Microperimetry is a clinical tool for measuring central visual function whilst the retina is continuously monitored and retinal testing locus adjusted for eye movements. Regulatory authorities are now considering outcomes of microperimetry as a valid clinical trials endpoint in certain retinal conditions because visual acuity does not always reflect disease progression. This project will validate various types of microperimeters and determine how they should be used to monitor macular diseases.
Defining Treatment Targets To Optimise The Management Of Early Midfoot Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of foot pain and responsible for significant pain and disability. This project will investigate the early structural and functional changes in the midfoot joints and determine the relationships between foot joint loading, structural changes, symptoms and functional impairment. This will identify modifiable factors involved in midfoot OA and define treatment targets to inform the development of effective interventions.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and its management is hindered by the lack of effective clinical measures of the disease. This project seeks to develop new clinical tests to take the “guesswork” out of its management – measures that can correctly identify those at high-risk of progression, accurately determine treatment efficacy and sensitively detect disease progression, thus preventing the irreversible loss of vision from this disease.
TOWARDS IMPROVING EARLY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS OUTCOMES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
The burden of kidney disease requiring dialysis is substantial in Australia. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a cost effective method of performing dialysis, which provides greater quality of life and patient satisfaction than Haemodialysis (HD). Unfortunately PD is underused and has a high discontinuation rate among patients. This program of research will target important areas of PD practice aimed at improving the uptake and continuation of PD for patients with kidney disease requiring dialysis.
Assessment Of Functional Impairment In Motor Neurone Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$235,793.00
Summary
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a devastating disease that causes paralysis of muscles in the arms, legs, swallowing and respiration, causing marked disability. This project will investigate how these changes affect everyday abilities in MND, which will bring unique theoretical and practical contributions to date. On a theoretical level, it will contribute to a growing body of knowledge in MND. On a practical level, this project will lead to better care and support for patients and families.
Human Papillomavirus Infection In Gay Australian Men: Natural History Of The Serological Response And The Relationship Between Seropositivity, Risk Factors And Anal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$185,822.00
Summary
Anal cancer rates are increasing globally. Gay men are 20 times more likely than other men to develop anal cancer and for those people living with HIV, the risk is even higher. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) have been shown to cause anal cancer. This research explores the natural history of anal HPV infection and the relationship between HPV infection and anal cancer. These results will potentially inform the development of guidelines for an anal cancer screening program for gay Australian men.
Determining The Clinical Relevance Of Intratumour Heterogeneity In Breast Cancer And Its Relationship To Metastases Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Breast cancer metastasis is generally an incurable disease, yet it is not well-understood. This project aims to understand how cancer metastasises by using a novel and unique approach of analysing multiple regions from matched primary and metastatic tumours from breast cancer patients. Expected outcomes include identifying predictors of treatment resistance and resultant personalised management and therapeutic strategies to improve survival outcomes of breast cancer patients.