Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology - Research Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 1138
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    A MXI1-NUTM1 fusion protein with MYC-like activity suggests a novel oncogenic mechanism in a subset ofNUTM1-rearranged tumors
    McEvoy, CR ; Holliday, H ; Thio, N ; Mitchell, C ; Choong, DY ; Yellapu, B ; Leong, HS ; Xu, H ; Lade, S ; Browning, J ; Takano, EA ; Byrne, DJ ; Gill, AJ ; Duong, CP ; Li, J ; Fellowes, AP ; Fox, SB ; Swarbrick, A ; Prall, OWJ (ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC, 2021-01)
    Most NUTM1-rearranged neoplasms (NRNs) have fusions between NUTM1 and BRD (bromodomain-containing) family members and are termed NUT carcinomas (NCs) because they show some squamous differentiation. However, some NRNs are associated with fusions between NUTM1 and members of the MAD (MAX dimerization) gene family of MYC antagonists. Here we describe a small round cell malignancy from the gastro-esophageal junction with a previously unreported fusion between NUTM1 and the MAD family member MXI1. In contrast to NCs, the MXI1-NUTM1 tumor did not show squamous differentiation and did not express MYC, TP63 or SOX2, genes known to be targets of BRD-NUTM1 proteins and critical for NC oncogenesis. Transcriptome analysis showed paradoxical enrichment of MYC target genes in the MXI1-NUTM1 tumor despite the lack of MYC expression. When expressed in vitro MXI1-NUTM1 partially phenocopied MYC, enhancing cell proliferation and cooperating with oncogenic HRAS to produce anchorage-independent cell growth. These data provide evidence that MAD family members, which are normally repressors of MYC activity, can be converted into MYC-like mimics by fusion to NUTM1. The pathological features and novel oncogenic mechanism of the MXI1-NUTM1 tumor show that identification of NUTM1 fusion partners can be important for accurate diagnostic classification of some NRN subtypes, and potentially may guide therapeutic options.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Asystole following spinal anaesthesia: the hazards of intrinsic cardiac reflexes
    Lacey, JR ; Dubowitz, JA ; Riedel, B (WILEY, 2022-07)
    Unwanted initiation of intrinsic cardiac reflexes can precipitate bradycardia and cardiac arrest after spinal anaesthesia. We report the case of a 40-year-old man who suffered sudden asystolic cardiac arrest following spinal anaesthesia prior to planned abdominal surgery, likely due to the initiation of one or more intrinsic cardiac reflexes including the Bezold-Jarisch reflex, the reverse Bainbridge reflex and the pacemaker stretch reflex. The characteristics of this patient placed him at increased risk of this underappreciated cause of bradycardia and hypotension. We present a summary of the physiology and clinical features relevant to this case and the considerations for avoidance of similar complications after spinal anaesthesia.
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    BRINGING THE BENCH TO THE BEDSIDE: UPDATES ON THE MIND STUDY AND WHAT A ROUTINELY AVAILABLE SIMPLE BLOOD TEST FOR NEUROFILAMENT LIGHT WOULD MEAN AT THE CLINICAL COAL FACE FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES, PSYCHIATRISTS, NEUROLOGISTS, GERIATRICIANS AND GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
    Eratne, D ; Lewis, C ; Cadwallader, C ; Kang, M ; Keem, M ; Santillo, A ; Li, QX ; Stehmann, C ; Loi, SM ; Walterfang, M ; Watson, R ; Yassi, N ; Blennow, K ; Zetterberg, H ; Janelidze, S ; Hansson, O ; Berry-Kravitz, E ; Brodtmann, A ; Darby, D ; Walker, A ; Dean, O ; Masters, CL ; Collins, S ; Berkovic, SF ; Velakoulis, D (SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, 2022-05)
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Display of Native Antigen on cDC1 That Have Spatial Access to Both T and B Cells Underlies Efficient Humoral Vaccination.
