Predictive significance of tumor hypoxia in patients with head and neck cancer treated on a randomized trial [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Danny Rischin (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Quynh Le ,  Prof Grant Mcarthur ,  Prof Rodney Hicks

Brief description Some patients who receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer are not cured because their cancer cells are starved of oxygen that limits the ability of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy to kill the cancer cells. In this research project we will determine if measurement of low oxygen in the cancer will predict response to a novel cancer drug tirapazamine that selectively kills cells that are starved of oxygen. Low oxygen will be assessed by special scans, blood tests and by performing molecular tests on cancer specimens. Success in this project may mean that we can identify patients who will most benefit from this treatment.

Funding Amount $AUD 512,931.42

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant