2006 - $1.1 million - ACRF Tasmanian Inherited Cancer Centre

Feature Outcome: Creation of The ACRF Tasmanian Inherited Cancer Centre (ATICC), which 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.

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; fitout of the Cancer Genetic Laboratories; Genealogical Database and a DNA and Virtual tissue bank.

Research Institution: Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania 

Director of Research: Professor Simon Foote.

Background / Overview:   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, which is ideal due to 65% of the population being descendants of the original settlers, 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.
Further Details / Outcomes:  This proposal is designed to put all systems in place to allow the Menzies to identify, not only disease genes but to use its significant expertise in epidemiology to discover the environmental triggers to disease.

Expected benefits of the ACRF Tasmanian Inherited Cancer Centre to cancer research outcomes: 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.  

Types of Cancer :   Non-Hodgkins, Lymphoma, Skin, Breast, Lung, Prostate, Leukaemia  

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