GARVANGARVAN NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY AUGUST 20092011 / ISSUE 0117 11 breakthrough inside this issue In one of the most promising immunology developments in recent years, Garvan scientists Drs Helen McGuire and From the CEO 2 Cecile King have developed a reagent A legacy that lasts 2 with the potential to prevent rejection of transplanted -producing cells in Opinion 3 people with Type 1 diabetes. Speak peek inside the 3 To restore insulin production, people new Kinghorn Cancer receive transplanted clusters of insulin- Centre producing cells from the pancreas known as ‘Islets of Langerhans’. Staff Profile: 4 However, factors that impact this Mara-Jean Tilley process include the fragility of islets, the body rejecting donor cells, and the high- Donor Profile: 4 toxicity of anti-rejection drugs. Plus, the MLC’s commitment has person still has Type 1 diabetes. This significant impact new reagent was given to diabetic mice for two weeks, starting the day before MSD licenses Garvan’s 4 the islet transplantation. It allowed mice Fracture Risk Calculator to accept the donor cells as their own with no need for immunosuppressive Researcher Profile: 5 drugs, and no Type 1 diabetes – Dr Goli Samimi permanently. Collaborating to create 5

Dr Cecile King and Dr Helen McGuire new cancer drugs Garvan Shines at 6 making news Inaugural Gala

C Breast cancer cells create In a retrospective study of 147 women Can we cure cancer 8 conditions for their own survival by from a gestational diabetes clinic at within 20 years communicating their needs to healthy Westmead Hospital, 41% were Vitamin cells around them. Garvan researchers D deficient. The study also showed that Ask Garvan 10 have identified a new way of turning the lower the Vitamin D level, the worse Sip for Science: 10 off this communication. A molecule the woman’s blood sugar control. If the Host a Garvan High Tea known as ‘hedgehog’ is at the centre deficiency is identified and boosted of the switchboard in breast cancer, during pregnancy, it may improve Last chance to support 10 transmitting biochemical signals glucose tolerance, and in turn reduce Garvan at City2Surf between the cancer cells and healthy complications like caesarian sections, cells. When this conversation is very large babies at birth, and babies Avner Foundation: 11 blocked, tumours shrink and stop that have low blood sugars. Turning heartbreak into their spread. This finding applies to hope all breast cancers, but is particularly C Two biomarkers have been relevant for women with basal breast identified that appear to have the Clinical studies 12 cancer, for which there is no current ability to predict patient survival after targeted therapy. Drugs for silencing surgery for pancreatic cancer before Coming up 12 hedgehog are already undergoing the operation even takes place. It is the In memoriam 12 Phase 2 clinical trials in other cancer first predictive tool of its kind for this types. deadly cancer. The biomarkers are the proteins S100A2 and S100A4. Absence C Researchers have identified of both proteins results in average These biomarkers could help ensure widespread Vitamin D deficiency in post-operative survival of nearly three that the right treatment is given to pregnant women as well as a strong years. Presence of both proteins the right patient without delay, and association between low Vitamin D results in survival of less than a year. unnecessary side-effects avoided by levels and gestational diabetes. not using ineffective therapies. breakthrough11 From the CEO

Welcome to the winter issue of the within twenty years? We also meet one of Breakthrough newsletter. You may our researchers, Dr Goli Samimi, who is have noticed that this issue is larger leading our ovarian cancer team. As you than previous issues. This is due to the will read, her research into this devastating increasing number of breakthroughs disease is progressing at a great pace here at the Garvan Institute of Medical due to a combination of government Research, and also due to the increasing and community support. This month we number of people, companies and are joining with our friends at Research organisations offering to support its world- on a new fundraising campaign – class work. As such, we wanted to profile Cook for a Cure – a fun way to raise funds some of these for you in greater detail. to support the vital work of Dr Samimi and her team. In my first few months here at the Garvan To a ll of our supporters, thank you for your I have been impressed by the passion of Our donor spotlight is on the wonderful generous and ongoing support. Without our donors and supporters, as well as their Michael and Joy Foulsham who are not your passion and commitment we would commitment to the quality and depth of just generous current donors, but have not be able to continue our world-class the science that is undertaken here. also joined our Partners for the Future work. program. This means that they have In this issue we shine the spotlight on left a bequest to the Garvan Research Yours sincerely, our immunology programs and also ask Foundation in their wills. Such generosity the vital question, can we cure cancer Andrew Giles is truly visionary. Garvan Research Foundation A legacy that lasts

