulted during that year. With over 40,000 people dying annually, it is the leading cause of death in Australia, and has an associated estimated $3.8 billion direct health system costs. There is clear urgent need for treatment of this devastating disease. Our research is to design therapeutics targeting cancer, with a focus on inhibiting galectins that are proteins with proven roles in this disease.
Dr Glen Boyle, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Does "phenotype-switching" control melanoma proliferation, invasion and metastasis?
There are currently no treatments that have any impact on decreasing mortality from metastatic melanoma. We have found that melanoma may switch between growing and invading around the body. This study will examine the proteins responsible for these changes with the aims of finding how they function differently, to identify their roles in the formation of melanoma, as well as to identify new targets for prevention and treatment of metastatic disease.
Prof Melissa Brown, The University of Queensland
Transcriptional regulation of non-code RNA genes implicated in breast cancer
The reason why breast cancers spread is poorly understood. A new class of RNA molecules that promote or repress this process have recently been described. This project will define the critical regions of DNA controlling the levels of these ncRNAs and will identify defects in these regions that are associated with breast cancer outcome. This information will form the basis of novel nucleic acid based prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Prof Russ Chess-Williams, Bond University
Cytotoxic drugs, urothelial function and the ageing bladder
Cytotoxic drugs are repeatedly instilled into the bladder when treating cancers and they often cause bladder instability. This study will investigate the urothelial, muscle and sensory nerve mechanisms involved in these adverse effects, the effects of repeated treatment, how the bladder recovers after treatment and how old age affects the bladders response to treatment. The results may aid the optimisation of treatment regimes.
Prof Judith Clements, Queensland University of Technology
Kallikrein proteases are key players in the ovarian tumour-stroma microenvironment
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among Australian women as it is diagnosed late when it has already spread into the abdomen. We aim to better understand how this cancer spreads so quickly and have shown that the kallikrein enzymes are involved in this process. In this grant, we are developing a bio-engineered 3 dimensional model to replicate the tumour environment to identify how we can use the kallikrein enzymes as potential therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.
A/Prof Magaret Cummings, The University of Queensland
Re-defining the molecular evolution of breast cancer and its precursors
A consequence of screening women for early breast cancer is frequent identification of small pre-cancerous lesions. The clinical significance of many such proliferations remains unclear, making management of affected patients difficult. Through the use of molecular studies, we aim to better define the significance and nature of these proliferations within the multistep process of breast cancer evolution. This will provide a better framework on which to manage patients with early pre-invasive lesions identified through breast screening programs.
A/Prof Camile Farah, The University of Queensland
Oral epithelial stem cell markers as a platform for better diagnosis of mouth cancer
Oral cancer is a deadly disease with very poor prognosis. We aim to identify markers for early detection of pre-cancerous lesions using stem cells from the mouth. We will isolate and characterize oral epithelial stem cells from normal and cancerous tissue and compare their genetic profiles. We believe this approach will not only provide valuable information regarding oral epithelial stem cells, but more importantly useful diagnostic information for oral cancer and precancer.
Prof Kwun Fong, The University of Queensland
Detection of treatment-responsive lung cancer mutations
Lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer deaths in Australia and the world. Lung cancer management is rapidly evolving to the concept of personalised medicine based on recent successes using therapies which target specific vulnerabilities in the cancer genome. We will determine if testing for treatment-responsive lung cancer gene mutations is feasible with routine clinical samples.
A/Prof Brian Gabrielli, The University of Queensland
Defining a response to UV exposure that is defective in melanoma
Ultraviolet radiation is the major environmental risk factor for the development of skin cancer and melanoma. In this application we will examine a normal response to ultraviolet radiation that is defective in a high proportion of melanomas. Loss of this response may be involved in the development of melanoma and possibly be a selective target for new therapies directed against melanoma.
Dr Sandi Hayes, Queensland University of Technology
LEGS follow-up: Lymphoedema Evaluation following Gynaecology Cancer Study
This ongoing cohort study is unique in Australia and indeed worldwide. It will for the first time find out when, in whom and why lower-limb swelling develops after treatment for gynaecological cancer. This research will help us to understand if there is promise for early detection and treatment of lower-limb swelling, when best to initiate treatment, and has the overarching aim to improve patients' quality of life, and potentially survival.
