| Auckland | 8 |
| Hamilton | 2 |
| Wanganui | 1 |
| Palmerston North | 1 |
| Wellington | 6 |
| Dunedin | 4 |
| Christchurch | 1 |
| Invercargill | 1 |
| Lyon, France (Postdoctoral Fellowship) | 1 |
Combining immunotherapy with targeted drug therapy in melanoma: effects of the BRAFV600E-targeting drug, PLX4720, on antitumour immune responses
YB-1 is a protein found in breast tumours that promotes their growth and high levels are linked with poor outcomes New generation drugs that target tumour-specific proteins are showing promise in clinical trials. In advanced melanoma patients whose tumours carry the BRAFV600E mutation, vemurafenib generates dramatic early responses and prolongs survival by several months. Nevertheless, long-term prognosis remains poor. Combination therapies are needed that increase long-term survival and reduce dependence on costly drugs. Immunotherapy has the potential to be combined with highly-targeted drugs that should not be immunosuppressive. In this project we will determine whether the BRAFV600E-targeting drug, PLX4720, affects antitumour immune responses. This knowledge will pave the way for combining immunotherapy with targeted melanoma drugs in preclinical and clinical trials.
A new look at prognostic markers in the Hodgkin Lymphoma microenvironment
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is one of the most common lymph node cancers in the Western world, and strikes 120 New Zealanders each year. Despite recent advances in treatment, 30% of patients do poorly with conventional therapy. The ability to predict patient responses would allow therapy to be tailored to the patient. We will use new tissue imaging techniques to investigate a molecule in HL patient tissue that seems to correlate with patients' responses to conventional therapy. These studies will help refine HL therapy but will also reveal new knowledge about how cancer cells interact with surrounding immune cells
Measured CYP2C19 activity in women with breast cancer and its effect on activation of cyclophosphamide.
Variable activity of enzymes that process drugs increases the risk of side effects or increases the chance of treatment failure. CYP2C19 is an enzyme that activates cyclophosphamide. 3% of Caucasians inherit a gene that makes them poor metabolisers. We tested CYP2C19 activity in cancer patients, 37% were poor metabolisers - but have not inherited the gene. Our aim is to see if CYP2C19 metabolism is also lost in women with breast cancer and if this decreases activation of cyclophosphamide.
The effect of high dose ascorbate on radiosensitization of glioblastoma and normal cells
Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have an extremely poor prognosis due to the radiation resistance of these aggressive brain tumours and acute brain toxicity at higher radiation doses. Our preliminary results show that high dose ascorbate (vitamin C) sensitizes GBM cells to radiation. The main barrier to clinical application of these findings is the lack of toxicity data on normal tissues. This project aims to determine the effect of high dose ascorbate combined with radiation on GBM cells, normal human glial cells and endothelial cells that line blood vessels in the brain and are involved in acute brain toxicities.
Early cancer genesis: telomere mechanisms and markers
Breast cancer remains a devastating problem despite intensive research. As our understanding of the genetic make-up of cancer grows, however, we are beginning to produce significant improvements in care (e.g. herceptin treatment). We wish to investigate the maintenance of chromosomal DNA ends (telomeres) which could destabilise the genetic make-up of pre-cancerous breast cells which are inherently damaged by hypoxia. If damaged telomeres occur early we may have a powerful prognostic and/ or diagnostic marker of early cancer in the breast. It will also improve our understanding of other cancers which also suffer the same changes and provide a therapeutic target.
A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2 trial of peri-operative cimetidine in early colorectal cancer
Cancer of the large bowel is the second most common cancer in NZ but only about 60% of patients will survive it. An ulcer-healing drug, cimetidine, has shown promising results in patients having surgery for bowel cancer. Cimetidine keeps the immune system functioning after surgery and takes away "landing sites" for cancer cells that escape into the bloodstream. This appears to prevent spread of bowel cancer. Before we can set up a large trial to prove that cimetidine is effective, we need to define the optimum treatment time and how we can maximise recruitment rates from different hospitals.
