Current Research Grants

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Scientific Research Grants 2011

Ten research grants were awarded in 2011, representing almost a $1 million commitment to cancer research in the next year. The ten research grants are:

A Multi Centre study of on-line adaptive image guided radiotherapy for bladder cancer
Dr Steve Williams,Christchurch Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology

The applicants were awarded $84,696 over three years to facilitate New Zealand participation in a study designed to improve the precision of radiation treatment for bladder cancer, when it is acknowledged the bladder can be in a different position and be a different shape and size when daily treatments are delivered over six weeks.

Intercellular mitochondrial transfer in tumorigenesis and metastasis
Professor Michael Berridge, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research

Professor Berridge was awarded $249,044 over two years to explore the observation that mitochondrial defective cells unexpectedly showed a lag in tumour cell growth. The potential transfer of mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) between cancer cells and surrounding cells was regarded by the Committee and reviewers as highly innovative and definitely worth studying.

Role of βI-tubulin mutations in human ovarian cancer cell resistance to peloruside A, Laulimalide and zampanolide
Professor John Miller, Victoria University of Wellington

The applicants were awarded $220,595 over two years to study the role of mutations in the drug binding site on βI–tubulin in the evolution of resistance of ovarian cells to three microtubule-stabilizing agents isolated from natural marine sources.

Immune suppression, Myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumourigenesis
Dr Margaret Currie, University of Otago, Christchurch

The application sought funding to examine an important and developing field in tumour biology; the potential role of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in tumours progression. The approach the applicants propose to take is unexplored and potentially important to know when treating patients, ie what effect immune suppressive therapy will have on MDSC survival and migrations. Funding of $103,355 for one year was awarded.

Crosstalk between tumour cells and nerves-Cause of Perineural Invasion in Rectal Cancer?
Professor Richard Stubbs, Wakefield Gastroenterology Research Trust, Biomedical Research Unit

Professor Stubbs was awarded a one-year Grant in Aid of $84,778 over to explore the hypothesis that perineural involvement in rectal cancer is a major predictor of spread and hence poor outcome in rectal cancer, a major cancer in New Zealand. The applicants believe that the occurrence of perineural invasion will be associated with a particular protein composition and they seek to define that.

A bi-functional delivery to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer
Dr James Paxton, The University of Auckland

Dr Paxton’s research will try and enhance gemcitabine efficacy against pancreatic cancer, by co-encapsulating it with curcumin. The curcumin is used to inhibit the drug efflux-pump that may lead to gemcitabine resistance. Further, curcumin may increase delivery into tumour tissue and lessen delivery into normal tissues. He was awarded a Grant in Aid of $150,000 over 18 months.

How does chemotherapy alter the immunophenotype of glioblastoma multiforme?
Dr Melanie McConnell, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research

The applicants were awarded a Grant in Aid of $150,000 over 18 months to study the proposal that in aggressive brain cancers temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy affects the immunophenotype of cells that become resistant to TMZ. The immunophenotype of sensitive and resistant cells will be measured using various antibodies and standard methodologies.

Targeting the oestrogen-cohesin pathway in breast cancer
Dr Julia Horsfield, University of Otago, Dunedin School of Medicine

Dr Horsfield received a grant of $240,167 over two years to study the role of cohesin in the development of breast cancer. They postulate HDAC inhibitors may be used to treat oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancers which do not respond or become resistant to standard hormone treatment.

Regulation of the cell cycle by the oncoprotein YB-1
Professor Antony Braithwaite, University of Otago Dunedin

The applicants sought to explore the interations of various cell cycle proteins with the nuclear binding molecule YB-1. YB-1 has been associated with many different types of processes including tumour cell malignancy, normal cell survival and differentiation and embryonic cell development. They were awarded a grant of $247,967 over three years.

Genetic Predictors of Capecitabine Toxicity
Dr Parry Guilford, University of Otago, Dunedin

The applicants wish to screen for genetic polymorphisms which may identify patients who are at risk of developing severe side effects to capecitabine treatment of patients with bowel cancer. Dr Parry proposes screening capecitabine metabolism genes in non-malignant colorectal tissue and follow whether any variants can be associated with subsequent poor prognosis. Some funding for this research has been approved through a Lottery Health Grant in Aid, and the project was funded at $144,819 over two years.

Scientific Research Grants 2010

The following grants were awarded in 2010:

Targeting the CTR1 in Platinum Chemotherapy

Associate Professor Mark McKeage and Dr Liu Johnson, The University of Auckland.

The applicants were awarded $336,280 over three years to continue their studies into the mechanism of neurotoxicity which limits the use of platinum based chemotherapy agents, commonly used in many cancers.

RADAR Prostate Cancer Trial - First Endpoint Reporting and Pathology Review

Professor David Lamb and Professor Brett Delahunt, University of Otago, Wellington. The grant round approved $455,120 over three years to continue the previously funded RADAR trial exploring the relative value of different regimes of androgen deprivation in men with prostate cancer. In addition, the massed data collection and pathological reviews 2010-2012 will lead to the first end point reporting, critical to the success of the trial.