Prof Nicholas Hayward, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Characterisation of novel melanoma susceptibility genes through whole-genome sequencing
About 10% of melanoma cases occur in a familial setting but the 3 known familial melanoma genes account for susceptibility in only 40% of high-density melanoma families. Linkage and mutation studies suggest that predisposition in other families is most likely due to rare mutations in as yet unidentified genes. Here, we seek to identify new familial melanoma genes in Australian melanoma families through state-of-the-art sequencing of all protein-coding genes.
Dr Tanya Holt, Princess Alexandra Hospital
SCORAD III -- a randomised phase III trial comparing the effect on ambulation rate of single fraction radiotherapy to multifraction radiotherapy in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression
Spinal cord compression (SCC) is a common complication of cancer that has spread to the bones. For the majority of people the treatment of choice is radiotherapy. The optimal number of radiotherapy treatments that is required to successfully treat SCC is not known. SCORAD is a randomised trial that aims to assess whether one radiotherapy treatment is as effective as five in terms of maintaining a person’s ability to walk.
A/Prof John Hooper, Mater Medical Research Institute
A novel molecular pathway in cancer
This project will define the components of a new molecular pathway that promotes cancer. By understanding this pathway we may be able to identify individual proteins that can be blocked to stop cancer. Thus, our work may lead to new drugs for the treatment of cancer.
Prof Barbara Leggett, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Molecular and clinical features of serrated adenomas that predict risk of malignant transformation and risk of development of further polyps
Over 13,000 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer annually. It develops in precancerous polyps which can be detected and removed during colonoscopy. At least 20% of bowel cancers arise from serrated polyps, a type of polyp previously thought to be harmless. This project will determine which serrated polyps are most likely to become cancerous and how often patients with these polyps should undergo repeat colonoscopy to detect and remove recurrent polyps.
A/Prof Michael McGuckin, Mater Medical Research Institute
Targeting MUC13 to sensitise colorectal cancer cells to apoptosis
We have identified a protein that is produced by colon cancer cells that protects them from death after exposure to chemotherapy drugs. In this project we will identify how this protein protects cancer cells from death, and whether blocking it sensitises cells to treatment.
Dr Peter Mollee, Princess Alexandra Hospital
Catheter-related bloodstream infections in adults with cancer: a prospective randomised controlled trial
Patients with cancer often require prolonged access to the bloodstream via a central venous access device in order to deliver chemotherapy treatments as well as associated supportive and symptomatic therapies. A common serious side-effect of having this device is the development of an infection in the blood. This research will investigate whether insertion of the device into the non-dominant side of the body will reduce the likelihood of developing a bloodstream infection.
Dr Pamela Pollock, Queensland University of Technology
Genomic analysis of serous endometrial cancer and development of in vitro and in vivo models
We have formed the GenETIC consortium, Genetics of Endometrial Tumours International Collaboration consortia comprised of both clinicians and basic scientists with expertise in tumour collection and genomic analysis. We plan to genomically characterize a poor prognosis subtype of endometrial cancer (EC) and validate our findings in a cohort of biologically aggressive ECs. In addition, we will develop novel in vitro and in vivo models for subsequent basic and preclinical translational studies.
Prof Nicholas Saunders, The University of Queensland
Dysregulated H3K27me3 contributes to differentiation-insensitivity and squamous cell carcinoma development
Skin and oral malignancies occur when the normal processes controlling growth and maturation are disrupted. Approximately 1,500 Australians die of oral and skin cancers each year. In order to improve cure rates for these cancers we need to identify new targets that can be used in the development of potent new anticancer agents. We have preliminary data identifying such a target. In this proposal we will validate this target as a prelude to the development of a new class of anticancer agents.
