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
2011 - 2012
Prof Kum Kum Khanna, QIMR
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, QIMR
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, QIMR
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, QIMR
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, 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, QIMR
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
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, QIMR
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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-2015 | Dr Kelly 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 |
| 2007 - 2011 | A.Prof Joanne Young | Queensland Institute of Medical Research |
| 2006 - 2010 | A.Prof Jean-Pierre Levesque | Mater Medical Research Institute |
| Date | Name | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 - 2011 | A.Prof Kwun Fong | Prince Charles Hospital |
| 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 |