Michael and Joy Foulsham have been donating to the Garvan for many years, and over those years have become increasingly passionate about its research and discoveries. It’s a passion that comes from first-hand experience. Since 1989, Mrs Foulsham has been treated for osteoporosis by Professor

John Eisman AO, Director of the Michael and Joy Foulsham Garvan’s bone research program. Mrs Foulsham says, “We think it’s really The couple has left a lasting legacy to have changed by the time your estate important to support the work of the the Garvan in their will. Mrs Foulsham is realised. I personally think it’s safer Garvan. We’ve become more involved in says that the Garvan has meant so much to bequest a percentage of your estate, recent years, and we are so impressed to them over the years – the decision to rather than a set dollar figure.” leave a bequest was not difficult at all. by the researchers we meet. They The Garvan sincerely thanks Mr and Mrs are such hard working and dedicated “I would say that people need to think Foulsham for their ongoing commitment people.” carefully about how they go about to the work of the Institute. If you would Mr Foulsham adds, “They seem to be leaving a bequest,” says Michael like more information about leaving producing really worthwhile research Foulsham. “As we’ve seen recently, a bequest to the Garvan in your will, results. Almost weekly we hear finances can change in the blink of an please contact Carol O’Carroll on something in the news about important eye, so while you might be in a position 02 9295 8117, or email research coming out of the Garvan.” to bequest a certain dollar figure when [email protected] you make your will, that situation might 3 / breakthrough 11

opinion

A month before the recent Federal Budget, the Australian medical research community was extremely concerned about rumoured cuts of $400m to the National Health and Medical Research Council budget – the primary source of funding for Australian medical research. Already a highly competitive process with only 30% of grant applications judged worthy of funding being supported, such a budget cut would have had devastating and long term effects of the viability of Australian Sneak peek inside the new research. Fortunately there was a swift and Kinghorn Cancer Centre passionate response across the nation with researchers being joined by patients, community groups and the Construction is progressing well on the new Kinghorn Cancer Centre. We corporate sector to remind government are pleased to offer you a sneak peek of the interior of the centre. One of of the critical role played by medical the pioneering design features is that it has been devised from the patient’s research in underpinning the excellence perspective. In addition to a focus on sunlight and landscaping, the building is of our health care system and our designed so the patient treatment areas on the lower floors can see the research quality of life. activities on the upper levels through the central stairwell. This creates true In , Garvan took the lead by connectivity between the clinical and research endeavours of the building. organising a rally in Belmore Park For more information about the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, or to make a donation on 12 April that was attended by and play your part in building this world-class facility, visit many hundreds of supporters, as www.thekinghorncancercentre.org.au well as media. Due in large part to this, and similar rallies around the country, plus an ongoing campaign that included letters, emails, tweets, Facebook updates, petitions, YouTube messages and blogs, the message was received loud and clear. The Federal Government, recognising that a vibrant medical research enterprise is central to health care reform and keeping people out of hospital, maintained NHMRC funding in the budget. The Federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, The Hon Mark Butler MP, also announced a review of federal medical research funding, for which the sector will be consulted about the terms of reference. These are to be decided by mid-2012. Thank you to all who were active in supporting the call to maintain funding. You can be proud that your passion and persistence has made a difference.

