Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) As A Diagnostic Tool In Colorectal Cancer: Role In Screening And Early Detection Of Metastatic Or Recurrent Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,478.00
Summary
These studies will be exploring the value of using a blood test to detect cancer DNA as a screening test for colorectal cancer. This test promises to be superior to faecal blood testing, which is currently performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. It may also have advantages over colonoscopy as a screening tool. Given the likely acceptability of having a blood based screening test, it is expected that participation rates in bowel cancer screening, which has been shown to ....These studies will be exploring the value of using a blood test to detect cancer DNA as a screening test for colorectal cancer. This test promises to be superior to faecal blood testing, which is currently performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. It may also have advantages over colonoscopy as a screening tool. Given the likely acceptability of having a blood based screening test, it is expected that participation rates in bowel cancer screening, which has been shown to save lives, will be greatly increased.Read moreRead less
Development Of Clinical Algorithms To Diagnose And Predict Prognosis Of Food Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$136,636.00
Summary
Australia has the highest rate of food allergy internationally. Despite ongoing research into the area, there is currently no cure, with patient avoidance the most effective mode for the prevention of food allergy. A food challenge still the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis, and although definitive, is associated with a risk of anaphylaxis. My research aims to identify the biological differences between active disease and being healthy to develop novel diagnostic methods for food allergy
Conquering Schistosomiasis In China: The Last Mile
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,432,780.00
Summary
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), caused by Schistosoma bloodflukes, is an ancient disease in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). After decades of control, the Chinese authorities have slated their intention to eliminate the disease by 2020. However, current diagnostic methods underestimate the true infection rates so we contend this target is unattainable. Supplementation of current control measures with additional public health interventions will be required to achieve the goal of elimination.
A Novel Approach To Streamlining The Diagnosis Of Primary Aldosteronism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$269,463.00
Summary
This study will assess a new clinical test used to diagnose a potentially curable form of high blood pressure called primary aldosteronism (PA). If successful, the test will greatly streamline and simplify the diagnosis of this condition, with the potential for enormous cost savings and a markedly increased rate of diagnosis of patients with PA who can then benefit from optimal treatment and improved quality of life.
Brain Connectivity Imaging Markers To Confirm Diagnosis For Bipolar Vs. Unipolar Depression – A Connectome Approach.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,369.00
Summary
Differentiating Bipolar disorders from Unipolar Depression is a major clinical challenge. This misdiagnosis hinders optimal clinical care and has many deleterious consequences such self-harm, increased chances of suicide, poor prognosis, and greater health care costs related to this disorder. This project will provide urgently-needed advance in accurate identification of Bipolar disorders using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and remove one of the key obstacles to accurate diagnosis.
Towards A Diagnostic Test For Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,670.00
Summary
Childhood arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects around 6000 Australian children. It can be difficult to diagnose, but quick diagnosis is important to prevent ongoing pain and limit long term damage to joints. We have been able to use genetic information to predict which people have autoimmune celiac disease. In this project, we will find out how well genetic information can predict which children have childhood arthritis, and whether genetics can be used as a diagnostic test.
Risks And Benefits Of Breast Cancer Screening: BreastScreen WA Cohort Study Of Overdiagnosis And Breast Cancer Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$201,524.00
Summary
Overdiagnosis is the major downside of screening for breast cancer. This occurs when screening detects cancers that would not have caused symptoms in the woman's lifetime. This study aims to quantify the amount of overdiagnosis that occurs in the Australian breast cancer screening program (BreastScreen)
Bio-molecular Studies For Improved Diagnosis And Management Of Australian Children With Fish Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,602.00
Summary
Allergy to fish among children is often life-long and emerging as a significant healthcare issue worldwide, while management of fish allergy is challenging due to the lack of reliable diagnostic assays. This research grant will lead to the development of novel diagnostics for fish allergy in Australia, addressing aspects of the worldwide food allergy epidemic and forms the ideal platform for the study of fish specific allergens, generating novel knowledge for greatly improved patient management.
Identification And Erradication Of Pre-malignant B Cells In The Prevention Of Lymphoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,771.00
Summary
B Cell Lymphoma is the most frequent type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults and despite improved treatment, 40-50% of patients succumb to their disease. T cells are critical in the in the prevention B cell lymphoma development. In this project we aim to identify the earliest stages of B cell lymphoma and mechanisms of escape from T cell control with the ultimate aim to translate these findings to human studies to improve disease diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Diagnosis Of Inherited Genetic Disorders Using DNA Reference Standards
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$690,820.00
Summary
Whole genome sequencing can diagnose mutations that cause inherited disease, however, errors during sequencing and analysis can result in incorrect diagnosis. We propose to develop synthetic DNA standards that mirror important disease-associated mutations. These DNA standards are then added directly of a patient DNA sample and act as internal controls during sequencing and analysis to provide more accurate and reliable diagnosis.