1. breakthrough April 2012 | Issue 19
PhD student Brian Gloss and Garvan researchers
have identified biochemical changes that commonly
occur in the DNA of women with ovarian cancer.
Making NEWS
Garvan scientists have identified biochemical changes
that commonly occur in the DNA of women with ovarian
cancer, which may help diagnose the cancer at an earlier
stage in the future. Using whole genome DNA profiling
methods, Garvan scientists have identified a panel of six
genes that are affected by an epigenetic process known
as ‘DNA methylation’ in ovarian cancer. The Garvan team
collaborated with Professor Neville Hacker, Director,
Gynaecological Cancer Unit, Royal Hospital for Women,
Randwick, who provided tumour samples from ovarian
cancer patients, as well as samples from normal ovaries.
Obesity, especially central obesity, is associated with insulin
resistance which precedes diabetes, sometimes by more
Inside this issue:
than a decade. However, it’s not only a question of body
weight or fat distribution because some obese people From the CEO 2
remain insulin-sensitive, with insulin working as well in their Opinion 2
bodies as in someone lean. Garvan researchers reviewed
Delta makes her mark 3
79 publications on this topic and say it also seems that
in addition to having a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes than Garvan Australian Spectacular 3
insulin-resistant people of the same weight, individuals who
Tour de Cure 3
are obese and insulin-sensitive also appear to have greater
protection against death from cardiovascular disease. New Petre Foundation Chair of Prostate Cancer Research 4
Harnessing the power of the immune system 4
Anti-psychotic drugs for treating serious mental illness,
such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are effective and Staff profile: Professor Peter Croucher 6
often life-saving, but come with unwelcome side-effects. Young Garvan All Ribbons Ball 6
They dramatically increase weight as well as the incidence
of metabolic disorders such as raised blood fats and Ask Garvan 7
Type 2 diabetes, say Garvan specialists. The rapid decline Sue Thorley’s 50th birthday 7
in physical health is so clinically significant, and of such
concern, that the specialists put together a physical health City2Surf 7
protection algorithm last year, which they say should run Clinical studies 8
in tandem with mental health treatment. It includes regular
and specified measurement of tangibles – weight, waistline Coming up 8
and blood chemistry – as well as counselling about lifestyle In memoriam 8
and diet.

2. breakthrough April 2012 | Issue 19 3
From the Be part of our first ever
Garvan Australian
CEO
Welcome to the first issue of breakthrough for
the year.
Earlier in the year, there was a lot of media
Opinion Spectacular!
Stars of opera, musical theatre, jazz and country will join forces at the
Sydney Town Hall on Saturday 28th April 2012 for our inaugural Garvan
Australian Spectacular.
attention around not-for-profit organisations Featuring the Sydney International Orchestra, the Australian Army Band and
and how they fundraise. I’d like to take this VOX - the Sydney Philharmonia’s Youth Choir, this family concert will include
opportunity to address this in terms of Garvan a variety of musical genres along with a tribute to the Anzac spirit and
and its work. There have been three Australian talent.
transformational advances in
The issue related to expenses incurred by some Importantly, it will also help raise vital funds for cancer research at the Garvan.
molecular biology: the double helix,
charities in administration and fundraising The Garvan Australian Spectacular is the brain child of Pauline Cash Cumming,
gene cloning, and genomics.
costs. While the old adage, ‘you have to spend
a retired physiotherapist and now children’s book author. The loss of two of
money to make money’ is widely accepted in The first, in the 1950s and 60s,
her children to cancer was the impetus for her interest in cancer research.
the corporate community, it does also apply to provided the basis for understanding
not-for-profit organisations. The question raised gene structure, gene expression “As a chorister I have often sung in concerts in the Sydney Town Hall,” said
in the media earlier this year was, ‘how much is and gene regulation – the first steps Pauline. “I thought it would be a beautiful venue to raise funds that will help
too much?’ toward deciphering how our genetic put more cancer researchers into Garvan’s laboratories, and find ways to
inheritance programs our biology. control, and ultimately cure cancer.
I am very proud of the fact that the Garvan
The paradigm that emerged – the Delta Goodrem cemented her support for the
Research Foundation has one of the lowest “Everyone has been impacted by a diagnosis of cancer in some way.