Professor John Shine AO FAA Executive Director breakthrough11 Staff profile: Mara-Jean Tilley Breakthrough welcomes Mara-Jean Tilley to the Garvan Research Foundation

communications, proposals and reports. What are you most looking forward to in Can you please give us a brief outline of We also aim to create opportunities for your first six months at the Garvan? your recent work history? engagement so that Garvan contributors can As someone who is personally passionate Most relevantly, I worked with the Sydney see first-hand the very work their generous about philanthropy and medical science, Theatre Company for seven and a half years. contributions enable. the opportunity to work for the Garvan is the During that time, I held a number of roles, manifestation of my dream job. I’m looking including Foundation Executive, Foundation What inspires you about the work of the forward to getting to know the Garvan Coordinator, Sponsorship Coordinator, Garvan? Research Foundation’s many supporters Development Assistant, Sydney Theatre So many things! It is immensely rewarding as well as to introducing new people to the Customer Service Supervisor, and Customer to work in an organisation dedicated to work of the Garvan. I also plan to continue Service Assistant. improving the lives of others, and one that meeting with Garvan’s many scientists to consistently strives for excellence in all that What does your role at the Garvan learn more about their disease interests, it does. Unfortunately, almost everyone will involve? research groups and projects. be touched (directly or indirectly) by the As Relationship Manager for the Garvan challenge and upheaval of the diseases What do you enjoy doing in your spare Research Foundation, I have the pleasure that Garvan researches. What really sets time? of liaising with a broad section of our Garvan apart is the vast array of diseases Spending time with loved ones, singing, philanthropic and corporate supporter base it investigates and the collaborative reading, catching a live show (theatre or alongside Senior Relationship Manager environment it encourages. It really is a true music), watching documentaries/films, Gabriella Lang, and CEO Andrew Giles. It privilege to come to work each day to be walking at dawn (often and conveniently is our job to ensure our donors, corporate surrounded by many of the world’s leading impeded by the fact I’m not a morning sponsors, trusts and foundations, as well medical scientists and to feel I’m doing my person). as those interested in becoming supporters small (albeit humble) part for the cause. of the Garvan, receive the appropriate Donor Profile: MLC’s commitment has significant impact MLC has been a generous supporter of the MLC Cell Sorter and Flow Facility. This flow facility is essential to the work of Garvan since 1987. Throughout the years, the Garvan, and is used by all five research This facility comprises high speed cell this commitment has had a great impact on programs within the Institute, as well as the sorters to allow the separation of up to four Garvan’s capacity for significant scientific Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, St populations of cell types from any body fluid breakthroughs. Vincent’s Hospital, University of New South or tissue suspension. The pure population Wales, University of Technology Sydney and St In 2004, when National Australia Bank and of cells, separated on the basis of multiple George Hospital. In fact, last year alone, there MLC merged, MLC Community Foundation phenotypic and functional characteristics, can was an amazing 4,800 bookings for the facility. continued its commitment to medical science then be grown as pure cultures, used to extract by pledging $1 million over five years to the RNA or DNA for genetic analyses, or implanted All Garvan research groups are extremely Garvan. Then, in 2008, MLC Community into animal models, for functional assays and grateful to MLC Community Foundation for its Foundation again pledged $1 million for the therapeutics. generous and ongoing support. MSD licenses Garvan’s Fracture Risk Calculator

Garvan has recently licensed the Fracture Program in Australia. MSD plans to work If you are 60 years or over, you can Risk Calculator algorithm created by Prof with general practitioners using the iPads calculate your personal fracture risk now John Eisman and Dr Tuan Nguyen to Merck containing the Fracture Risk Calculator in online at www.fractureriskcalculator.com Sharpe & Dohme (MSD). MSD is preparing order to help close the treatment gap that an iPad application that will be used as currently exists within osteoporosis. part of its National Bone Health Review 5 / breakthrough 11