    Kato, Y ; Steiner, TM ; Park, H-Y ; Hitchcock, RO ; Zaid, A ; Hor, JL ; Devi, S ; Davey, GM ; Vremec, D ; Tullett, KM ; Tan, PS ; Ahmet, F ; Mueller, SN ; Alonso, S ; Tarlinton, DM ; Ploegh, HL ; Kaisho, T ; Beattie, L ; Manton, JH ; Fernandez-Ruiz, D ; Shortman, K ; Lahoud, MH ; Heath, WR ; Caminschi, I (American Association of Immunologists, 2020-10-01)
    Follicular dendritic cells and macrophages have been strongly implicated in presentation of native Ag to B cells. This property has also occasionally been attributed to conventional dendritic cells (cDC) but is generally masked by their essential role in T cell priming. cDC can be divided into two main subsets, cDC1 and cDC2, with recent evidence suggesting that cDC2 are primarily responsible for initiating B cell and T follicular helper responses. This conclusion is, however, at odds with evidence that targeting Ag to Clec9A (DNGR1), expressed by cDC1, induces strong humoral responses. In this study, we reveal that murine cDC1 interact extensively with B cells at the border of B cell follicles and, when Ag is targeted to Clec9A, can display native Ag for B cell activation. This leads to efficient induction of humoral immunity. Our findings indicate that surface display of native Ag on cDC with access to both T and B cells is key to efficient humoral vaccination.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Education in youth-friendly genetic counseling
    Holland, L ; Young, M-A ; Lewin, J ; Pearce, A ; Thompson, K (WILEY, 2021-08)
    Genetic counselors have long recognized the challenges of working with adolescents and young adults (AYA) and their families. In 2010, a framework of Youth-friendly Genetic Counseling was developed by an expert reference group with the aim to improve both care for AYAs and the experience of health professionals delivering that care. Subsequently, an education workshop was developed aimed to upskill genetic health professionals in youth-friendly genetic counseling. The workshop was piloted with genetic counselors in Australia and New Zealand. A purpose designed, pre- and post-workshop survey and post-workshop focus group was utilized for evaluation. Mean confidence scores increased pre- and post-workshop. Participants also demonstrated increases in knowledge regarding: adolescent development; developmental theory; social factors impacting on health; the needs of young people; practice challenges; youth-friendly engagement, communication, consent and confidentiality; practice approaches; principles of adolescent healthcare; ethical issues; and available services and resources. Focus group data revealed several themes relating to practice challenges, learning gains, barriers, and enablers to clinical translation and workshop feedback. Results demonstrate utility of the workshop in up-skilling genetic health professionals in the provision of youth-friendly genetic counseling. Consideration of adaptation and sustainability, by embedding this theoretical and skills-based workshop as a module within genetic counseling education, is required to ensure practice competence and the best health outcomes for young people and their families.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Fitness criteria for Australian patients referred for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy
    Tam, CS ; Ho, PJ ; Purtill, D ; Blyth, E ; Butler, J ; Dickinson, M ; Harrison, S (WILEY, 2022-08)
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Utility of 68Ga-DOTA-Exendin-4 positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging in distinguishing between insulinoma and nesidioblastosis in patients with confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
    Kalff, V ; Iravani, A ; Akhurst, T ; Pattison, DA ; Eu, P ; Hofman, MS ; Hicks, RJ (WILEY, 2021-10)
    BACKGROUND: Because management is very different, it is important to differentiate between small focal insulinomas and diffuse pancreatic dysplasia (nesidioblastosis) in patients with confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (EHH). Most insulinomas highly express glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors enabling positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging with its radiolabelled analogue; 68 Ga-DOTA-Exendin-4 (Exendin). AIM: To determine: (i) the utility of Exendin in EHH patients in a clinical setting; and (ii) whether the degree of Exendin uptake differentiates non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycaemia syndrome (NIPHS) from post-gastric bypass hypoglycaemia (PGBH). METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the clinical, biochemistry and prior imaging findings in confirmed EHH patients referred for Exendin. Accuracy of Exendin was based on surgical findings and treatment outcomes. Finally, average Exendin uptake (SUVmax) of five PGBH studies was compared with the SUVmax of a key NIPHS case report. RESULTS: Twenty of 25 consecutive patients had confirmed EHH. Exendin located insulinomas in eight of nine patients enabling successful surgical excision with rapid and durable cure. Exendin correctly identified diffuse nesidioblastosis in two of three cases requiring partial pancreatectomy for hypoglycaemia control. All three relapsed within 1.7 years with one needing completion pancreatectomy. Establishing the cause in the remainder relied on other investigations, clinical correlation and response to empirical treatment. Finally, Exendin SUVmax could not distinguish between NIPHS and PGBH. CONCLUSION: In EHH patients, Exendin accurately identifies the site of insulinoma and thereby differentiates it from nesidioblastosis but negative findings should not be ignored. Exendin is unlikely to differentiate between normal pancreatic uptake, NIPHS and PGBH.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Diagnosis, management and follow up of peripheral T-cell lymphomas: a consensus practice statement from the Australasian Lymphoma Alliance