Kinghorn Cancer Centre
administration and fundraising costs of any so-called ‘central dogma’ – was This is why I think it needs to be an absolute priority for medical research.”
charity that I have ever worked for. In fact, that each stretch of DNA (a gene)
for around nine cents in the dollar, not only specified a protein through the Ms Cash Cumming is also supporting Garvan by donating proceeds from
her children’s books for three to five year olds, Skinky Poo – The Tale of a Skink
Delta makes her
do we run all of our fundraising activities,
but we also run our large public engagement Professor John Mattick AO FAA
Executive Director
intermediate of RNA, which was
copied when needed and decoded.
and How the Gecko Got His Knob Tail to Garvan’s cancer research program. mark at the Kinghorn
Both books will be available for purchase at the Garvan Australian Spectacular.
program including six free public seminars
a year, monthly tours and our community
The second, beginning in the 1970s, gave medical scientists the first
Event organiser and musical director
Cancer Centre
chance to ‘look under the hood’. The ability to isolate and amplify
speaking program. Dr Steve Watson added, “The Garvan Delta Goodrem, along with the nation’s media,
individual DNA sequences led to the discovery of many genes involved
For donors it means that, for every $100 we Australian Spectacular is guaranteed donned a hard-hat and toured The Kinghorn
in human development, human physiology and brain function, whose
receive, at least $91 goes directly to funding to be a uniquely Australian event. Cancer Centre, of which she is a patron, to
protein products were invisible to the relatively crude biochemical
Garvan’s world-class medical research. The Bring along your Australian flag for review construction developments and to
approaches of the time. It also enabled the identification of those that
remaining monies are put to use helping us the rousing finale that will leave you leave her hand prints in concrete.
malfunction in diseases, like cancer, which was the prerequisite to the
raise additional funds, allowing us to continue with goose bumps, and filled with During the tour, Delta stated to the assembled
development of new drugs to block them. These drugs are now, 20 Australian pride.”
our vital work. years later (after all the required research and safety testing), being media, “I wanted to be the patron of this
Tickets start from $40 adults, $25 centre and was honoured when asked. It’s
I believe it is important that we are as used in the clinic to successfully treat many previously lethal cancers –
children and concession holders, something so phenomenal and evolutionary,
transparent as possible to you, our valued with many more in development.
$90 family ticket (2 adults and 2 and the fact we will have such an amazing
supporters, so please do not hesitate to contact
The third revolution, genomics, has been made possible by the children aged 12 years and under) and incredible facility here in Sydney is so
me or my team at any stage if you have queries
incredible advances in DNA sequencing technology over the past 20 (plus booking fees). Tickets can be important to me.
about any aspect of our work here at Garvan.
years. Ten years ago the first human genome sequence cost $3 billion purchased from Ticket Direct Australia “To have such a personal connection, and
Thank you for your ongoing support. dollars, and took years of work to complete. Now we can do the same (TDA). Visit www.ticketdirect.com.au the fact that the actual centre is about
Yours sincerely, thing for $3,000 in a few days, and the cost is dropping by at least half or phone 1300 79 85 50 to buy your personalised medicine, is truly incredible.”
every year. Ms Pauline Cash Cumming
tickets today.
Andrew Giles
Garvan Research Foundation This is enabling us to determine the full molecular signatures of
different cancers, and the best treatment options and approaches.
Genome sequencing has already saved lives by identifying rogue
mutations that were not obvious from traditional cellular pathology.
Garvan is pioneering the introduction of this ‘next gen’ approach to
Tour de Cure
cancer in the soon-to-be-opened Kinghorn Cancer Centre. This is a A huge thank you to all the riders in the 2011 Tour de Cure,
joint venture with St Vincent’s Hospital, where medical science and the and especially to Paul Egan who championed Garvan’s
clinic will interact, side-by-side to bring the state of the art to Australia. cause throughout this mammoth ride. Funds raised for
Garvan during the 2011 Tour de Cure are supporting
Garvan will also bring these next gen approaches to dissecting the
other complex diseases that beset our community – diabetes, immune our research to find better ways to diagnose, treat, and
disorders, osteoporosis and neurological disorders. The biological and ultimately cure prostate cancer.
medical revolution is now moving into top gear. It is clear that this will Andrew Giles congratulates Paul Egan on his outstanding
be the last generation to die from cancer, and there is every reason to
effort during the 2011 Tour de Cure
expect that the other diseases will succumb to human understanding.

