Research outline - Biospecimens Research Group and Tumour Bank
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Research program
Research based on tumour bank specimens has been expanded and current projects within the Tumour Bank include:
- Molecular diagnosis of childhood malignancy using microarray technology
- The Pathology Support Laboratory
1. Molecular diagnosis of childhood malignancy using microarray technology
Currently, the pathological examination of tumour tissue, along with additional laboratory information from cellular studies forms the basis for diagnosis. This allows for the detection of cancer often when the patients display critical symptoms and where the cancer is at an advanced or aggressive stage. In many cases the patients will then be required to undergo highly intensive, but sometimes ineffectual, treatment. Through improved understanding of how tumour and patient genetics differ and how this effects cancer progression and patient outcome, we will open up new possibilities for cancer treatment.
New molecular technologies, along with bioinformatics, are being developed and these will enable researchers to more readily examine the genetic profiles of tumours and patients. This will allow for the specific classification of cancer, which is essential in guiding treatment. With the advent of 'microarray' technology, it is now feasible to analyse greater than 10,000 genes in one experiment, creating a profiles for the particular tumour sample. The aim of the overall project is to use data mining of large sets of biological data generated from high-through-put technologies to assist (i) biological researchers in understanding the genetic mechanisms governing the disease and (ii) clinicians in understanding how new patients will respond to different treatments.
2. The Pathology Support Laboratory
Vital to using human tissue in research applications are the availability of specialised research-oriented histopathology services. The availability of such specialised histopathology services are currently limited with cancer researchers often relying on collaborative relationships and goodwill with hospital pathologists whose time is often limited. More recently, new technologies have been developed which are designed to facilitate translational research using human tissue, but require specialised technical expertise.
Within the Children's Hospital at Westmead Tumour Bank we have established a Pathology Support Laboratory (PSL) to assist NSW cancer researchers and those working with the Australasian Biospecimens Network - Oncology, to facilitate research through the provision of specialised expertise in research-based tissue handling techniques. The PSL supports cancer researchers accessing tissue stored via the Australasian Biospecimens Network through
- the provision of basic tissue sectioning and standard stains, as well as high through-put immunohistochemistry for known or novel targets.
- the creation of tissue microarrays which will allow for the simultaneous examination of hundred of tissue 'spots' arranged on a microscope slide.
- the provision of a digital platform for scanning microscope slides which generate high resolution images of tissue sections, which can be viewed at remote sites via the internet, facilitating pathology review by experts around the world, and thus enabling researchers access 'virtual' microscopy facilities.
Research support (2008/09)
National Health and Medical Research Council Enabling Grant ($1.75 million over 6 years)
Cancer Institute of NSW Infrastructure Grant ($405,880 over 5 years)
Australian Rotary Health Research Fund Scholarship ($75,000 over 3 years)
Cancer Institute of NSW Innovation Grant ($48,380 over 1 year)
Cancer Institute of NSW Infrastructure Grant ($300,000 over 1 year)
Cancer Institute of NSW Research Equipment Grant ($979,371 over 1 year)
Cancer Institute of NSW Infrastructure Grant ($330,000 over 1 year)
NSW Cancer Council Project Grant ($90,000 over 3 years)
University of Sydney International Visiting Research Fellowship Scheme ($20,000 over 1 year)
University of Technology Sydney, Challenge Grant ($45,600 over 1 year)
University of Technology Sydney Partnership Grant Scheme ($30,000 over 1 year)
National Health and Medical Research Council Enabling Grant ($2.0 million over 5 years)