    Hapgood, G ; Latimer, M ; Lee, ST ; Kuss, B ; Lade, S ; Tobin, JWD ; Purtill, D ; Campbell, BA ; Prince, HM ; Hawkes, EA ; Shortt, J ; Radeski, D (WILEY, 2022-10)
    Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) represent a heterogeneous disease group accounting for 10% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. PTCL patients have typically poorer outcomes compared with aggressive B-cell lymphomas. However, such outcomes are heavily dependent on subtype. Although anthracycline-based regimens such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone remain the standard first-line treatment for most aggressive PTCL, there are important variations including incorporation of novel agents, use of radiotherapy and judicious consideration of stem cell transplantation. Relapsed or refractory disease represents a significant area of unmet need where chemotherapy intensification has limited efficacy and novel agents such as brentuximab vedotin and pralatrexate provide additional opportunities for attainment of remission and potential stem cell transplant. In the future, pre-therapy prognostic biomarkers including genomic characterisation, may aid in risk stratification and help guide initial patient management to improve survival. There is an urgent need to understand better the pathogenesis of PTCL to facilitate novel drug combinatorial approaches to improve survival. This position statement represents an evidence-based synthesis of the literature for application in Australian and New Zealand practice.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    HOIP limits anti-tumor immunity by protecting against combined TNF and IFN-gamma-induced apoptosis
    Freeman, AJ ; Vervoort, SJ ; Michie, J ; Ramsbottom, KM ; Silke, J ; Kearney, CJ ; Oliaro, J (WILEY, 2021-11-04)
    The success of cancer immunotherapy is limited to a subset of patients, highlighting the need to identify the processes by which tumors evade immunity. Using CRISPR/Cas9 screening, we reveal that melanoma cells lacking HOIP, the catalytic subunit of LUBAC, are highly susceptible to both NK and CD8+ T-cell-mediated killing. We demonstrate that HOIP-deficient tumor cells exhibit increased sensitivity to the combined effect of the inflammatory cytokines, TNF and IFN-γ, released by NK and CD8+ T cells upon target recognition. Both genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of HOIP augment tumor cell sensitivity to combined TNF and IFN-γ. Together, we unveil a protective regulatory axis, involving HOIP, which limits a transcription-dependent form of cell death that engages both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic machinery upon exposure to TNF and IFN-γ. Our findings highlight HOIP inhibition as a potential strategy to harness and enhance the killing capacity of TNF and IFN-γ during immunotherapy.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Baseline data of a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (STEP study)
    Hartmann, JA ; Nelson, B ; Amminger, GP ; Spark, J ; Yuen, HP ; Kerr, MJ ; Polari, A ; Wallis, N ; Blasioli, J ; Dixon, L ; Carter, C ; Loewy, R ; Niendam, TA ; Shumway, M ; McGorry, PD (WILEY, 2022-10)
    AIM: Research has shown that preventative intervention in individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis (UHR) improves symptomatic and functional outcomes. The staged treatment in early psychosis (STEP) trial aims to determine the most effective type, timing and sequence of interventions in the UHR population by sequentially studying the effectiveness of (1) support and problem solving, (2) cognitive-behavioural case management and (3) antidepressant medication with an embedded fast-fail option of (4) omega-3 fatty acids or low-dose antipsychotic medication. This paper presents the recruitment flow and baseline clinical characteristics of the sample. METHODS: STEP is a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial. We present the baseline demographics, clinical characteristics and acceptability and feasibility of this treatment approach as indicated by the flow of participants from first contact up until enrolment into the trial. Recruitment took place between April 2016 and January 2019. RESULTS: Of 1343, help-seeking young people who were considered for participation, 402 participants were not eligible and 599 declined/disengaged, resulting in a total of 342 participants enrolled in the study. The most common reason for exclusion was an active prescription of antidepressant medication. Eighty-five percent of the enrolled sample had a non-psychotic DSM-5 diagnosis and symptomatic/functional measures showed a moderate level of clinical severity and functional impairment. DISCUSSION: The present study demonstrates the acceptability and participant's general positive appraisal of sequential treatment. It also shows, in line with other trials in UHR individuals, a significant level of psychiatric morbidity and impairment, demonstrating the clear need for care in this group and that treatment is appropriate.