Phase III study of anastrozole given before and during RT vs after RT for breast cancer

Dr Maria Pearse and Dr David Porter, Auckland City Hospital. The Grant round approved $58,433 over two years as a contribution to the funding of an Australian and New Zealand Phase III trial on the use of Anastrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) "hormone treatment", in post menopausal women with hormone sensitive breast cancer who will receive both surgery and radiation treatment (RT). TROG is providing $232,251, and five New Zealand sites will contribute 10% to the Trans Tasman multi centre study.

Top Gear: Trial of preoperative Therapy for Gastric and Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma

Dr Christopher Jackson and Dr Shaun Costello, University of Otago, Dunedin School of Medicine. The applicants were awarded a grant in aid of $55,000 over two years for three cancer centres (Dunedin, Christchurch and Waikato) to enter 28 patients to a Phase II collaborative Group Trial investigating pre-operative treatment for gastric and oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma.

Interaction of DMXAA with oxaliplatin and paclitaxel in breast cancer cell lines

Dr Euphemia Leung and Professor Bruce Baguley, The University of Auckland. The Grant round approved $100,000 over two years for the applicants to research whether DMXAA with other agents will be synergistic in effect against tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cell lines.

The Clinical Importance of Altered Chromatin Dynamics in Tumour Progression

Dr Tracey Hale and Dr Alejandro Contreras, Massey University. This project aims to better define the role of linker histone H1 and the chromatin proteins constituting the HP1 family, in tumour progression. The work will ultimately lead to the identification of new and improved therapies, thereby improving the outcome for cancer patients. The applicants were awarded $246,091 over three years.

YB-1 and response to chemotherapeutics in Oestrogen Receptor Negative Breast Cancers

Dr Annette Lasham and Dr Cristin Print, The University of Auckland. The Grant round approved $291,520 over two years to investigate the role of YB-1 in breast cancer and in particular the hypothesis that YB1 over-expression confers chemo resistance. If that hypothesis is supported by the experiments proposed, treatment to reduce YB1 could enhance the effects of chemotherapy.

Genetic and genomic technologies - can they help us to improve survival from prostate cancer?

Professor Lynnette Ferguson and Dr Jonathan Masters, The University of Auckland. The applicants sought funding to investigate the basic hypothesis that the risk and nature of prostate cancer in New Zealand is dependent upon the pattern of variation of specific genes. A Grant in Aid of $300,000 over two years was awarded.

Scientific Research Grants 2009

The following scientific research grants were awarded for 2009:

To determine the optimal treatment for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Dr Maria Pearse and Professor Michael Findlay, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Auckland City Hospital. Pancreas cancer is the fifth most common cause of death in women and sixth in men. This Grant round approved $90,392 over three years to facilitate accrual of New Zealand patients into an international randomised clinical trial to find the best treatment in this cancer.

Developing peloruside as an anticancer agent

Professor John Miller and Dr Anne La Flamme, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington. Peloruside is a bacterial product manufactured from a marine sponge growing in Pelorus Sound. This Grant round approved $200,000 over two years to further refine the product so it can be used in clinical trials, probably first in lung cancer. It clearly has a uniquely Kiwi flavour.

To improve the health and quality of life of prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy by programmed physical activity

Dr Justin Keogh and Dr Daniel Shepherd, School of Sport and Recreation, AUT University, Auckland. Money from this Grant round will be used by the investigator to explore how to best get men with prostate cancer into exercise programmes and how they may stay in it. Men on hormone treatment for prostate cancer lose some strength and exercise may reverse this.

To continue the group's examination of molecular and genetic changes associated with leukaemia and their potential significances by using modern DNA profiling technology

Associate Professor Christine Morris and Dr Ursula Jewell, Cancer Genetics Research Group, University of Otago, Christchurch. This year's Grant round continues to support the salary and some expenses of Professor Morris' long standing work investigating the molecular and genetic changes associated with leukaemia. The CSNZ and the Canterbury / West Coast Division of CSNZ have supported this group's research for many years and have committed $200,000 over two years.

To support thalidomide-like compounds in the treatment of myeloma that may be less toxic and as effective as thalidomide

Associate Professor Lai-Ming Ching and Associate Professor Brian Palmer, Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Auckland. This established and productive group was granted $130,000 to aid further development of a group of thalidomide like compounds discovered in the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Auckland. In the 1950s thalidomide taken by mothers during pregnancy caused damage to the blood supply of growing limbs. More recently thalidomide has been helpful in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma. These new compounds may be less toxic and more effective than thalidomide.

To support investigation of the role of WTX mutations and the development of Wilms Tumours

Dr Ryuji Fukuzawa and Professor Tony Reeve, Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin. The CSNZ will contribute $50,000 towards research investigating why an identical genetic mutation can in some patients cause a cancer of the kidney in children (Wilms Tumour) but in others a bone abnormality, which is not a cancer, occurs and the Wilms Tumour does not. Investigating when the timing of the mutation occurs could lead to a theraputic treatment of this childhood cancer.

