Kidney failure contributes to 11% of all deaths in Australia and is projected to affect as many as 30,000 Australians by 2020, at a cumulative cost of $12 billion. Kidney transplantation is a far more effective treatment for this condition than dialysis, but there will always be a shortfall of human donors. Using pigs as donors offers a potential solution. The aim of this project is to genetically modify donor pigs so that their kidneys will not be rejected by human recipients.
The Ludwig Institute is adopting a two prong approach in the fight against cancer. Ludwig scientists are developing improved and sensitive scanning methods to aid in the conduct of field trials of new anti-cancer antibodies. In addition, they are also developing new targeted anti-cancer antibodies with improved properties that have the ability to bind to tumours while sparing normal tissues. These drugs can either attack the cancer directly or be used to carry drugs to the target thereby shrinki ....The Ludwig Institute is adopting a two prong approach in the fight against cancer. Ludwig scientists are developing improved and sensitive scanning methods to aid in the conduct of field trials of new anti-cancer antibodies. In addition, they are also developing new targeted anti-cancer antibodies with improved properties that have the ability to bind to tumours while sparing normal tissues. These drugs can either attack the cancer directly or be used to carry drugs to the target thereby shrinking the tumour.Read moreRead less
Improving Patient Outcome Following Arthroscopic Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,591.00
Summary
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is the ‘gold standard’ for treating knee cartilage defects. Traditionally, ACI was performed through open surgery. However, ACI can now be performed through ‘keyhole’ surgery, decreasing the co-morbidity of open surgery. Furthermore, optimal patient outcome is limited by a lack of knowledge in effective post-operative rehabilitation. This project will evaluate outcomes following ACI performed through keyhole surgery, in conjunction with 'accelerated' reh ....Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is the ‘gold standard’ for treating knee cartilage defects. Traditionally, ACI was performed through open surgery. However, ACI can now be performed through ‘keyhole’ surgery, decreasing the co-morbidity of open surgery. Furthermore, optimal patient outcome is limited by a lack of knowledge in effective post-operative rehabilitation. This project will evaluate outcomes following ACI performed through keyhole surgery, in conjunction with 'accelerated' rehabilitation.Read moreRead less
ADding Negative PRESSure To Improve HealING (the DRESSING Trial)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,380,446.00
Summary
The aim of this 5-year randomised comtrolled trial is to test the clinical and cost effectiveness of vacuum dressings in reducing the incidence of surgical site infection in obese women undergoing elective and semi-urgent caesarian section. The trial will be conducted at 4 hospitals in south east Queensland. 2,100 women undergoing caesarian section will either receive a vacuum or standard surgical dressing and will be followed for 1 month after surgery.
A Randomized, Double-blinded Controlled Trial (RCT) Of A New Whole IgG, Equine Antivenom Compared To The Currently Used F(ab’)2 CSL Taipan Antivenom, For The Treatment Of Papuan Taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus) Envenoming In Papua New Guinea.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,453,073.00
Summary
Snakebite is very common in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and many bites are caused by the Papuan taipan, a highly venomous snake found in the southern PNG savannah's. Current antivenom is expensive (US$1500) and many patients do not receive optimal treatment. We will conduct a randomised controlled trial of a new, low cost taipan antivenom developed specifically for PNG. The safety and efficacy of the new antivenom is compared to the existing product to determine if it is a suitable alternative.
A Multi Centre, Randomised, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Trial Comparing Intravenous Hydrocortisone With Placebo In Critically Ill Patients With Septic Shock.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,997.00
Summary
This study performed across Australia and New Zealand will evaluate whether hydrocortisone, a cheap drug when administered to critically ill patients with severe infection, will save lives.
Is Lactic Acid Concentration In Amniotic Fluid A New Predictor Of Labour Dystocia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,538.00
Summary
This study will establish whether higher concentrations of lactate in the amniotic fluid of labouring women can be used as a surrogate marker to improve diagnoses of presence or absence of dystocia. Labour dystocia is a serious problem experienced during childbirth, and is one of the main indications for emergency caesarean section or forceps or vacuum delivery. Although dystocia is a common clinical problem, the current lack of a precise definition leads to considerable variation in practice.
Using Collaboration Networks To Measure Bias And Inefficiency In The Production And Translation Of Evidence About Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$219,806.00
Summary
Doctors rely on clinical trials comparing the safety and efficacy of cardiovascular treatments but are often unable to find or trust the information they seek because of problems in evidence translation. This project will examine the networks of collaboration amongst researchers and their research to identify the source of these problems. The research will be used to identify where to intervene in the process, in turn helping doctors to make safe and cost-effective decisions for their patients.
Targeted LOWering Of Central Blood Pressure In Patients With Hypertension: A Randomised Controlled Trial (LOW CBP Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,442,405.00
Summary
For over 100 years doctors have measured blood pressure (BP) using a cuff at the upper arm. However, this method has many drawbacks that can result in inappropriate treatment decisions. New technology has emerged to measure central BP, which allows a more accurate BP assessment and may improve patient care. This study will test the clinical value of this new measure of central BP. Findings are expected to lead to a change in the way that people with high BP are diagnosed and managed by doctors.
Implementation Of A Novel Clinical Pathway Of Care For Common Musculoskeletal Disorders In Primary Care.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,525,730.00
Summary
This project provides a solution to the burden musculoskeletal disorders in Australia. We will implement a novel clinical pathway of care that uses simple questionnaires to determine whether people will recover simply or require complex care. If simple, we provide people and their healthcare practitioner with guideline-based information developed by our expert team. If complex, we refer them to an expert physiotherapist who can undertake more complex assessments and direct care appropriately.