Toxin-producing strains of Bacteroides fragilis and colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand, and being able to identify those who are at risk of developing CRC could reduce the number of CRC-related deaths. Very recently, a common bug has been linked with colon cancer in mice via production of a specific toxin. We propose that this same bug, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), may also have a role in the development of human CRC.
Manipulating the normal gut immune response to cure colorectal cancer
The T cells of the immune response are vital in preventing death due to colorectal cancer. We will create a mouse model of naturally-arising colorectal cancer within the regulated immune environment of the gut, and analyse local T cell responses to the tumour. We have developed a novel vaccine to generate local T cell responses and will test whether these local T cells are more effective than T cells from the rest of the body at fighting colorectal cancer. If so, we will be able to manipulate local immune responses of patients to induce a strong anti-tumour effect.
BCL6 and Chemoresistance: A new target for glioblastoma multiforme therapy?
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common, and most aggressive brain tumour, and it has a very poor prognosis. GBM are highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, and turn on multiple survival pathways in response to chemotherapy. We will determine whether BCL6, a protein important for chemoresistance in lymphoma and leukemia, is expressed in the GBM cells that survive chemotherapy.
Targeting childhood leukaemia through the TESTIN pathway
Acute leukaemia affects about 40 New Zealand children per year. Although successful treatments are available, the standard therapy is intensive and side effects are common. We have recently described the commonest molecular change in childhood leukaemia. We have now accumulated a compelling body of evidence that suggests that silencing of a gene called TESTIN contributes to the development of leukaemia, and that reactivation of its pathway might provide a plausible route to cure. In this research project we will determine the mechanisms by which reactivation of TES kills leukaemia cells and then test therapeutic approaches on human leukaemia cells.
RAVES Decision Aid Project
It is particularly challenging for patients to decide whether to join a clinical trial when practice varies among doctors due to lack of evidence. This is the case for the RAVES trial, which is investigating the optimal timing for radiotherapy following prostate cancer surgery. The RAVES Decision Aid Project, a collaboration among psychologists, urologists and radiation oncologists, will investigate the effect of a Decision Aid on patient experience and recruitment to the RAVES trial. It will also look at broader issues of whether this type of resource is helpful to patients and how it impacts patient stress and anxiety.
Inhibiting the human growth hormone receptor (hGHR) to improve radiosensitivity in endometrial cancer
Radiotherapy is used to treat approximately 50% of all cancer patients, with varying success. Tumour cell resistance to treatment with radiation is a major clinical challenge in cancer therapy, and agents which improve the efficacy of radiotherapy have the potential to improve treatment outcome in a proportion of radiation-treated patients. In a recent study we demonstrated that antagonism of the human growth hormone receptor (hGHR) sensitises endometrial cancer cells to radiation-induced cell death in cell culture. In the current study we will investigate whether antagonism of the hGHR sensitises tumour cells to treatment with radiation in vivo. We hope to determine whether antagonism of the hGHR has therapeutic potential as a radiosensitising agent for cancer therapy.
A Proteomic Approach to Understand Perineural Invasion in Rectal Cancer
The major reason for cancer-related death is the ability of cancer to spread to other organs. The presence of cancer cells within nerves (or perineural invasion/PNI) is recognized as a major determinant of spread and poor outcome in rectal cancer, a very common cancer in NZ and the Western World. However, only some rectal cancers show PNI while others do not. This study will identify proteins which may be associated with or be responsible for PNI with the aim of understanding the development of PNI in rectal cancer. Such knowledge may ultimately lead to the development of new drugs for rectal cancer.
