Menzies Research Institute, Tasmania – 2006
ACRF Tasmanian Inherited Cancer Centre
State: TAS
Amount Granted: $1.1 million
Year Granted: 2006
Purpose: To establish an internationally competitive cancer genetics centre
Chief Investigators: Prof Simon Foote, A/Prof Alison Venn, Prof Ray Lowenthal, Prof James Vickers, Dr Briony Patterson, A/Prof Greg Woods, Dr Heather McGee, Dr Jo Dickinson, Dr Adele Holloway, Dr Brendan McMorran, Dr Gaetan Burgio, Dr Jim Stankovich, Dr Jac Charlesworth, Dr Russell Thomson
Types of Cancer: Non-Hodgkins, Lymphoma, Skin, Breast, Lung, Prostate, Leukaemia
Project Overview
The ACRF Tasmanian Inherited Cancer Centre (ATICC) will use the Tasmanian population to identify genes that predispose individuals to cancer. It will draw on a number of skills and initiatives already underway at the Menzies Research Institute and elsewhere in Tasmania. It will build an internationally competitive cancer genetics program.
The ACRF Inherited Cancer Centre is set to become a world-class cancer genetics program offering unparalleled access to both the genetic identity and environmental influences responsible for the onset and progression of inherited cancers.
The ACRF grant has been awarded specifically for the purchase of three major components of the ATICC; fit out of the Cancer Genetic Laboratories; Genealogical Database and a DNA and Virtual tissue bank.
Expected Benefits
Researchers at the Menzies aim to identify, not only disease genes but to use its significant expertise in epidemiology to discover the environmental triggers to disease. They will have the ability to make a significant impact on identifying the genetic predisposing factors to many familial cancers over the next decade.
By using a collaborative approach, geneticists, researchers, biologists, clinicians, and ethicists will join at the new centre and have access to vital resources essential to examining the causes of various cancers, including prostate cancer and leukaemia.
Further collaboration with epidemiologists ensures researchers can look for other interactions such as between genetic factors and the environment. This multidisciplinary team under the framework of the new centre has also the ability to extend findings far beyond that normally associated with a genetics project.
Project Description (Detailed)
Many cancers are caused by an inherited predisposition to disease that – along with a triggering event (genetic or environmental) – results in the onset of the cancer. The identification of the underlying genetic abnormality in many diseases has led to both a greater understanding to disease and, in some cases, directly to a significant therapeutic advance. The Tasmanian population will be studied to identify genes that predispose individuals to cancer.
The most powerful method for detecting these rare variants is linkage analysis with large families. Collections of large families with multiple cases of disease are rare, but they are easier to identify in isolated populations such as Iceland and Tasmania. Families comprising several thousand members can be easily assembled in Tasmania and if a rare disease allele is segregating, then this will be apparent even with a low penetrance.
Funding for the new centre now enables researchers to have access to state-of-the-art instruments and laboratories that were not previously available in Tasmania.
The centre will provide infrastructure for the collection and storage of DNA and genealogical information from cancer patients. It will enable the ready access to stored histological specimens and provide a competitive genetics laboratory.
This Centre will form the backbone for the coalescence of various entities from the Tasmanian cancer research community to enhance co-operativity and to build a world-class cancer genetics programme.
Coupled with the Institute’s established reputation in epidemiology, this Centre will offer unparalleled access to both the genetic identity and environmental influences responsible for the onset and progression of many inherited cancers.
Read Full Media Release: Advanced cancer research facility opens at Menzies
Read Backgrounder: Tasmanian Inherited Cancer Research Program
For more information:
Visit the ACRF Tasmanian Inherited Cancer Centre website
Contact Cheryl Riddington (ACRF) on 02 9223 7833 or criddington@acrf.com.au