3. breakthrough April 2012 | Issue 19 5
Feature story: Harnessing the
power of the immune system
Inside our bodies, there is a powerful mechanism designed to
defend us against millions of microscopic invaders. However,
what happens when that defense is impeded, or worse, stops
working altogether?
The immune system is designed to protect our bodies producing cells from the pancreas known as
against dangerous attacks. These can come from ‘Islets of Langerhans’. Each pancreas has around
outside the body in the form of infections, or from a million islets, which maintain the body’s blood
inside the body in the form of cancer. At the same sugar levels in exquisite balance.
time, the immune system must avoid attacking healthy
However, transplanting islets is a process fraught
tissue or over-reacting to minor threats like pollens
Petre Foundation funds new and house dust mites. When the balance is upset and
with challenges. Islets are fragile, the body
rejects donor cells strenuously, and anti-rejection
controls fail, the results can include diseases ranging
Chair of Prostate Cancer Research from life threatening infections and malignant tumours
to autoimmune conditions (eg Type 1 diabetes) and
drugs are highly toxic. Even when heavy duty
immunosuppressive drugs are given to a patient,
that person will still have Type 1 diabetes – the
allergies (eg asthma).
autoimmune disease that destroyed their insulin-
Australian philanthropist, Mr Daniel Petre has donated $2 million to The work of Garvan’s Immunology program is divided producing cells in the first place.
appoint a Chair of Prostate Cancer Research at the University of Sydney, between studying how a normal immune system
who will work closely with Garvan’s prostate cancer researchers. The new reagent, generated in-house by Garvan
functions in a balanced way, and how it goes wrong Organisation of immune cells within the spleen. T cells (T, red), B cells (B, green) and specialised
scientists has the potential to turn this situation
when disease occurs. Understanding the way the cells marginal zone B cells (MZ, blue) congregate in distinct regions of the spleen. Upon infection, these
This is not the first time the Petre Foundation has supported medical around. Given to diabetic mice for two weeks,
and molecules of the immune system function is key to cells rapidly migrate around the spleen to communicate with each other and additional populations
research in Australia. The Foundation also currently supports a Chair both dampening the immune system or harnessing its
starting the day before islet transplantation, the of immune cells located in the external red pulp (RP) region. (Picture by Dr Dominique Gatto).
of Breast Cancer Research at the Garvan Institute and neuromuscular reagent allowed mice to accept the donor cells as
power in order to fight disease.
research at the Institute for Neuromuscular Research, Children’s their own, with no need for immunosuppressive
Hospital at Westmead. Here we explore some of the diseases that are currently drugs, and no Type 1 diabetes. Permanently. In the case of lupus, the immune system Asthma is an inflammatory condition
being researched by the Immunology team, as well as inadvertently produces antibodies that that affects the bronchial tubes in the
Sjögren’s syndrome is a disorder of the immune
Deciding to support prostate cancer research was an obvious some of the progress being made in this important field attack various structures in the body. It is lungs. People with asthma have sensitive
system, where glands that normally produce tears,
choice according to Mr Petre, who had many reasons for committing of medical research. the accumulation of these “autoantibodies” or hyperactive airways which narrow in
saliva and sweat are attacked and destroyed by
to this Chair. Type 1 diabetes affects more than 140,000 children immune cells. This results in abnormally dry eyes, in the tissues that can cause inflammation, response to certain stimuli. The narrowing
and adults in Australia, making it one of the most mouth and/or other mucous membranes such as damage and pain. In other autoimmune is due to inflammation and swelling of the
“While the profile of prostate cancer has increased over recent years,
common serious diseases among children. the intestines, lungs or vagina. diseases, particular tissues such as the lining, tightening of the airway muscles
the funding allocated to prostate cancer research is still significantly less peripheral nerves (Guillain-Barré syndrome) (spasm) and production of excess mucus.
than, say, breast cancer research. Yet, the incidence and mortality rates People with Type 1 diabetes produce very little, or no Sjögren’s syndrome may occur by itself, known or the heart muscle (rheumatic carditis) This reduces the airflow in and out of
are very similar. insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the body’s as Primary Sjögren’s syndrome, or together are attacked by “organ-specific auto- the lungs.
use of glucose (sugar), which is a major fuel source for with other autoimmune diseases like lupus and antibodies.”