Researcher Profile: Dr Goli Samimi

confined to the ovary. Cancer screening discriminate between ovarian cancer and early detection have the potential to patients and healthy controls. greatly improve survival. Our next step is to see whether we see Our efforts focus on studying alterations similar results when measuring DNA in free circulating DNA (fcDNA) in methylation in blood, which is a more plasma. In cancer patients, fcDNA is suitable and direct way to examine and derived from, and contains some of measure potential biomarkers. the same molecular changes as the What is the biggest challenge in tumour. For example, we can detect your area of research? DNA methylation, an alteration which can occur early during the cancer As is the case with most biomedical progress, at the same sites in both research, funding is always a challenge. fcDNA and tumour DNA of women We’ve been very lucky to receive great with ovarian cancer. Therefore, we support from the Garvan Research believe that DNA methylation changes Foundation and its supporters. More which have occurred in the tumour specifically, we are constantly reminded can be detectable in the fcDNA shed of the fact that cancer is not a single from the tumour into the blood stream. disease, so no matter how much Identifying these alterations may be a we learn and how much progress promising approach for developing a we make, there is always more to What is the current focus of your non-invasive test for ovarian cancer. understand and achieve. work? What are some of the recent What do you enjoy doing away from The major focus of the Ovarian Cancer findings of your work? the lab? Group is early detection of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most In collaboration with the Epigenetics I’ve been taking improv classes for a lethal gynaecological malignancy and Group here at the Garvan, we’ve few years and used to perform with the sixth leading cause of cancer death evaluated the potential for altered a troupe while I was in the US, so I’m in Australian women. Unfortunately DNA methylation patterns to serve as hoping to continue that here. I’m also a patients are typically diagnosed biomarkers for ovarian cancer. We’ve big fan of live theatre and cinema. Since late, when the cancer has spread examined the DNA methylation patterns arriving in Sydney, I’m learning to surf, and complete surgical removal isn’t in ovarian tumours of 10 genes which and I also enjoy jogging, swimming, possible. The five-year survival time are frequently methylated in cancer and spinning and pilates. for patients diagnosed at this stage is found that methylation of the DLEC1 less than 20%, compared to a five- gene was linked to survival. In addition, year survival of 90% if the cancer is we found that methylation of two genes diagnosed early, while the tumour is still (HOXA9 and EN1) may be able to

Collaborating to create new cancer drugs

Garvan has recently entered Under the collaboration, into an exciting collaboration Auckland University is with Professor Bill Denny’s generating new drug-like Garvan’s Ovarian Cancer group has been selected as one of the renowned medicinal chemistry compounds that block the recipients of Research Australia’s Cook for a Cure fundraising team at Auckland University to activity of this protein which campaign. Throughout August friends, family, and work generate new therapeutics for are then tested at Garvan to colleagues share a meal to support their chosen research area. cancer. Garvan has identified optimise a potent and safe drug To find out how you can become a Cook for a Cure host, and a novel protein which plays an for clinical testing. important role in cancer and help support Garvan’s research into ovarian cancer, visit may be blocked to treat cancer. www.cookforacure.com.au breakthrough11

Garvan Shines at Inaugural Gala

The Garvan’s inaugural Gala celebrated and honoured the achievements of Professor John Shine, Executive Director of the Garvan Institute, who is retiring later in 2011, following more that 20 years as a mentor and inspiration to countless scientists who have passed through the doors of Garvan.

Guests were in suspense throughout the evening as one-by- one, each guest who had purchased a key to the “locked box” tried their luck, in the hope of winning the contents – a spectacular pair of Paspaley South Sea pearl earrings with pavé set diamonds in 750 white gold, valued at $5,980.

Bidding was fierce throughout the live auction for money can’t buy items. These included having Rockpool, Rockpool Bar and Grill and Spice Temple chef, Neil Perry cooking in your home; lunch with Sir Michael Parkinson CBE on the luxury cruiser, Ghost on Sydney Harbour; a weekend of wining, dining and pampering, courtesy of John Singleton AM; a Leo Robba original artwork and art workshop courtesy of Leo Robba and King Street Gallery on William; and a beautifully framed colour print of your DNA profile, and that of three of your friends or family, courtesy of the Garvan Institute. We extend our sincere thanks to all those who generously donated prizes, products and services for this wonderful evening.

