NCARD Studies

The following projects have been undertaken by researchers affiliated with the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases.

 

Sensitive Serum Markers for Improved Diagnosis, Monitoring and Screening for Early Detection of Mesothelioma.

Dr Jenette Creaney, University of Western Australia. 
This project is testing the effectiveness of different markers which may help in the early diagnosis of mesothelioma.

 

An Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression and Chromosome Copy Number in Malignant Mesothelioma.

Dr Andrew Holloway, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria.  
This project is examining the genetic defects that may be associated with the development of mesothelioma.

 

A National Resource for Mouse Models of Mesothelioma.

Professor Richard Lake, University of Western Australia. 
This project is using mice to gain a better understanding of mesothelioma and potential therapies that may be used in the treatment of this disease.

 

NK Cells as the missing link between anti-cancer Chemotherapy and CD8 T cell responses.

Professor Richard Lake, University of Western Australia. 
This project is looking at cells which may be impeding the successful use of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy to treat cancer.

 

Markers of Mesothelioma.

Professor Richard Lake, University of Western Australia. 

This project is attempting to identify markers which may improve the early detection and treatment of mesothelioma.

 

Developing a Sustainable Community-Based Response to Asbestos-Related Disease in Aboriginal Communities.

Associate Professor Richard Murray, James Cook University, Queensland.
In this project A/Professor Murray is working with local aboriginal communities to find better ways of identifying and treating asbestos-related diseases.

 

Transforming Growth Factor Beta Signalling in Malignant Mesothelioma Growth and Collagen Production.

Associate Professor Steven Mutsaers, University of Western Australia.
This project is looking at the role of connective tissue in tumour formation to see whether this might lead the way to future anti-cancer therapies.
http://www.ncard.org.au/projects/ecm.html

 

Role of FLT PET in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma – Prediction of Response to Chemotherapy.

Dr. Anna Novak, University of Western Australia.  
This project is looking at ways of predicting which patients will derive benefits from chemotherapy to avoid exposing those unlikely to benefit from unnecessary exposure to the toxicity.

 

Integrating Conventional Mesothelioma Therapies with Immuno- and Gene-Therapies.

Professor Bruce Robinson, University of Western Australia. 
This project is exploring ways in which the immune system can be activated to to help in fighting asbestos-related cancers.

 

Diagnostic markers for malignant mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Professor Bruce Robinson, University of Western Australia. 
This project is looking at ways in which serum markers can help in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant mesothelioma.

 

Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Work.

Professor Bruce Robinson, University of Western Australia.
This project is examining ways of improving the effectiveness of cancer surgery and chemotherapy.

 

The Genetic Understanding of Asbestos-Related Disorders (GUARD). 
This project is creating a genetic databank to help identify the genetic markers for asbestos-related disease.


Early Detection of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma in Asbestos Workers at Highest Risk.

Associate Professor Paul Zimmerman, Prince Charles Hospital, Queensland. 
This project is focusing on possible early detection measures for asbestos cancer in asbestos workers at high risk of developing future disease.