“The other similarity between breast and prostate cancer is that they are our bodies. Insulin is only produced by specific cells in rheumatoid arthritis. This is known as Secondary More than two million Australians have
both hormonal cancers, so there are a lot of common links between the the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin travels through Sjögren’s syndrome. At Garvan, scientists are using sophisticated asthma, yet the causes are still not clearly
approaches to solving these two cancers. As Garvan has both breast and the blood and helps to get sugar from the blood into strategies and technologies to examine understood, but genetic and environmental
The cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is still a mystery,
prostate cancer teams actively looking for answers, I hope this funding cells where it can be used for energy. Without insulin, the reasons why, in the case of lupus and factors do come into play. There is often a
though there appears to be a genetic influence,
will help lead to more breakthroughs for both diseases, sooner. blood sugar levels rise to dangerously high levels that other autoimmune diseases, the immune family history of asthma, eczema and/or hay
as it tends to occur in families where there are
can cause organ damage. system produces antibodies that attack the fever or other allergies. Children with one
“Thirdly, the side-effects of prostate cancer treatment, which other autoimmune diseases.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the beta cells that make body and not invading micro-organisms. asthmatic parent are three to six times more
often involves removal of the prostate, can be severe, and include Garvan scientists have identified a new group An important clue that we are following up
insulin have been destroyed by the body’s own immune likely to develop asthma.
incontinence and impotency.” of immune cells that, for the first time, directly is the fact that autoimmune diseases often
system. Like many complex human diseases, we are not Garvan researchers are focused on
link two autoimmune diseases, Type 1 diabetes occur after bacterial or viral infections. It
Mr Petre added, “I hope that, through the efforts and collaborations sure why this happens, but we know that it is caused by
understanding the key pathways in asthma
and Sjögren’s syndrome. The newly identified appears that, in these cases, the immune
of Garvan, we can find a way to clearly identify tumours that can be an interaction between genes and the environment.
population of cells is a sub-class of ‘T helper cells’, system’s response against the infection and identifying unique sets of genes,
left in situ. That would be the gold medal achievement for the medium In people with Type 1 diabetes, the immune system white blood cells that help other immune cells inflammatory molecules and proteins that
has inadvertently resulted in the production
term. Beyond better diagnosis of tumours the ultimate goal is, of treats the beta cells like it would a bacteria or virus, perform their tasks. can be used to intervene in the process of
of antibodies that attack the body’s own
course, finding a cure and one that hopefully does not require surgical and for this reason, diabetes is called an autoimmune asthma. Garvan is also looking to develop
Garvan researchers hope to determine whether tissues as well as the invading organism.
intervention.” disease. new therapeutic approaches for asthma,
these cells could become a biomarker of disease
So far we have found that our immune such as monoclonal antibodies as a
Daniel’s commitment to philanthropy began when he worked at Garvan’s Immunology program has several teams of as well as a therapeutic target for patients with
system has a way of preventing the treatment to reduce inflammation in the
Microsoft with Bill Gates. scientists who research different aspects of Type 1 both Type 1 diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome.
production of these “cross-reactive” airways of asthma patients.
diabetes. They focus on understanding how and why
“Bill Gates’ mother was very philanthropic, and she bestowed on him Lupus (also known as Systemic Lupus autoantibodies under most conditions.
an immune system turns on itself and destroys the Research into diagnostics is also
this theory – if you are well off or comfortable, it is your responsibility, Erythematosus – SLE) is an autoimmune disease However, we have identified that
insulin-producing beta cells. They are also trying to important: more effective tools to identify
that causes various tissues in the body to become autoimmune attacks on particular organs
not your choice, to give back to society, and I agree with that. create new beta cells from other cell types.