The event raised funds for the John Shine Translational Research Fund to enable clinicians to participate directly in research, which was established to honour Professor Shine’s contribution to the scientific community. While he will be retiring as Executive Director of the Institute, he will continue to research and nurture young minds in his lab at the Institute. We wish Professor Shine all the best for this new and exciting chapter.

Mr Simon Mordant (Garvan Institute Board Member) and chef, Mr Neil Perry 7 / breakthrough 11

Garvan Research Foundation Chairman, Mr Geoff Dixon and chef, Mr Neil Perry

Prof John Shine AO, FAA, The Hon Nicola Roxon MP Minister for Health and Ageing, and Garvan Institute Chairman, Mr William (Bill) Ferris AC

Singer and entertainer Bernadette Robinson, accompanied by Paul Noonan, wowed the audience.

Prof John Shine AO, FAA, Mrs Jill and Mr John Kinghorn, and NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney The Hon Barry O’Farrell MP breakthrough11 Can we cure cancer within 20 years? Facts about cancer and medical research

In the past 20 years, the burden of The number of treatments has People make a difference cancer in Australia has been reduced increased through research, education, early • We all hope that a cure for detection and improved treatments. • The growing understanding of cancer can be found quickly, However in 2011, cancer still has the basic biology of cancer in but what is slowing our quest a major impact on the Australian the last 20 years has allowed for a cancer cure? One key community through illness, mortality the development of ‘targeted’ factor is the number of scientists and costs. therapies directed at specific performing the research. molecular targets or a class of Funding for more scientists will So, are we winning the war on molecular targets in cancer cells. significantly increase the rate cancer? of discovery over the next two • This is particularly true for breast decades. Over the last 20 years, enormous cancer. In Australia, five year improvements have been made in survival was 88% for women • In 1986, 5% of the Australian the understanding of cancer and in diagnosed with breast cancer population had attained a the development of highly targeted in 2006 compared with 73% for university degree or higher7. By treatments. While it is difficult to women diagnosed in 19872. 2006, this number had grown predict exactly what the next 20 years It is the introduction of new to more than 11%. In concert will bring, we should soon be able to drugs, such as tamoxifen and with an increase in university stop the development of cancer in herceptin, which has contributed graduates, Garvan staff numbers its tracks. While people will still get most to the reduction in number have grown from 230 to just cancer, they shouldn’t die from it. of deaths from breast cancer3. over 500 in the last 10 years. An increase in the number of Cancer survival rate has • More men are surviving prostate researchers and students is significantly increased in the last 20 cancer. Improved surgical good news for the Garvan and 1 years therapy and the introduction it is great news for scientific of novel drug therapies have progress. • Although the incidence of cancer improved survival rates by is rising (largely due to an almost 30% in the last 20 years5. New technologies are speeding up ageing population), the survival In 2007, the risk of a man dying the discovery process rate is increasing. In the 1980s, from prostate cancer up to the the five-year survival rate for age of 75 was less than 1%.”1. • 20 years ago, few of the tools Australian cancer patients was that scientists have available 47%. In 2004 it was 61%. • With the introduction of novel today to study genes, proteins surgical and therapeutic options, and how they interact, even • In the last 20 years, the risk of a we have seen a 4% decline existed. Polymerase chain male dying from cancer by age in the number of deaths from reaction, a very popular 75 was significantly reduced colorectal cancer in the last 10 technique that gave rise to the from 1:6 to 1:8. years with an increase in overall field of sequencing and cloning, • In 1987, the risk of a female survival from as little as eight wasn’t invented until 1983. dying from cancer by 75 years of months in 1997 to 30 months in 20074. • In the late 1990s it became age was 1:9. By 1997, this had possible to measure the level reduced to 1:10 and in 2007 we • A new drug, PLX4032 has shown of expression of thousands saw a large reduction in risk to great promise for some patients of genes at the same time. 1:12. with late-stage melanoma. In a This technology has allowed Phase I clinical trial of patients us to understand that it is not with late-stage melanoma, individual genes that determine approximately 80% of patients cancer, or even a handful of showed partial to complete genes, but hundreds or even regression of cancer6. thousands of genes that form a complex network of interactions. 9 / breakthrough 11