Dr Andreas Suhrbier, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
The function of Sin1 isoforms in mTORC2 and Ras signalling
A recently discovered pathway that is disrupted in many cancers called mTOR promises to be a new target for anti-cancer drug therapy. However, initial clinical results have been patchy. Understanding the biology of this new pathway and its interaction with other pathways important in cancer cells is the purpose of this grant and should help to predict what tumours are going to be more susceptible to drugs that inhibit mTOR.
Dr Irena Vetter, The University of Queensland
The pharmacology and molecular mechanisms of ciguatoxin-induced cold allodynia
Touching very cold objects hurts - in some conditions like diabetes, even a pleasantly cool surface can elicit severe pain. The mechanisms behind these painful sensory disturbances – known as cold allodynia - are unclear. A form of seafood poisoning caused by eating fish contaminated with ciguatoxin may provide novel insights as cold allodynia develops in the majority of cases. This project aims to determine how ciguatoxin causes cold pain in order to develop novel treatments for cold pain.
Dr Graeme Walker, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
An ultraviolet radiation-induced inflammatory response involving infiltrating macrophages drives melanocyte proliferation and triggers melanoma development
We are working on a novel connection between the immune and melanocyte responses to sun exposure, where melanocyte proliferation is driven by a molecule excreted from infiltrating macrophages. We will use a murine melanoma model to ask whether by depleting macrophages we can attenuate melanoma induction by UV radiation. This work will provide a functional basis for determining melanoma risk based on immune response, and for the use of anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce melanoma risk.
Dr Ingrid Winkler, Mater Medical Research Institute
Characterisation and manipulation of bone marrow niche factors regulating Myeloid Leukaemia Stem Cell fate
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is responsible for 1.9% of all cancer-related deaths and 12,000 Australian hospital admissions each year.. Only 25% of patients survive AML despite best treatment available. We have identified a bone marrow (BM) niche factor, the blockage of which may render AML more chemosensitive when used in combination with chemotherapy to improve treatment for this disease.
Prof Chengzhong Yu, The University of Queensland
Novel photodynamic therapy for targeted skin cancer treatment: an integrated bionanotechnology
Australia suffers from the highest rate of skin cancer in the world and an increasing number of people die from skin cancer. This project aims to develop a new technique for skin cancer therapy by integrating state-of-the-art bionanotechnologies. A new photodynamic therapy approach will be designed using mesoporous silica nanoparticles delivered by microneedles. The integrated approach is expected to be applied with enhanced treatment efficiency, lowered toxicity and at a low cost.
2011 - 2012
Prof Kum Kum Khanna, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Understanding the contribution of DNA repair genes in breast cancer metastasis
Some types of breast cancer have a very poor clinical outcome because they spread to the brain and other parts of the body where complete surgical removal of these secondary cancers is difficult. We propose that alterations in a particular class of DNA repair genes contribute to the spread of these breast tumours. We will develop tests to identify changes in DNA repair genes in breast cancer and determine whether these genes can be targeted to block their spread to vital organs.
Dr Graeme Walker, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Critical DNA damage that drives melanoma development
There is much debate about the mechanisms by which sun exposure influences melanoma development. This leads to difficulties in formulating guidelines for safe levels of exposure and solarium emission. We will use our mouse model system to elucidate the critical DNA adducts induced by sun exposure that are necessary for MM development. This will introduce experimental evidence into the debate about balancing the positive and negative effects of sun exposure that is currently lacking.
Prof Geoff Hill, Queensland Insitute of Medical Research
Adhesion and costimulatory pathways in GVHD and GVL
Bone marrow transplantation remains a mainstay of curative therapy for haematological malignancies. This curative effect is mediated by the transplanted donor immune system which rejects the recipient malignancy. However, the procedure is limited by its serious side effect, known as graft-versus-host disease. This application seeks to better understand these two processes at both an immunological and clinical level with the aim of separating the two so that more patients may be cured of leukaemia.
A/Prof Rajiv Khanna, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
New treatment to prevent viral infection in cancer patients after stem cell transplant
Opportunistic infections remain the principal cause of mortality in cancer patients who receive allogeneic stem cell transplant and develop active extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease. In this project we will be testing a new strategy based on transplant patient's own immune cells to treat and/or prevent herpesvirus infection.