There is growing evidence showing the aggressiveness of cancer is dependent on its ability to establish its own blood supply that facilitates cancer spread. Our preliminary work in head and neck cancer, based on our discovery of the presence of primitive cells and the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in the growth and regression of strawberry birthmark, has led us to hypothesise that primitive cells resident within the cancer tissue are behind the development of the tumour blood supply. This research provides the potential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in targeting the tumour blood supply for head and neck cancer treatment
To attend the TROG Annual Scientific Meeting in May 2012 to be held in Darwin, Australia from 1-4 May 2012
To attend the 19th International Congress on Palliative Care, held in Montreal Canada from the 9th to the 12th of October 2012
To attend the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group Annual Scientific Meeting 2012, to be held in Gold Coast Australia from the 22nd –25th February 2012
To undertake a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research - a two year part time course offered by Victoria University in Wellington to staff working in Clinical Research
To attend to attend The 17th International Conference on Cancer Nursing run by The International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care{ISNCC] 9-13TH September 2012, Prague, Czech Republic
COMMEND Study. COMMunication regarding food and fluids towards the END of life. A Qualitative approach.
To continue to achieve these high standards of excellence here at Hospice Wanganui, we are applying to Genesis New Zealand and ‘Notice of Certification' from The Ministry of Health. The District Health Board only provide 60% of operational costs to Hospice Wanganui, and hospice has to find the remaining $1,000,000-00 to keep the hospice up and running at the present standard. To achieve these high standards of palliative health care, Hospice Wanganui needs to continue applying to Genesis Oncology Trust for a grant of $2,958-98 to cover the cost of books and journals and resources from overseas, that will be of tremendous assistance to our medical doctors and nursing staff to be able to maintain and increase the standard of excellence of care required here at our hospice
Purchase of specialist palliative care books, journals and manuals
To continue to achieve these high standards of excellence here at Hospice Wanganui, we are applying to Genesis New Zealand and ‘Notice of Certification' from The Ministry of Health. The District Health Board only provide 60% of operational costs to Hospice Wanganui, and hospice has to find the remaining $1,000,000-00 to keep the hospice up and running at the present standard. To achieve these high standards of palliative health care, Hospice Wanganui needs to continue applying to Genesis Oncology Trust for a grant of $2,958-98 to cover the cost of books and journals and resources from overseas, that will be of tremendous assistance to our medical doctors and nursing staff to be able to maintain and increase the standard of excellence of care required here at our hospice.
Printing of the new 6th Edition 2012 Palliative Care Handbook
The Palliative Care Handbook is a valuable resource for health care professionals involved in the care of people who are dying. Written by a clinical pharmacist and two palliative medicine specialists it contains symptom management guidelines and drug information to aid in the care of patients who are dying. It is also used as a teaching aid for medical and nursing students. By awarding a grant for the printing of the next edition of this resource Genesis Oncology Trust will be making a significant contribution to the quality of palliative care delivered by health care professionals in New Zealand.
Genesis Oncology Trust palliative care breakfast lecture series
In its 9th year, the Genesis Oncology Trust Lecture Series continues to provide an easily accessible palliative care education opportunity. Delivered via teleconference, the eleven lecture series is attended by an average of 346 people each month. Registered sites throughout the country participate in the series. Thanks to the generosity of the Genesis Oncology Trust the lectures continue to be available without charge to registered participants. In 2012 we aim to also provide post lecture access to some materials via our website for those unable to attend live lectures. We also aim to increase awareness and participation in the series especially targeting aged residential care facilities.
Cancer epidemiology training programme in breast cancer aetiology: modifiable risk factors and healthy lifestyle indexes
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. This research will draw on data from New Zealand and Europe, to investigate the roles that modifiable factors - including healthy diet, physical activity, overweight and obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption - have on breast cancer risk and its social patterning. The large dataset provides unique opportunities to investigate risks for different population groups and breast cancer subtypes separately. Findings from this work will inform the development of primary prevention strategies to assist in focussing breast cancer control efforts in New Zealand and internationally.
Developing peptide technologies to combat breast cancer
Novel protein technologies developed at Auckland University will be employed to combat breast cancer, which is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women. Each year in New Zealand more than 2000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer growth is driven by the female sex hormone estrogen, and is blocked by anti-hormone drugs like tamoxifen. Unfortunately, cancers don't respond to tamoxifen and others become resistant to its effects. The novel protein technology we have developed has the potential to overcome these problems, and will be tested for its ability to combat breast cancer.
