GARVAN INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH

Qualitative study identifies barriers to population genomic screening for breast/prostate cancer risk using the COM-B model, highlighting varied needs for implementation strategies to support uptake and risk-management options.

Prof. David Thomas won the NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research, focusing on precision oncology. UNSW’s A/Prof. Mei Ling Yap received the Improving Equitable Outcomes Award for her work on cancer care access.

MCRI Professor Enzo Porrello awarded $5M by NHMRC to study genetic causes of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), aiming to develop new treatments. The five-year Synergy Grant will integrate genomics, proteomics, stem cell modeling, patient data, and AI tools to create a platform for potential drug treatments. The research will use human heart tissue grown from stem cells to address gaps in DCM understanding and develop precision therapies.

Durvalumab, with or without oleclumab, added to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and SBRT doubled pathologic complete response rates in high-risk HR-positive breast cancer patients, particularly in PD-L1–negative and node-positive subgroups, according to the Neo-CheckRay trial presented at ESMO Congress 2024.

Single-cell analysis reveals genetic diversity within populations, aiding in understanding disease mechanisms and advancing precision medicine. Technological advancements enable multiomic measurements, enhancing resolution and accuracy. Challenges include data complexity and integration into clinical settings, though efforts are underway to democratize access and standardize approaches.

A clinical trial investigating semaglutide for type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Sydney is recruiting adults aged 25-70 with a BMI above 25, risk factors for heart disease, and diagnosed with T1D at least 2 years ago. The RESET1 study aims to test if semaglutide, used for type 2 diabetes, improves heart health in T1D patients by reducing cardiometabolic risk. Participants will receive semaglutide or a placebo weekly for 26 weeks, undergoing tests and scans at the Garvan Institute. Benefits include learning about metabolism and contributing to T1D research advancements. JDRF Australia funds lead researcher Dr Jennifer Snaith, a recipient of the Rebecca Davies Fellowship.