Circulating Tumour DNA To Monitor Treatment Response And Resistance In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,950.00
Summary
Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (ctDNA) into the patient’s bloodstream and recent advances in genomic technologies now allow levels of ctDNA to be accurately measured in the blood. Changes in ctDNA levels have potential to be used as specific markers of disease progression and/or response to cancer therapy. This project will evaluate if ctDNA can be used to monitor treatment responses and individualise treatment decisions in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Circulating Tumour DNA As A Noninvasive Biomarker In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,299,114.00
Summary
The expanding repertoire of treatment options in melanoma is bringing into focus the need for improved ways to accurately monitor treatment responses and guide treatment decisions. Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (ctDNA) into the bloodstream and changes in ctDNA levels have potential to be used as specific markers of response to cancer therapy. This project will evaluate if ctDNA can be used as a form of ‘liquid biopsy’ to guide treatment decisions in patients with melanoma.
Hype Or Hope? Platelet-Rich Plasma As A Symptom- And DisEaSe-modifying Treatment FOR Knee OstEoarthritis - The RESTORE Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,400,359.00
Summary
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health problem worldwide with no cure. Thus safe and effective treatments that reduce symptoms and slow structural disease progression are needed. This clinical trial aims to test the effects of injections of platelet-rich plasma (a blood product) into the knee on pain and joint structure in 288 people with knee OA. The results will provide high quality evidence to determine whether platelet rich plasma should be used to treat knee OA.
Prenatal And Early Postnatal Risk Factors For Autism Spectrum Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$706,595.00
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a debilitating developmental disorder affecting around 1% of Australians. We will examine ASD-like traits in twin children, adults followed since early gestation, and siblings of children with ASD, to test the theories that ASD is associated with enhanced levels of prenatal testosterone and early brain overgrowth. We hope to identify early biological markers for ASD, which may promote earlier identification and intervention of affected children.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Antivenom For Red-bellied Black Snake Envenoming
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$464,444.00
Summary
Muscle damage can result from snake bite, is irreversible and there is no specific treatment except antivenom. Red-bellied black snake bite provides a unique opportunity to study antivenom use in muscle damage in snake bite because this snake occurs across large population areas of NSW and Queensland. The study will determine if antivenom is effective and safe in red bellied black snake bite and whether it is therefore useful for other important snakes that cause muscle damage worldwide.
The Role Of The Clotting Cascade In Aortic Aneurysm And Associated Cardiovascular Events
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,173.00
Summary
Weakening of the main abdominal artery is responsible for approximately 1000 deaths/ year in Australia. Most weakened arteries are identified at an early stage but there is no current therapy which limits the progression of artery weakening. There is also no model which predicts the complications associated with weakened arteries. In the current project we propose the importance of clot in progression and complications of weakened arteries. We will undertake studies to identify new therapies and ....Weakening of the main abdominal artery is responsible for approximately 1000 deaths/ year in Australia. Most weakened arteries are identified at an early stage but there is no current therapy which limits the progression of artery weakening. There is also no model which predicts the complications associated with weakened arteries. In the current project we propose the importance of clot in progression and complications of weakened arteries. We will undertake studies to identify new therapies and a predictive model for weakened arteries.Read moreRead less
The Biology Of Risk For Bipolar Disorder: Genetic Effects In A High-risk Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$856,412.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder affecting over 350,000 Australians. Some children of bipolar disorder patients will also become ill, although currently we have no tools to predict which of these genetically at-risk young individuals will eventually develop symptoms. This study will use genetic information plus brain structural changes to predict which at-risk individuals are likely to become ill. This study will help elucidate early clinical and biological markers of bipolar disorder.
A Randomised Clinical Trial Of Physical Activity To Delay The Progression Of Cerebrovascular Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,613.00
Summary
The aim of this randomised clinical trial is to establish whether a 24 months physical activity (PA) program for older adults with memory problems can delay the progression of damage to the blood vessel system in the brain, measured on an MRI scan. It also will investigate whether cognition, mood, quality of life, functional level, fitness and biological markers will improve with the intervention. If successful this PA program could become part of clinical care for adults at risk of dementia.
Patterns, Pathways And Price Of Developing Disparities In Cardiovascular And Respiratory Health By Age 11-12 Years: The Longitudinal Study Of Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,290,912.00
Summary
Cardiovascular and lower respiratory diseases are leading causes of death, show marked social gradients, and have origins in early life. We will measure cardiorespiratory health at age 11-12 years in the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Combined with rich existing psychosocial and health data spanning the entire first decade, we will explore early-life mechanisms underlying emerging patterns of social disparity and their potentially-avoidable cost – evidence that is essential ....Cardiovascular and lower respiratory diseases are leading causes of death, show marked social gradients, and have origins in early life. We will measure cardiorespiratory health at age 11-12 years in the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Combined with rich existing psychosocial and health data spanning the entire first decade, we will explore early-life mechanisms underlying emerging patterns of social disparity and their potentially-avoidable cost – evidence that is essential to develop new intervention strategies.Read moreRead less