Applying Pharmacometrics To Develop Novel Treatment Strategies For Staphylococcus Aureus Infections In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,562.00
Summary
My research will determine the best way to give antibiotics to treat Staphylococcus aureus, one of the most common causes of infection in children. This includes finding out if we can provide highly effective treatment with antibiotics given by mouth instead of through a drip, and with fewer doses each day, so we can treat kids at home instead of in hospital. I will also explore new ways to use common antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Optimizing Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy To Support Hospital-in-the-home Program Across The Unique Environmental Conditions Of Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
This project aims to solve problems associated with stability and dosing of antibiotic infusions given to patients in their homes, to support decision making by doctors and regulators. Currently, there is a lack of adequate data that complies with contemporary requirements. We will study infusion preparation both in laboratory settings and in ‘real-life’ conditions while being used by patients. We will enhance the stability of antibiotic preparations and optimize doses for effective treatment.
X-RATE: A Novel Radiation Detector Platform To Realize New Opportunities In Radiotherapy At The Australian Synchrotron
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,541.00
Summary
Microbeam Radiation Therapy (MRT) is an emerging X-ray radiosurgery modality that offers new hope for the treatment of brain cancer and other human brain diseases. A tissue equivalent radiation dosimetry system is essential for upcoming MRT human trials to precisely verify treatment plans. We are recognized world leaders in real-time silicon detector instrumentation for radiation dosimetry. We plan to develop and demonstrate X-RATE, the X-ray Real-time Active Tissue Equivalent dosimeter.
First Ever System To Continuously And Directly Measure The Internal Anatomy To Guide Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment Under Deep Inspiration Breath Hold
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,766.00
Summary
We propose a first ever system to continuously and directly measure the internal anatomy of the patient during radiotherapy of left sided breast cancer to ensure correct position of patient and radiation beam. The proposed method involves no additional radiation dose to the patient. It relies on existing components of modern radiation treatment machines, requiring no additional equipment, which will make it easy to implement widely.
Improving Radiation Therapy Of Static And Moving Targets Using High Spatial Resolution Real-time Dosimeters
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,425.00
Summary
Radiation therapy is a major oncology modality for cancer treatment and more than 50% of cancer patients can benefit from radiotherapy at some stage of management. This project will develop two real-time, high spatial resolution dosimetry systems for quality assurance of contemporary radiation treatments of static and movable targets. It will be possible to minimize human and robotic system error so as to guarantee accurate cancer treatment delivery and improve the clinical outcomes of radiother ....Radiation therapy is a major oncology modality for cancer treatment and more than 50% of cancer patients can benefit from radiotherapy at some stage of management. This project will develop two real-time, high spatial resolution dosimetry systems for quality assurance of contemporary radiation treatments of static and movable targets. It will be possible to minimize human and robotic system error so as to guarantee accurate cancer treatment delivery and improve the clinical outcomes of radiotherapy.Read moreRead less
Targeting Hypermutable ‘superbugs’ In Chronic Respiratory Infections By Optimised Antibiotic Combination Dosage Regimens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,731.00
Summary
Many bacterial ‘superbugs’ can increase their mutation rate, i.e. become hypermutable, and thus rapidly become resistant to multiple antibiotics. Chronic lung infections with hypermutable bacteria cause increased ill-health and death in patients and current treatments do not work well. We will develop improved treatments using combinations of available antibiotics. This project will provide guidance to doctors on how to treat infections more effectively and minimise emergence of resistance.
Developing Irreversible Electroporation Non-Thermal Tumor Ablation For Organ-Confined Prostate Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,512.00
Summary
IRE is technique for targeted tissue ablation. Electrodes placed into the targeted area deliver intense, brief electric pulses. Nano-scale pores are created in the cell membrane killing the cells but preserving the extracellular matrix. The pulses do not affect sensitive structures including neurovascular bundles, major vasculature and ductal systems preserving their function. It may address prostate regions implicated in prostate cancer without damaging vital structures, reducing side effects.
This project will improve our understanding of how painkiller medicines work in very old and frail people which will improve the use of these medicines in pain management. This study will carefully examine pain control with two of the most commonly used pain killer medicines - paracetamol and oxycodone. By understanding all the factors that influence an older persons pain control we will be able to improve the safe and effective use of painkiller medicines in this special group of people.
Optimisation Of The Safety And Efficacy Of Protein Kinase Inhibitors Using Endogenous And Dietary Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,360.00
Summary
Many new cancer medicines are part of the 'kinase inhibitor' group of drugs. Although these drugs are effective in treating a range of different cancers, opportunities remain to improve the effectiveness and safety by more intelligently deciding the dose of the drug that a specific individual should receive. The research aims to assess whether the levels of chemicals normally present in the blood of individuals being treated can be used to guide the best dose an individual should receive.