Dr Josephine Bowles, The University of Queensland
Genes that control sperm development and testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men aged 20-40 years, and its incidence has doubled in the last 30 years. It is sometimes fatal and often results in infertility. We have discovered new genes that regulate testicular cell behaviour in the developing fetus, and here test the concept that defects in these genes might disrupt cell behaviour to the point where cancers form. Outcomes may lead to new ways to diagnose and treat testicular cancers.
Prof Patsy Yates, Queensland University of Technology
Tracking pathways at the end-of-life to improve health services for patients with advanced cancer and their carers
Little is known about the journey of people with advanced cancer through the health system as they move towards end-of-life. This study will track these patients to systematically document factors influencing the person's experiences of health care. These data will lead to improved service delivery models and improved outcomes for patients with advanced cancer.
Dr Jolieke Van der Pols, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Sun protection and vitamin D
Reduced vitamin D status may result in various negative health effects, and there is fear that rigid sun protection practices may jeopardise vitamin D status. This project will greatly expand the evidence base for the possible impact of sun protection behaviour on vitamin D status in a subtropical Australian population. We will do this by studying an unselected community-based sample of adults in Queensland. We will also fully characterise persons with insufficient vitamin D status in this community
Dr Mark Appleyard, Royal Brisbane Hospital
Effects of increased colonic butyrate on inherited colon cancer
We have shown that a novel modified starch protects against colorectal tumours in animals by raising colonic butyrate levels. The starch also raises colonic butyrate in humans. This project aims to determine whether eating the starch for 6 months can reduce polyp burden in patients genetically predisposed to colorectal cancer (CRC). As the genetic mutation inherited by these patients occurs in most colorectal tumours, any beneficial effects are likely to reduce CRC risk in the wider community.
Prof Nicholas Hayward, Queensland Institute of Medical Research
QIMR Characterising cancer suppressing genes turned off in melanoma
Metastatic melanoma has poor prognosis and there are no effective therapies. There is an urgent need to develop targeted drugs to treat melanoma. This requires more complete knowledge of the genes and pathways involved. Through this project we will identify new genes involved in melanoma development. This will shed light on some of the mechanisms underlying melanoma tumorigenesis and will point to relevant molecular pathways for the design of novel targeted therapies to treat this disease.
A/Prof Joanne Young, Queensland Insitute of Medical Research
Sequence Variants in Hyperplastic Polyposis
The identification of patients most at risk for developing cancer in families with non-syndromic familial colorectal neoplasia remains a major difficulty for clinical teams involved in their management. One such condition is hyperplastic polyposis. In this proposal, we will seek the variation in DNA sequence which is associated with this condition in people who are clearly affected, with a view to helping identify their relatives at risk for CRC.
A/Prof Richard Sturm, The University of Queensland
Melanoma spheres as a model for melanoma
The pigment responsible for skin, hair and eye colour is produced by the melanocyte cell that arises from a single source during development of the embryo. How these cells arise from a latent reservoir of adult human stem cells has not been characterised nor how they move throughout the body. This process derives from specialised cell growth as spheres and is mimicked by melanoma cells during the metastatic process. The study of these events and regulatory processes will provide insight into this disease.
Prof Jiri Neuzil, Griffith University
Mitochondrial regulation of killing of cancer cells
Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, is also important for induction of cellular death. We will investigate a mechanism, by which small compounds, represented my vitamin E analogues with cancer-selective anti-tumour activity, cause mitochondrial damage. We know that for these and many other drugs to kill cancer cells, a channel has to form in the mitochondrial membrane. This process, which is rather complex and poorly understood, is the basis for this grant application.
Prof Michael Roberts, The University of Queensland
Skin delivery by topical application
This study seeks to improve our assessment of absorption of dermatological, cosmetic, household, occupational, environment and chemical welfare agents. In addition, it seeks to assist in our ability to diagnose skin cancer. Finally, the application seeks to quantify the role of application site, age of person, and other factors, including environmental conditions as variables affecting skin absorption.