Breast carcinoma A normal duct

• Completed in 2003, the Human • Some of the greatest References Genome Project took 13 years achievements have been in the and $2.7 billion US to unravel the area of childhood cancers. 20 1 AIHW, CA (Cancer Australia) & AACR complete sequence of human years ago, childhood leukemia (Australasian Association of Cancer Registries) 2008. Cancer survival DNA. In recent years, advances was fatal for more than 40% of and prevalence in Australia: cancers 1 in sequencing technology have the children with the disease . diagnosed from 1982 to 2004. Cancer brought the cost of a single Today the five-year survival rate series no. 42. Cat. No. CAN 38. genome sequence down from for Australian children is 83%. nearly $1 million in 2007 to 2 AIHW Breast Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2009. Cat. no. CAN 46 less than $10,000 in 2011. A The final frontier – fighting complete sequence today can metastatic cancer 3 Desai R. 2009. The Evolution of take as little as four weeks. Breast Tumor Therapeutics – A review. • We still have limited treatments Hypothesis, 7(1): e2. • Astounding advances have for metastatic disease. The vast majority of these are not 4 Kopetz et al. 2009. Improved Survival been made in not only the in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Is understanding of cancer, but curable and there is so much that remains uncertain about its Associated With Adoption of Hepatic also in the growth of technology. Resection and Improved Chemotherapy. causes. The challenge now is to During the next 10 years JCO 27:22. clinicians will be given tools for improve prognosis, diagnosis 5 AIHW 2010. Cancer in Australia: an detecting the earliest stages of and treatments for patients with metastatic cancer. overview. Cancer series no. 60. Cat. No. many cancers and suppress CAN 56. them before they have a chance With ongoing funding, it is possible to progress to malignancy. 6 Chapman et al. 2009. Early efficacy signal that by 2031 cancer will no longer be demonstrated in advanced melanoma in We can already cure some cancers classified as a terminal illness. a phase I trial of the oncogenic BRAF- selective inhibitor PLX4032. EJ of Cancer • Several leukemias and Supplements 7:3. lymphomas, and some breast, 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics. prostate and colorectal cancers can be cured with treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. breakthrough11 askGarvan Sip for Science: The recent public Host a Garvan High Tea outcry against At any time during September, gather busy and be a worthwhile thing to do,” rumoured NHMRC your friends, family or colleagues and says Karen. budget cuts was treat them to a scrumptious high tea. By “My message to people hosting a High phenomenal. How serving tea and tasty treats, you will be Tea in 2011 is to have fun and enjoy the raising funds for the Garvan Institute’s day. Knowing that I was doing it for a much does Garvan rely research into the prevention and cure of worthwhile cause made it very important major diseases. on NHMRC funding? and heartfelt to me and I’m really looking Being the high tea ‘host with the most’ forward to my next one,” said Karen. has never been easier. Simply choose a Each year, the National Health Karen has also let us in on planning for date during September and a venue, then her high tea this year. She is thinking of and Medical Research Council register online at www.giving.garvan. having a theme – Alice in Wonderland (NHMRC) allocates roughly org.au/hightea and create your personal and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. All at $700 million in peer reviewed fundraising page. You’ll find everything Garvan thank Karen for her high tea you need to know, including invitations efforts, and look forward to seeing this grants. This is shared among and delicious recipes at this website. universities and designated year’s photos. To secure a place at your table, medical research institutes, like boardroom or picnic rug, your guests Garvan. Typically, peer reviewed simply make a contribution to Garvan. grants represent only 65% of Then, all that’s left to do is to host your Garvan’s total operating income. high tea and have fun! Therefore, a major challenge That’s what Karen Faulkner did last year facing Garvan and other leading when she hosted a Garvan High Tea. Karen has been diagnosed with lupus, so medical research institutes her motivation to raise funds for the work around the country is the ‘gap’ of the Garvan was very personal. between the cost of conducting “I was off work sick for seven months and world-class Australian research saw a postcard advertising the Garvan Karen Faulkner and Dimity Raftos at Karen’s 2010 high tea and the funding allocated by High Tea. I decided it would keep me NHMRC. For every dollar of research funding awarded, The Tea Centre, one of Australia’s Garvan needs another 70 cents leading retailers of speciality teas and to carry out its vital research. accessories, is proudly supporting Garvan High Tea. If you’re looking for Many generous Australians help that special blend, there’s something fill this gap each year because at The Tea Centre to appeal to even they recognise the importance the most dedicated connoisseur, with of medical research. The recent more than 180 varieties of tea. Go to rumoured cuts to the NHMRC www.theteacentre.com.au or visit one The Tea Centre of their seven retail outlets in Sydney, budget would have ended the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle and careers of hundreds of talented for that perfect for personalised service and young Australian scientists – pot of tea recommendations to help you make potentially one in five. This is your very best High Tea cuppa. why the Government’s decision to maintain NHMRC funding in the recent Federal Budget, and the announcement of a review Last chance to support of ongoing medical research funding is warmly welcomed by Garvan at City2Surf Garvan and Australia’s medical This year’s City2Surf will be held on will be hitting the road from Hyde Park to research community. Sunday 14 August. If you are registered Bondi and raising money for the Garvan. to participate, it’s not too late to choose Visit www.city2surf.com.au and click on the Garvan as your chosen charity. If you fundraising gauge to find out how to show aren’t planning to run, a team of Garvan your support for Garvan. staff and friends, the Garvan Chang Giants, 11 / breakthrough 11