which patients will respond best to which
chronically inflamed. It is a complex disease that are particularly likely to occur after
“The key is to find something that you care about, and then do not Recently, Garvan scientists developed a reagent with can affect many parts of the body, typically the infections. By devising a way to look directly treatments. Garvan research will lead
delay – do something now. I often remind myself and others that, if you the potential to prevent rejection of transplanted skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. at the immune cells responsible for making to more effective use of existing
don’t donate today, you might be delaying the cure of a debilitating insulin-producing cells into people with Type 1 Lupus can be mild or life-threatening, depending autoantibodies after an infection, we are treatments and the development
diabetes. It is one of the most promising immunology on the area of the body that is affected. of new and improved therapies.
illness by another day, or more children will die due to a lack of clean now positioned to look at how this process
developments in recent years.
water because you delayed acting for another day. When you think Lupus affects one in 700 Australians. Nine out of is controlled and hope, in the future, to
of it that way, there’s really no argument for not doing something The best hope for restoring insulin production is for every ten people with lupus are women, mostly devise ways of preventing the movement
meaningful now!” people to receive transplanted clusters of insulin- aged between 15 and 45 years. of infection to autoimmune disease.

4. breakthrough April 2012 | Issue 19 7
Staff Profile: Professor Peter Croucher Celebrate a special
best possible people, and create a high that we are all likely to develop some Ask Garvan occasion with a truly
meaningful gift
quality infrastructure to support the form of musculoskeletal disease in our
best possible research. lifetime, whether this be one of the more
Q: Why will the new Kinghorn Cancer Centre
So far, what are you enjoying the most common diseases such as osteoporosis,
osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, include a Wellness Centre? On special occasions, more and more people are asking
about working at Garvan?
or a less common disease such as the family and friends to make a donation to a charity in lieu
I like the positive attitude that everyone A: The Wellness Centre forms part of the Kinghorn
cancers that grow in bone. of gifts.
has at Garvan, whether it is related Cancer Centre’s integrative approach to medicine.
directly to the research, or from those Raising funds to be able to work on The first of its type in NSW to be integrated In September last year,
that support research. I also like having these diseases is a real challenge. Sue Thorley celebrated
with conventional cancer care, the purpose-built
the time to be much more directly Unfortunately we don’t have the same her 50th birthday, and
high profile as other diseases, such Wellness Centre will be a place where patients asked guests to make
involved in research. In my previous
as cancer or heart disease, so we are can retreat and get help coping with their cancer a donation to Garvan
role there was increasing levels of
administration which meant I had less not at the top of people’s lists when it diagnosis and treatment. instead of buying a gift.
and less time to do the research that I comes to supporting research. However,
With a ‘Day Spa’ feel, the Wellness Centre’s Sue says, “I’ve been
really enjoyed. I even hope to get back the impact on people’s health is just as
design will provide a calm, caring and soothing blessed to have a very
into the lab myself here at Garvan. significant as some of the more high
full and rewarding ‘first
profile disease areas. environment for cancer patients to access the
Highly-respected bone researcher So far, what are you enjoying most 50 years’ and I felt
Recruiting good people is also a latest information and advice and the very best
Professor Peter Croucher recently about living in Australia? the generosity of my
joined Garvan from the University challenge. People see that working in the in evidence-based complementary health care. friends would be better
I really like Sydney, but surprisingly, the
of Sheffield to take up the Chair so bone field is challenging, particularly in Services offered at the Wellness Centre will help served in supporting
thing I like most so far is the climate.
generously funded by Mrs Janice getting long-term funding. Certainly in alleviate stress, relieve symptoms and reduce a cause close to my
All the Sydney-siders I’ve met are
Gibson and Ernest Heine Family my experience in the UK, we lost a lot of pain and anxiety as well as promoting feelings heart, rather than
complaining that this summer was the
Foundation. We are pleased to great researchers in the field because of of well-being. material gifts for me.
worst they can remember, but I have to
welcome Professor Croucher as the a lack of funding. I hope we can address
say, I’ve loved it. However, I suspect this “My mum, Judy Sue Thorley and her husband, Gerry
leader of Garvan’s Osteoporosis this challenge at Garvan. Relieving the physical and emotional side-effects
probably says more about UK weather Hellicar, suffered from at Sue’s 50th birthday celebration
and Bone Biology program, a role than it does about Australia! I have What do you enjoy doing away from of cancer treatment is important in encouraging Parkinson’s for nearly
previously held by Professor John also really enjoyed travelling around the lab? the completion of a treatment regimen. For two decades and she passed away in 2006. She also
Eisman who stepped down as program Australia, particularly western NSW and I spend much of my spare time with my example, it is estimated that more than 30 percent supported Garvan, and followed research developments
leader in late 2011. Kakadu National Park. children because they are still young. closely. I feel anything I can do to help support Garvan in
of chemotherapy patients prematurely cease
We recently sat down with Professor What is the biggest challenge facing Outside of that, I do as much running as treatment because of emotional difficulties. finding a cure for this insidious disease is so worthy.“
Croucher to discuss his new role. your area of research? I can, particularly trail running and, when
Thanks to some stealth-like planning by Sue’s husband
possible, I also enjoy cycling. At the Wellness Centre, evidence-based and
What does your role as Director of Raising awareness about the importance Gerry and their children Anna and Max, Sue’s 50th
Garvan’s Bone Program involve? Professor Croucher will host Garvan’s non-invasive complementary therapies will be birthday party was a wonderful surprise. “It was the most
of musculoskeletal diseases is a real
challenge. Most people see the skeleton free Osteoporosis and Bone Public offered as an adjunct to conventional medicine in special birthday celebration I’ve ever had, with friends and
As the Program Director, my overall role
is to develop a world-class research as a dead tissue – a structure that just Seminar on Thursday 9 August 2012. a patient-centred and holistic care program. This family travelling from all parts of Australia to be with me
program with the aim of having a holds you up. They don’t realise it’s a To register for this event, visit will allow open communication between all care on the night. Wonderful memories I’ll cherish forever.
significant impact on the most common tissue that is constantly changing – the www.giving.garvan.org.au/seminars or providers and the patient, while promoting patient “In fact, my birthday celebrations seemed to go on for the
diseases of the skeleton. To do that, I skeleton you wake up with is not the one phone (02) 9295 8110.
choice and quality of life. Importantly, researchers entire month – we decided to rename September 2011 to
will be looking to recruit more of the you go to bed with. Most are unaware will be able to evaluate various therapies for Sue-tember!”
efficacy, so that we build our knowledge of what Creating a personal, online fundraising page through the
really works for individuals. Garvan website is a great way to tell people about your
Young Garvan 2011 Young
Garvan Fellow,
request for donations. Sue says, “I uploaded photos of
my mum and myself and family over the past 50 years.
It was a great way for my friends to ‘connect’ and leave
All Ribbons Ball
Dr Ebru Boslem a personal message. Plus it was seamless in terms of
City2Surf
collecting the donations.”
Sue is delighted with the result of her birthday donations,
Young Garvan is hosting the third All Ribbons Ball on Saturday 18 having raised $1,685 to support Garvan’s research.
August at the Sydney Hilton Hotel. The black-tie dinner for 450 “It was a wonderful and practical way for my friends and
guests raises funds for the Young Garvan Postdoctoral Fellowship, It’s time to start training! Elite athletes will once family to celebrate my birthday. With the funds I was
supporting a young scientist working on a major research project again be rubbing shoulders with locals to run, walk able to raise, not only does it help Garvan in a monetary
at Garvan. or watch the iconic City2Surf race. Starting at Hyde sense, but helps raise the profile and recognition of the
Park in Sydney’s CBD and finishing at Bondi Beach, invaluable work and research that the Institute undertakes,
The Fellowship (valued at $50,000) has been awarded five times and hopefully might encourage others to do the same for
the City2Surf also offers participants the opportunity
since its inception in 2003. Dr Ebru Boslem, the 2011 Young Garvan special celebratory events.”
to raise funds for a charity.
Fellow, has used the award to further her research into Type 2 If you have an upcoming celebration, and would like to
diabetes as part of Garvan’s Diabetes and Obesity program. Entries will open in late May. For more information ask friends and family to donate to Garvan instead of gifts,
about registering for the City2Surf, and selecting the visit www.giving.garvan.org.au or phone (02) 9295 8110.
