Menzies Undertaking ‘World Class Prostate Cancer Research’

World-class research is occurring under the leadership of Associate Professor Liesel FitzGerald at the Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchAl, says Cancer Councl CEO Alison Lai.

“The research is underway to determine the role of genetics in choosing what treatment may work best for men diagnosed with prostate cancer,” Lai said.

“This research is a part of the BIOPC study (Biomarkers to Improve Outcomes in Prostate Cancer) and has been ongoing for almost 10 years.

“Its aim is to better understand how our genetics could influence how people respond differently to prostate cancer treatments. For example, one man receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer may respond well, with the treatment curing his cancer and minimal side effects.

“The research’s aim is to be able to test a man before he starts treatment to determine what would work best for him – in terms of a cure and treatment-related side effects.”

Lai said the second research project, led by Dr Kelsie Raspin, is entitled PC4PC-TAS (Precision Care for Men with Prostate Cancer in Tasmania), investigating how men with high-grade prostate cancer could benefit from germline genetic testing.

“High-grade prostate cancer is when the cancer cells grow and spread more quickly than usual. They also often become resistant to the standard form of treatment for this type of cancer, called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

“Excitingly, there are now new forms of treatment available, including gene-based therapies called PARP inhibitors that are helping to slow the progression of these cancers.”

Dr Kelsie’s research will investigate whether Tasmanian men with high-grade prostate cancer, but without metastatic disease, have genetic changes that make them eligible for PARP inhibitors. This information could be used to identify men who may be eligible for new treatments as they become available in the future.

To date, 78 Tasmanian men with high-grade prostate cancer have been recruited to Dr Kelsie’s study, and she welcomes more participants.

“Every day almost 10 Tasmanians are diagnosed with cancer, resulting in a huge impact on our community,” Lai said.

“A crucial part of our Cancer Council Tasmania’s Mission is to invest in cancer research to reduce the incidence and impact of all cancers on all Tasmanians.

“For more than 20 years, Cancer Council Tasmania has invested more than $7 million in cancer research to support the work of talented local researchers like Liesel and Kelsie.”