Dr Elke Hacker, Queensland University of Technology
The response of skin cells to sunlight
Melanomas are common cancers that start in the pigment cells of the skin – melanocytes. Sunlight is the principal environmental cause of melanomas, although there is increasing evidence that the effect of sunlight on the pigment cells is not the same for all people. This study is designed to improve our understanding of the interplay between sun exposure, genetic susceptibility and melanoma risk.
Prof Ian Frazer, The University of Queensland
Investigating how the body's immune system can be made to kill tumours.
We wish to develop immune treatment for skin cancers, particularly in those where a virus, human papillomavirus (HPV), is involved. We study how the immune system recognizes cancers using an animal model in which viral cancer protein is expressed by skin cells. When we transfer this skin onto another animal we find that, as in humans, the cancer protein is not rejected by the immune system. We will study how the immune cells interact with these abnormal skin cells using a microscope that can see into living skin.
Dr Sandra Hayes, Queensland University of Technology
Efficacy and safety of high versus low intensity resistance exercise, with and without compression for management of lymphoedema in breast cancer survivors.
Lymphoedema is a side effect of some breast cancer treatments and presents as the chronic swelling of the hand,arm and shoulder. The development of lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer treatment occurs in ~20% of survivors & is associated with significant physical function impairment,pain & depression,factors which have a profound impact of quality of life. This project will determine if resistance exercise is an effective therapy for the management of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.
A/Prof Nigel McMillan, The University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute
New Cancer Therapies using Gene Silencing
New gene-based treatments for cancers and infectious diseases show great promise in the laboratory but cannot reach their full potential due to lack of effective delivery systems. We are developing novel delivery systems for gene silencing therapy for cancers. We are also testing new immune enhancers that boost the body’s ability to fight cancer and improve treatments. Testing will be undertaken on cervical cancer in the first instance.
Prof Linda Richards, The University of Queensland
Suppression of high-grade glioma by Nfib overexpression
High-grade gliomas are the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, with only 50% of patients surviving their first year post-diagnosis. At present there is no cure for this disease and current treatments do not significantly delay tumour progression. Nuclear Factor One - B (Nfib) is a transcription factor that may prevent tumour growth through cellular differentiation. We will investigate the role of Nfib in the pathogenesis of high-grade glioma and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Dr Mathias Francois, The University of Queensland
How growth of the lymphatic vessels is regulated during cancer spread
Cancers are lethal mainly because they spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body via blood vessels and lymphatic ducts. Pilot studies suggest that suppressing the function of a gene, SOX18, reduces tumour metastasis. We now propose to confirm these findings and study this effect in detail, with the ultimate aim of developing new therapies able to complement existing anti-cancer treatments.
Strategic Research Partnership Grant (2009 - 2013)
Prof Robert ('Frank') Gardiner, University of Queensland
A Randomised Trial of Robotic and Open Prostatectomy: Integrated Multi-disciplinary Studies to Guide Patient Management
| Date | Name | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2016 | Prof Nicholas Saunders |
The University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute |
| 2001 - 2015 |
Dr Kelli MacDonald |
Queensland Institute of Medical Research |
| 2009 - 2013 |
Dr Graeme Walker |
Queensland Institute of Medical Research |
| 2008 - 2012 |
Prof Michael Kimlin |
Queensland University of Technology |
| Date | Name | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Name | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2013 | Dr Donald McLeod | Queensland Institute of Medical Research |
| 2011 - 2013 | Ms Bryony Thompson | Queensland Institute of Medical Research |
| 2010 – 2012 | Annette Neill (Marylyn Mayo Scholar) | Queensland Institute of Medical Research |
| 2009– 2011 | Phan Tien Nguyen (John Earnshaw Scholar) | University of Queensland |
| 2009– 2011 | Holly Corbett | University of Queensland |
| 2009 - 2010 | Bena Riddle | University of Queensland |
| 2008 – 2010 | Louise Thorstholm (John Earnshaw Scholar) | University of Queensland |
| 2008 – 2010 | Kathleen Cato | University of Queensland |
