Early Career Investigator Grants 2011
The following Early Career Investigator Grants werer funding for 2011
Feasibility and efficacy of resistance exercise in prostate cancer survivors with bone metastases
Chief Investigator: Dr Prue Cormie
Associate Investigators: A/Prof Daniel Galvão, Prof Robert Newton, Dr Nigel Spry
Exercise has been established to be safe and result in improved physical function and quality of life for men with localised prostate cancer. However, little information exists regarding the safety and efficacy of exercise in prostate cancer survivors whose cancer has spread to bone. Patients with bone metastases not only experience side effects from prostate cancer treatment but additional complications including bone pain, skeletal fractures, spinal cord compressions and fatigue after chemotherapy. These complications negatively impact physical function and quality of life and prevent patients with bone metastases following established exercise guidelines. This study will determine the safety and efficacy of resistance exercise in prostate cancer survivors with bone metastases. The results are expected to refine exercise guidelines for patients whose cancer has spread to bone.
Findings from this research will help to improve the quality of life experienced by those patients whose cancer has spread to the bone.
This research project is proudly supported in the name of: West Coast Eagles Football Club
Characterising the tumour suppressor properties of the novel repressor protein RP58
Chief Investigator: Dr Mark Cruickshank
Associate Investigators: Dr Daniela Ulgiati, Prof Lawrence Abraham
Development of diverse cell-types depends on the combined action of special proteins called gene-specific transcription factors that control cell-specific gene expression. These processes are crucial for the generation of different organs, tissues and cells in healthy individuals. Disruption of key transcription factors underlies the disease progression of many disorders including cancer. A family of transcription factors bind to a specific DNA sequence, the E-box (CANNTG). Deregulation of several of these transcription factors has been observed in a wide range of cancers including muscle, brain and blood cancers. RP58 is a novel repressor transcription factor that binds E-boxes and has been characterised as a suppressor of tumour growth. This study aims to establish if RP58 has a role in regulating E-box binding factors in blood cancer cells.
This research aims to investigate the biological mechanisms that prevent tumours from forming in order to understand this process better.
This research project is supported in the names of: Ladies Auxillarty of Cancer Council WA,The Lion Allan Sanderson Memorial, The Pearl Bethel Allan Memorial and Wayne Bruce Lyon
Melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM): translating cell adhesion into melanoma metastasis
Chief Investigator: Dr Danielle Dye
Associate Investigator: Prof Deirdre Coombe
Melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) is a protein that is expressed on the surface of melanoma cells and contributes to their ability to invade and spread through the body.A lot of MCAM is found on the surface of most melanoma cells but little is known aboutwhere it is located inside the cell, what proteins it interacts with, how it cycles to and fromthe cell surface and exactly how MCAM expression leads to invasion and migration of melanoma cells. This project aims to investigate the synthesis, recycling and degradationof MCAM within the cell and how this relates to cell migration. This will provide further information about how MCAM contributes to the melanoma metastasis.
This research will investigate an important mechanism that contributes to the spread of melanoma cells.
This research project is supported in the names of: Australia Post, Deeny O’Shaughnessy, Edith Dorothy Chandler, Maslin Family, St Ive’s Retirement Village Mandurah
Towards improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal Australians: Cancer service providers’ experiences with Aboriginal people in Western Australia
Chief Investigator: Dr Shaouli Shahid
Associate Investigator: Prof Sandra Thompson
Some progress has been made in understanding Aboriginal Australians’ beliefs and
understanding about cancer and their experiences with cancer services. However, little is
known of cancer care providers’ thoughts and perceptions regarding Aboriginal patients
and their experiences of providing best possible care to Aboriginal people. This study aims to (i) document through qualitative research, for the first time, the perspectives of service providers about Aboriginal cancer patients in Western Australia; (ii) identify service providers’ experiences and concerns in managing cancer treatment in Aboriginal people, and (iii) explore opportunities to overcome gaps in communication between mainstream service providers and Aboriginal people. Some qualitative data from health service providers has already been collected and this project will allow us to collect the additional data that is needed to ensure comprehensive information is available from its analysis. Findings from this work will inform the development of resources to support both Aboriginal people in accessing cancer services and address development of culturally appropriate resources and training for health providers who contribute to the quality of care of this disadvantaged group.
This research will help to improve the quality of cancer information and care for Aboriginal people in Western Australia.
This research project is fully supported in the name of: West Coast Eagles Football Club
