Until recently, cancer of the oesophagus was a very uncommon tumour in Australia and other western populations. However during the past three decades, there have been very large increases in the incidence of this disease. Indeed, rates of oesophageal cancer have risen faster than any other cancer in the United Statesand similar dramatic increases in incidence have been observed in Europe and Australia. With increasing population prevalence of the causes of cancer of the oesophagus in western soc ....Until recently, cancer of the oesophagus was a very uncommon tumour in Australia and other western populations. However during the past three decades, there have been very large increases in the incidence of this disease. Indeed, rates of oesophageal cancer have risen faster than any other cancer in the United Statesand similar dramatic increases in incidence have been observed in Europe and Australia. With increasing population prevalence of the causes of cancer of the oesophagus in western societies (namely acid reflux, obesity and poor diet), there are strong grounds for predicting that incidence will continue to rise, and that oesophageal cancer will constitute an increasingly large burden on society. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited, survival is often short, and there is no way of identifying which tumours will respond to therapy. This proposal will collect treatment and health outcomes data for a population-based cohort of patients with oesophageal cancer. The goal is to identify prognostic and predictive markers to aid patients and clinicians when making treatment decisions, as now exist for breast cancer. Such markers may also serve as novel targets for therapy. The proposed study builds upon the platform of the Australian Cancer Study [ACS], one of the world's largest studies of oesophageal cancer. This represents a unique opportunity to investigate a pressing clinical problem by building upon a study of acknowledged international importance.Read moreRead less
Improved Ex-vivo Culture Of Keratinocytes For Clinical Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$275,203.00
Summary
Skin cells grown for clinical applications currently require animal-derived cells and-or non-defined products for their expansion in the laboratory; these reagents can potentially infect patients who receive these therapies. This project will identify the essential components provided by these reagents and develop a fully synthetic and defined culture system. This improvement will provide safer, cost-effective grafts and cell-based therapies that will benefit patients suffering burns and wounds.
Clinical Outcomes Following Lumbar Spine Surgery Using The DIAM Non-fusion Interspinous Implant
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,343.00
Summary
This investigation will focus on a single minimally-invasive surgical intervention used in the treatment of disorders of the lumbar spine. The Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion (DIAM) is a novel system for stabilizing the disc and joints of the low back which is promoted over fusion for improving stability while restoring normal vertebral alignment. This new device has limited research evaluation of efficacy and will be examined with the aim of providing clinical guidelines for its use.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100402
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
The effectiveness of intervention in communication and safety climate in the operating room. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on teamwork behaviours in surgery. It will deliver beneficial effects for communication in service delivery, safety and patient care in support of health care in high risk environments.
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
A La CaRT: Australasian Phase III Randomised Trial Comparing Laparoscopic-assisted Versus Open Resection For Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$974,440.00
Summary
The current major treatment for rectal cancer is surgical removal of the cancer. This type of surgery requires a large cut through the abdomen for removal of the cancer. There is a newer, less invasive procedure known as laparoscopic resection enabling the same surgery by using a scope inserted in the abdomen along with a smaller incision to allow removal of the tumour. This study is being conducted to determine whether the newer procedure is as safe and effective as the current procedure.