Funded Projects | Internal Research Projects | Research Grants

The project will study how elevated glucose and insulin levels – the primary characteristics of Type 2 diabetes – are linked to increased risk of breast and prostate cancers. Firstly, the project will elucidate novel mechanisms of glucose- and insulin-stimulated glucose supply to and growth of breast and prostate cancer cells. Secondly, an animal models of Type 2 diabetes will be used to study how glucose and insulin promote breast and prostate tumour growth. Traditionally, diabetes and cancer have been viewed and treated as separate entities. Outcomes of the research may thus have significant implications for patient wellbeing.

One reason why cancers invade the surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs (metastasis) is because they can evade or have lost the ability to respond to normal control mechanisms. EphB2 is a protein which is part of a normal growth control mechanism in the colon and most colon cancers lose the EphB2 protein as they progress to an invasive/metastatic type. Restoring EphB2 expression to colon cancer cell lines retards their ability to grow as tumours. This study investigates the mechanism by which EphB2 inhibits tumour growth by studying the effects restoring EphB2 expression to colon cancer cells in culture and will also determine the cause of EphB2 induced growth retardation in tumours.

Imagine being diagnosed with cancer and receiving incorrect treatment due to a therapeutic mishap. The introduction of the Charm Software System to the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide provides electronic prescribing of chemotherapy drugs. Most therapeutic mishaps in oncology relate to incorrect prescribing or administering. While regular education goes a long way towards reducing errors, the electronic prescribing system takes out some of the human factor and further reduces the chance of error. Funding has been recently approved for the maintenance and support of the Charm System, for the Women's & Children's Hospital. The Peadeatric- Oncology department is currently working through logistical requirements to have the system installed in the near future.

One of the very important projects in the Children’s Cancer Centre Research Laboratories is to determine the mechanisms by which the genetic alterations that occur in normal blood cells turn these cells into leukaemia cells. One of the differences between normal white blood cells and leukaemia cells is that the leukaemia cells are blocked in their ability to differentiate (or mature into normal cells).

Cancer & Bowel Research Trust supports projects conducted by the Gastroenterology Research Laboratory at the IMVS which investigates gene expression, molecular changes and clinico-pathological features of serrated colorectal polyps. These polyps have only recently been recognized as precursors of colorectal cancer and still await their detailed characterization and establishing optimal clinical management.

New Zealand researchers have received a two-year $60,000 grant to develop and test synthetic compounds aimed at boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer. The Cancer Research Charitable Trust announced the grant to assist the work of three researchers at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Victoria University of Wellington. The Trust is a non-profit organisation which raises funds to support cancer research and prevention, in particular targeting colorectal (bowel) cancer.

The overall objectives of this project are to characterise relationships between S100 proteins and intestinal epithelial cells and to ascertain whether these proteins may contribute to the increased risk of colonic cancer evident in individuals with longstanding colonic inflammation.

Our organisation has created, and continues to acquire, patient accommodation for the express purpose of assisting cancer patients and their families who need housing during their period of treatment. The accommodation offered by Cancer & Bowel Research Trust is an Australian first and is quite unique. All properties are self contained, 2-3 bedrooms, and of high standard, to provide not only comfort to the patient and their families but also a degree of respite during their treatment period.

The decision by Cancer & Bowel Research Trust to support the Flinders Cancer Centre for Innovation in Cancer is based on the Centre's commitment to take an innovative, patient focused approach to cancer prevention, research, education and care that will lead to national and international acclaim.

There is a gene called C-Met which is involved in cell migration. This is particularly dangerous in cancer patients as it means that cancer cells can spread more quickly and easily. In colon cancer patients, death occurs after the tumour has spread, causing metastasis. C-Met isn't a gene that is normally active in colon cells, but it can be activated by the cancer. This research program is going to examine how much impact the C-Met gene has on cancer spreading, and therefore how important it is in the control and treatment of cancer.

Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) machine is used in wide range of modern molecular based tests in cancer research in fields such as pathology, oncology, haemathology and pharmacology.The IQ-5 Real Time PCR Detection System purchased for the IMVS enables this department to continue to perform modern molecular DNA tests in researching colon cancer. The purchase of this machine has significantly enhanced the research being conducted in this laboratory, particularly in the study of gene expression.

Molecular detection of micro-metastic dissemination in colorectal carcinoma using novel tumour specific markers.

Evaluation of ex-vivo liver perfusion system as a liver support device in a porcine model of liver regeneration

This project, conducted by Massey University in New Zealand explores the causes of drug resistance so that more effective treatments can be developed. When drugs are administered, our body develops a resistance against them. On occasion, this resistance prolongs the time before which treatment becomes effective. Dr Katherine Stow's project aims to understand the development of drug resistance associated with breast cancer so that more effective chemotherapy treatments can be provided to patients over a shorter period of time.

This project aims to determine if certain groups of the population will benefit from chemotherapy after removal of colon cancer with intention to cure.

A tailored exercise and physically active program can help to improve the well-being, physical functioning and overall quality of life to people who have received positive outcomes to their treatment.

State of the art equipment is essential in assisting hospitals efforts in saving the lives of diagnosed breast cancer sufferers. A significant contribution has been made to the purchase of a Rotor-Gene 6000 real-time PCR machine. This machine will greatly enhance researchers' ability to make more specific and sensitive detection of molecular cell research. The provision of funding for this machine will mean that more samples can be run concurrently with high sensitivity, reducing the time taken to complete projects.

Internal report into priorities of funding and associated areas of support for childhood cancer.

"Colorectal Cancer Awareness - A National Action Program".

Collation and analysis of colorectal cancer data with comparison to incidence levels and trends as compared to other cancers.

Guide to applicants for grant application for each year

Application forms for funding