To identify markers in T cells that can be used to distinguish between those that do provide good anti-tumour rejections, from those that do not, that may guide vaccination strategies

Professor Franca Ronchese and Dr Pisana Rawson, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington. A better understanding on how markers on T cells predict for anti-cancer treatment and could be used ultimately in an anti-cancer vaccine is a long held dream of this prolific research team at the Malaghan Institute. Their work will be facilitated by a grant of $120,000 in 2009.

To research the use of glycolipids in prompting immune responses against cancers

Dr Bridget Stocker and Dr Mattie Timmer, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington. This group, also from the Malaghan Institute is looking at a different way of prompting an immune fight against cancers. They are researching how novel glycolipids strengthen anti T-cell responses. The CSNZ will support the project to the tune of $240,000 over two years.

Research in TES (the gene for Testin) and its role in the development of childhood accute lymphoblastic leukaemia (childhood ALL)

Professor Ian Morison and Robert Weeks, Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin. The Otago & Southland Division of CSNZ will support this group's research into a compound called testin which may have a role in the cause of childhood ALL. The work uses a facinating model - the zebrafish - which has many of the genomic structure of humans. The work will be supported by a grant of $150,000 over two years.

Scientific Research Grants 2008

The following scientific research grants were awarded for 2008:

Using the Power of Mycobacteria to boost anti-tumour immunity

Professor Franca Ronchese, Malaghan Institute of Cancer Research in Wellington was awarded $400,000 over two years, to investigate the anti-tumour effect of BCG and dendritic cells loaded with tumour antigen, to determine whether intra-tumoural administration of BCG, activates dendritic cells.

Targeting tumour stem cells to improve immunotherapy

Dr Ian Hermans of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research was awarded $600,000 over three years to direct anti- tumour immune responses against tumour stem cells and thereby obtain long term tumour free survival in high grade brain cancers where currently there is no curative therapy. Immunotherapy approaches avoid drug resistance and also DNA repair mechanisms, both important in glioblastoma (GBM).

Therapeutic enhancement of the p53 tumour suppressor pathway

Professor Bruce Baguley of the Auckland Cancer Research Centre was awarded $200,000 over two to further investigate the tumour suppressor role of p53 which makes it an ideal target for designing anticancer drugs. Loss of p53 function contributes to the survival of many tumours and also to resistance to treatment.

Role of insulin resistance in tumour angiogenesis and colon cancer survival

Dr Margaret Currie of the University of Otago, Christchurch was awarded $80,968 over three years to examine the hypothesis that the metabolic environment associated with diabetes is angiogenic and that this leads to more aggressive growth of large bowel cancers.

Pilot study on optimising selenium intake for cancer prevention -
Year 3

Professor Lynn Fergusson, Auckland University, was awarded $218,992 for the 2008/09 year to complete the final year of a three year study, previously funded for two years by CSNZ, which aims to investigate whether personalised selenium supplementation can reduce the risk of cancer as estimated by surrogate biomarkers.

Probing the molecular targets of isothiocyanates

Dr Mark Hampton of the University of Otago, Christchurch, was awarded $115,551 over two to identify molecular targets responsible for the induction of apoptosis by isothiocyanates. A further aim is to validate these protein targets and identify the amino acid residues responsible for their interaction with isothiocyanates.

Understanding the issues faced by cancer survivors

Dr Don Baken of Massey University, Palmerston North was awarded $36,482 for the 2008/09 year to investigate the issues facing cancer survivors in New Zealand. The project leverages off a funded, longitudinal study investigating health, work and retirement issues in a large group of New Zealanders.

Crosstalk between P13-kinase and Ras allows bi-directional regulation of common powerful oncogenes

Dr Claire Chaussade of Auckland University was awarded $173,449 over two years to study the interactions of P13-kinase and RAS signalling in cancer. These two genes are most often mutated in tumours and both are exciting targets for cancer therapies. The applicants will investigate the novel hypothesis that the two oncogenes actually regulate each other in a bidirectional way via the protein kinase activity of P13-kinase rather than working by activating parallel signalling pathways.

High resolution DNA screening for hidden genetic changes that cause leukaemia

Dr Ursula Jewell, Cancer Genetics Research Group, Otago University Christchurch, was awarded a grant of $194,320 for the 2008.09 year to use high resolution DNA profiling to discover genetic changes that underlie and cause acute leukaemia (ALL) that are currently undetectable by existing diagnostic assays ; and to establish array comparative genomic hybridization techniques for the diagnosis of ALL and related medication conditions

Scientific Research Grants 2007

Towards more effective treatment of glioblastoma (brain cancer)

Dr Ian Hermans, of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in Wellington, was awarded $704,439 over three years to explore the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma, the commonest brain cancer in adults.

Training Scholarships

In addition to its research grants, the Cancer Society has also offered the following training scholarships:

Ms Antionette Lee, The University of Auckland
Ms Virginia Ip, The University of Auckland
Ms Roseanne Rosario, The University of Auckland
Taryn Osmond, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research
Jennifer Liang, Auckland University Department of General Surgery
Primal Singh, Auckland University, Department of Surgery
Francesco Mainini, Otago University, Pathology Department
Heather Heron-Speirs, Massey University, School of Psychology
Rebecca Smith, University of Auckland, Department of Surgery

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