Avner Foundation: Turning heartbreak into hope

Avner Nahmani

Before Avner Nahmani was diagnosed • Fewer than five per cent of those Government support, together with the with pancreatic cancer, he was a fit, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer expertise of pancreatic cancer group active 55-year old man living a happy, will survive beyond five years. leader, Professor Andrew Biankin, vital and creative life. Yet, only 13 made it an easy decision that was The Avner Foundation provides months after diagnosis, Avner lost his met with universal approval from our funds for Garvan’s pancreatic cancer battle with this devastating disease. committee.” research program. This program During those traumatic months, Avner focuses on improving outcomes In a relatively short period, the Avner and his wife Caroline Kelly established for patients by defining molecular Foundation has achieved a great deal. the Avner Nahmani Pancreatic Cancer phenotypes of pancreatic cancer Caroline says, “Achieving more than Research Foundation. The aim of the using biomarkers to guide therapeutic one million dollars of donations in the Foundation is to fund research, develop decisions and personalise therapies. first two years following the launch is support services and raise awareness something that I am extremely proud The Garvan group co-leads the of pancreatic cancer. of. These funds are already playing Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome a vital role in the commencement of Considering that pancreatic cancer is Initiative with the Queensland Centre trials into personalised medicine. This the most lethal of all adult cancers, it of Medical Genomics at the Institute achievement was only possible due to is shocking to realise that there has of Medical Bioscience in Brisbane. the incredible generosity and support been no real progress made with this The Initiative is part of the International of companies such as Woolworths, disease in the last 40-years of research. Genome Consortium and aims to use Coca-Cola Amatil and Wellcom, as well This is why the funds raised by the the latest technology to sequence as many other companies, individual Avner Foundation are vital. 400 pancreatic cancers and use that donors and the tireless work by information to inform personalised The facts about pancreatic cancer are volunteers.” therapy trials. startling. As for the future, Caroline hopes the Avner’s widow, and one of the three • Each year, more than 2,000 work of the Foundation will continue Directors of the Avner Nahmani Australians are diagnosed with to make a difference to those affected Pancreatic Cancer Research pancreatic cancer and almost all by this lethal cancer through the Foundation, Caroline says that are beaten by it. funding of research, promotion of choosing to support the research support services and building general • The median survival rate is work at the Garvan wasn’t difficult. awareness. between three and six months. “Garvan’s cutting edge research, international recognition and breakthrough11 Clinical studies In memoriam: Study on Fat Metabolism March – June 2011 We are looking for healthy volunteers: men and postmenopausal women, aged 50-70 years for