Combined expression analysis and SNP-based measurement of copy number variation in ovarian cancer. [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof David Bowtell (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Anna Defazio

Brief description For a woman with advanced ovarian cancer, the degree and duration of her response to platinum agents is probably the single most important determinant of her chance of survival for an extended period. At the moment we cannot accurately predict that response and, despite a great deal of effort, we don't understand what controls her initial response to treatment and almost inevitable relapse with platinum-refractory disease. In recent years it has become possible to measure the patterns of activity of thousands of genes simultaneously using microfabricated devices known as microarrays. As aberrant gene activity is a major determinant of tumour growth and drug sensitivity, we expect that such information will provide an insight into the dynamics of tumour growth and lead to tests that are predictive of treatment response and survival. Indeed, there are now a number of examples of solid cancers where microarray-based expression information is predictive of outcome and in breast cancer such information is being actively developed as a clinical tool. Our proposed research is based on the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS), which is a national study established in January 2003 through a US Department of Defense CDMRP-OCRP Program grant. In just over 24 months AOCS has become the largest study of its kind in the world and represents a powerful bioresource for the molecular analysis of ovarian cancer. The objective of this application is to extend microarray analysis of AOCS serous ovarian cancer cases, particularly focusing on women with primary and acquired platinum resistance. Platinum resistance is the major barrier to long-term remissions in women with ovarian cancer. High-resolution genomic analysis of a large number of well-selected cases with linked outcome data should provide an extremely valuable molecular dataset for ovarian cancer.

Funding Amount $AUD 440,124.54

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant