Understanding The Mechanisms Of Development And Treatment In Hydrocephalus.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,914.00
Summary
This project aims to investigate the progressive change in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, axonal damage and tissue mechanical properties during the development and treatment of hydrocephalus in-vivo. Results from this study is important to elucidate the mechanisms of hydrocephalus and to improve treatment and diagnosis of hydrocephalus.
POSNOC (Positive Sentinel Node – A Randomised Trial Of Adjuvant Therapy Alone Versus Adjuvant Therapy Plus Clearance Or Axillary Radiotherapy)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,223,428.00
Summary
POSNOC (POsitive Sentinel NOde – adjuvant therapy alone versus adjuvant therapy plus Clearance or axillary radiotherapy) will address the key unresolved challenge in breast cancer surgery. A controversial US trial, ACOSOG Z0011, indicates that many breast cancer patients with limited disease in the sentinel node can safely avoid further nodal surgery. This would be a major advance, but there is widespread doubt that the results are broadly applicable. POSNOC will clarify this key issue.
Efficacy Of Ablative Therapies For Barrett's Oesophagus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,148.00
Summary
Some people with severe reflux develop Barrett's oesophagus, which puts them at high risk of developing cancer. Patients with Barrett's can be treated with various endoscopic ablation techniques, but it is not yet know if these treatments prevent the development of cancer. The aims of this work are to use molecular methods to ascertain whether the tissue that regenerates after ablation is normal, and to compare different ablation techniques.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Surgical Skin Preparation For Prevention Of Superficial Wound Complications In Prosthetic Hip And Knee Replacement Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,128.00
Summary
The demand for prosthetic joint replacement surgery will double over the next decade. Complications involving the surgical wound are a devastating complication of this surgery. This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate whether skin cleansing prior to surgical incision with alcoholic iodine reduces the number of patients with superficial wound complications when compared to alcoholic chlorhexidine. The study will be performed in patients undergoing orthopaedic joint replacement surgery ....The demand for prosthetic joint replacement surgery will double over the next decade. Complications involving the surgical wound are a devastating complication of this surgery. This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate whether skin cleansing prior to surgical incision with alcoholic iodine reduces the number of patients with superficial wound complications when compared to alcoholic chlorhexidine. The study will be performed in patients undergoing orthopaedic joint replacement surgery: a high volume, high cost surgery.Read moreRead less
Long Term Follow-up Of Randomised Controlled Trials For Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$712,100.00
Summary
17% of Australians use medication for gastro-oesophageal reflux, with many requiring tablets life long. In >15% this is not adequate. The alternative is surgery which is the only curative treatment for reflux and hiatus hernia. It achieves a good outcome in 90%, although some develop further reflux or side effects. To reduce problems procedures have been modified. In a series of trials we are evaluating long term outcomes for modifications, to determine the best surgical treatment for reflux.
Pre-hospital Antifibrinolytics For Traumatic Coagulopathy And Haemorrhage (The PATCH Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,668,152.00
Summary
About 2500 Australians die annually from severe injuries. Bleeding is exacerbated by early-onset clotting defects, which are associated with high mortality. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid has been shown to reduce mortality due to bleeding when given in hospital in less developed trauma systems, but its usefulness as a pre-emptive strike at the scene of injury in developed systems is unknown. Building on our prehospital clinical trials expertise, we will conduct a trial to assess its ....About 2500 Australians die annually from severe injuries. Bleeding is exacerbated by early-onset clotting defects, which are associated with high mortality. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid has been shown to reduce mortality due to bleeding when given in hospital in less developed trauma systems, but its usefulness as a pre-emptive strike at the scene of injury in developed systems is unknown. Building on our prehospital clinical trials expertise, we will conduct a trial to assess its effect on 6-month death and disability.Read moreRead less
In Vivo Evaluation Of The Safety And Efficacy Of A Novel Chitosan Gel In The Reduction Of Adhesions Following Abdominal Surgery In Both Animal And Human Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,076.00
Summary
Up to 95% of abdominal surgery patients will develop adhesions within the abdomen, with nearly 1 in 5 requiring hospital readmission for pain, reduced gastrointestinal function and bowel obstruction. Newly developed Chitodex gel has been shown to be effective in the control of bleeding and the reduction of adhesions following sinus surgery. These projects will now explore its use in abdominal surgery. Chitodex gel has the potential to benefit millions of patients each year and drastically lessen ....Up to 95% of abdominal surgery patients will develop adhesions within the abdomen, with nearly 1 in 5 requiring hospital readmission for pain, reduced gastrointestinal function and bowel obstruction. Newly developed Chitodex gel has been shown to be effective in the control of bleeding and the reduction of adhesions following sinus surgery. These projects will now explore its use in abdominal surgery. Chitodex gel has the potential to benefit millions of patients each year and drastically lessen the burden on our health system.Read moreRead less
Activin A And Follistatin Are Potential Key Regulators Of Organ Transplant Dysfunction And Graft Survival.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,579.00
Summary
The grant examines novel key regulators in organ transplantation. It examines molecules that are released during transplant surgery and on the return of blood flow to the organ which can cause inflammation and scarring. The release is increased by heparin, an anticoagulant used in organ preparation. Alternative anticoagulants and blockers of the regulators released will be tested to prevent the damage to the transplant, potentially improving both the short and long term graft survival and functi ....The grant examines novel key regulators in organ transplantation. It examines molecules that are released during transplant surgery and on the return of blood flow to the organ which can cause inflammation and scarring. The release is increased by heparin, an anticoagulant used in organ preparation. Alternative anticoagulants and blockers of the regulators released will be tested to prevent the damage to the transplant, potentially improving both the short and long term graft survival and function.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Biomarkers Of Response And Toxicity To Chemoradiotherapy For Oesophageal Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,935.00
Summary
Chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal tumours has high interpatient variability in response and toxicity to treatment. Predictive biomarkers of response and toxicity would help select patients who would benefit most from this treatment modality. The proposed project will determine blood-derived microRNA and mRNA profiles that identify patients according to risk of unfavourable treatment outcomes, enabling clinicians to offer personalised alternative treatment strategies for those patients.
A La CaRT: Australasian Laparoscopic Cancer Of The Rectum Trial. A Phase III Prospective Randomised Trial Comparing Laparoscopic-assisted Resection Versus Open Resection For Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,054.00
Summary
The major treatment for rectal cancer is surgical removal of tumour with a large cut through the abdomen. There is a newer, less invasive procedure known as laparoscopic resection which enables the same surgery to be performed using a scope inserted in the abdomen and another smaller incision for removal of the tumour. This study is being conducted to determine whether the newer procedure is as safe and effective as the current procedure. Patients on the trial will be given either laparoscopi