research into hormones and body fat. This study involves visits over a 14 week period to the Garvan to study the effects of three commonly used medications, oestrogen (women only), letrozole and tamoxifen on the burning of fat We gratefully acknowledge in the body. We will investigate how fat is utilised at whole body and liver level. For further information please gifts received in memory of: contact Dr Vita Birzniece (02) 9295 8483, [email protected] or Vanessa Travers (02) 9295 8232, [email protected] (St Vincent’s Human Research Ethics Ref No 09/090). Gordon Adamson Toby Metten Diabetes Study John R Barbour William Millard Peter Bowyer Hazel Dawn Are you interested in improving the control of your diabetes? We are studying the effect of the amino acid Sandra Bradshaw Montgomery glutamine on glucose control in Type 2 diabetes. We are looking for people with Type 2 diabetes for less than five years, males and females ages 40-75 years, only on Metformin (ie not taking insulin or other diabetes Hazel Canning Rod Neal medications). For more information contact Renee Richens on (02) 9295 8215, email [email protected]. Patricia Carroll Leonhard Neumeyer au (St Vincent’s Human Research Ethics Ref H07/059 version 1). Suann Croker Ida Petrucco Jim Cunningham Frances Pizzolato Metabolism – Genetics of Obesity Study Peter J Daly Iris Pritchard-Davies Do you think you could be overweight? Volunteers are needed to screen for a gene that links to obesity at the Sue Dowlan James Rintoul Garvan Institute. It involves only one visit during which measurements and a blood test will be taken. If you Jean Marie Dunn Bill Roberts are suitable, you may enter the second part of the study to receive a full metabolic assessment. For further Sheila Ellis Dorothy Scott enquiries, please contact Dr Daniel Chen (02) 9295 8557 or [email protected] or Vanessa Travers Joan Fleming Mandy Shannon (02) 9295 8232 or [email protected] (St Vincent’s Human Research Ethics Ref HREC/10/SVH/133). John M Gehrig Boyd Sinclair Douglas Giles Margaret Sproule Coming up David Miller Patterson Christos Tastzidis Halliday Klara Torheiden All Ribbon’s Ball Nicholas Howen Jean Tweedle The 2011 All Ribbons Ball will be held on Saturday 20 August, raising funds for the Young Garvan Fellowship. The Hon. Ralph Hunt AO John Unsworth Entertainment this year includes comedian Wil Anderson, former Wallaby captain Nick Farr-Jones AM (Guest David Ingham Melba Unsworth Speaker) and Jellybean Jam, with channel 7’s Andrew O’Keefe as MC. Loris Iorio Hilda Walton Tickets costs $175 each, or $1,650 for a table of ten, with champagne on arrival, a three course dinner, premium Kenneth J Isaacs Suzanne Welbourn wines, beer and soft drinks. To book your place, visit www.garvan.org.au Jean Jackett Greg Wilson Toongi Country Gardens Weekend Iolanda Jaworski Heidi Zimmer Four magnificent gardens in the Toongi area of Dubbo will be open 22 and 23 October. A fundraising event for the Dorothy Anne Martin Ruth Zimmer Garvan, tickets are $20 per person, per day and can be purchased from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research Barry McMurray office located at G2/62 Wingewarra St, Dubbo.

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