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Centre for Cancer research Student ProjectsCancer Metastases Research ProjectsMolecular mediators of bladder cancer metastasis The spread of cancer (metastasis) is the major cause of death in most cancer types, and new therapies to prevent and treat metastatic cancer are clearly needed. We have used gene expression microarray analysis to identify candidate molecules involved in this process in bladder cancer. This project will investigate the role of these molecules in metastasis using molecular biology and protein analysis techniques, cell culture, mouse models of bladder cancer and a cohort of human bladder cancer specimens. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men. The most frequent site of prostate cancer metastasis (spread) is to the lymph nodes. We have established a panel of systems to study the interaction of prostate cancer cells with the endothelial cells of prostatic lymphatic vessels. This project aims to identify key molecules involved in this process. This project will use a number of fluorescent imaging techniques to monitor tumour cell interactions in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression levels of important molecules will be manipulated using molecular biology techniques, and protein expression followed in a number of different formats (including Western blotting and ELISA). Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men. Upon disease progression prostate cancer typically spreads to lymph nodes and bone. Bone metastases are currently incurable and contribute significantly to disease-specific morbidity and mortality. This project aims to develop new strategies to treat and/or image bone metastatic prostate cancer. Tumour growth and interaction with bone will be imaged using a number of techniques including fluorescence and X-ray modalities. |