Tickets for the 2012 All Ribbons Ball go on sale in May. For further
Garvan Institute of Medical Research as your charity With enough notice, Garvan can also provide you with
information, contact Kylie Sherwood-Kelly at the Garvan Research donation envelopes, personalised for you and your
of choice, visit www.city2surf.com.au
Foundation on 02 9295 8108 or visit the event website, special occasion.
www.allribbonsball.com

5. Clinical Studies In Memoriam November 2011 –
Study on Fat Metabolism February 2012. Donations have
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 been made in memory of:
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 in the body. We Wendy Allen Philip McAlpine
will investigate how fat is utilised at whole body and liver level. Secundino Arguelles Joyce I Mealing
For further information please contact: Dr Vita Birzniece (02) 9295 8483, or email
Jill Askew James Mellor
v.birzniece@garvan.org.au or Vanessa Travers (02) 9295 8232, or email
v.travers@garvan.org.au (St Vincent’s Human Research Ethics Ref No 09/090). Hans Bakker Zivorad Mihajlovic
John R Barbour Ron Miller
Diabetes Study
Are you interested in improving the control of your diabetes? We are studying the effect Karen Beaumont McCormack Terry Moran
of the amino acid glutamine on glucose control in Type 2 diabetes. We are looking for Helen Beh Michael Morling
people with Type 2 diabetes for less than five years, males and females ages 40-75 years,
Peter Boersma Arthur Nezis
only on Metformin (ie not taking insulin or other diabetes medications).
For more information contact: Renee Richens on (02) 9295 8215, or email Doran Catt Rebecca J Nicholas
r.richens@garvan.org.au (St Vincent’s Human Research Ethics Ref H07/059 version 1). Rex Child Adrian Notley
Metabolism – Genetics of Obesity Study Dean Cooper David Owen
Do you think you could be overweight? Volunteers are needed to screen for a gene Ronald A Cumming Noel Pearce
that links to obesity at the Garvan Institute. It involves only one visit during which Matthew Darrington Robyn Joy Price
measurements and a blood test will be taken. If you are suitable, you may enter the
second part of the study to receive a full metabolic assessment. Malcolm J Denner Adam Rankine-Wilson
For further enquiries, please contact: Dr Daniel Chen (02) 9295 8557, or email Harvey R Dopp Robert J Rice
d.chen@garvan.org.au or Vanessa Travers (02) 9295 8232, or email Sue Dowlan Patricia A Ricketts
v.travers@garvan.org.au (St Vincent’s Human Research Ethics Ref HREC/10/SVH/133).
Dianne Endycott Ena Schofield
Pre-diabetes study John S Falla Leslie Semken
We need healthy volunteers for a study looking at the effects of immune function and
John Gates Noeleen Shaw
autonomic nervous activity in Type 2 diabetes. We especially need people with a family
history of Type 2 diabetes. If you are willing and are aged 50 to 60 years and healthy, Christine Gibson (Weir) Vasiliki Simos
please contact: Lynne (02) 9295 8231, or Dorit (02) 9295 8309, or email Robert Gowing Kay M Smith
crf@garvan.org.au (St Vincent’s Human Research Ethics Ref 06/147).
William Hall Richard Smith
Thomas H Hill Vincas Surka
Coming Up John Hodgen Klara Torheiden
Elizabeth Kane Domenico Tranchini
24 May – Ovarian Cancer Public Seminar. 10am to 12 noon.
Philip Kelly James Van Rol
6 June – Young Garvan Forum. Topic TBC. 6pm to 8pm.
Zelma Lawrence Diamantis Vlahos
9 August – Osteoporosis and Bone Public Seminar. 10am to 12 noon.
Tim & Andrew Lynch Barbara Vongalis
20 September – Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Mrs MacQueen Thomas Wainwright
10am to 12 noon.
Peter Male Charles Ward
14 November – Type 2 diabetes and obesity. 10am to 12 noon.
Giuseppe Marinelli Matthew Watson
For more information about any of these events, visit www.giving.garvan.org.au
or phone (02) 9295 8110. Emma B Marquardt Gloria Waugh
Anne Martin Garry Welsh
Please use this coupon if you would like to make a donation to
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