Understanding The Roles Of Dendritic Domains In Neuronal Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,509.00
Summary
We aim to find cellular basis to cognitive function and dysfunction by understanding the input/output characterstics of individual neurons. Since neurons are fundamental computational units in the brain, we aim to understand how synaptic inputs to different dendritic regions are processed prompting the neuron to fire an output. We also aim to seek distinct roles of certain dendritic branches in gating sensory inputs onto the neuron.
Micro-elastography - A New Tool For Microscopic Intraoperative Tumour Margin Assessment In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,956.00
Summary
In breast cancer surgery, it is vital to completely remove the entire tumour. Unfortunately, in 30% of breast-conserving surgeries, re-excision is required because microscopic analysis after the surgery indicated some tumour had been missed. This has traumatic consequences for the patient and places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Using micro-elastography, we will enable the surgeon to detect small regions of tumour during the initial surgery. This probe may significantly reduce ....In breast cancer surgery, it is vital to completely remove the entire tumour. Unfortunately, in 30% of breast-conserving surgeries, re-excision is required because microscopic analysis after the surgery indicated some tumour had been missed. This has traumatic consequences for the patient and places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Using micro-elastography, we will enable the surgeon to detect small regions of tumour during the initial surgery. This probe may significantly reduce the number of additional surgeries required.Read moreRead less
Is The Eye A Window To The Brain In Sanfilippo Syndrome?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$852,967.00
Summary
Study of the retina and optic nerve permits evaluation of central nervous system – these structures contain both neurons and glia and are outgrowths of the developing brain. Therefore, eye examination may allow us to study the brain and monitor brain disease and the effect of therapy. This project will determine whether brain disease in a childhood-onset disorder (Sanfilippo syndrome) and treatment of it, can be monitored in this way.
Non-invasive Near-infrared Optical Imaging Of Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,033.00
Summary
Dementia currently affects over 240,000 Australians with an increasing health cost. A common cause of dementia occurs when proteins in the brain form deposits and brain cells degenerate and die. This project will develop a novel medical imaging method that will facilitate the detection of dying brain cells. This will enable a better understanding of the causes of cell death and the opportunity to identify the best time for meaningful therapeutic intervention.
Improving Patient Safety In Radiation Therapy With The Watchdog Real-time Treatment Delivery Verification System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,742.00
Summary
Radiation therapy is a highly effective cancer treatment with extremely high doses delivered using very complex treatment machines. Unfortunately errors have occurred resulting in cases of patient death and mistreatment. We have developed a novel method to assess the treatment delivery in real-time to prevent errors. The method uses imaging devices that are already present on the treatment machine meaning that this method could have a major impact on patient safety in modern radiation therapy.
Design And Application Of New Nanomaterials Theranostic Platforms For Targeted Treatment Of Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,626.00
Summary
The project aims to develop intelligent drugs that attract to malignant tumors like magnets. These powerful, next-generation chemotherapy drugs seek out cancerous cells, allowing physicians to see exactly where tumours lie. Nanoparticles inside the drugs then switch on upon contact with X-ray radiation beams. This new method, which can diagnose, deliver targeted therapy and monitor the response to therapy all at the same time, would reduce the amount of radiation needed to kill cancer cells.
Fast And Efficient Assessment Of Dose In Small Targets In Radiotherapy: Effect Of Motion In Clinical Research And Implementation Of Dynamic Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,265.00
Summary
The continued progress of radiation therapy for cancer patients has been driven by technology developments that have increased the complexity of radiation delivery, but has come at the cost of increased potential for errors in radiation planning and delivery. The aim of this project is to implement an instrument for verification of treatment delivered to organs with large variation of shape and position due to respiration. This will enhance treatment outcome and patient quality of life.
Optimising Radiation Therapy Delivery For Cancer Patients Using Daily Image Guidance To Maximize Cure And Reduce Normal Tissue Side Effects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,968.00
Summary
When using radiotherapy to kill tumours, the radiation beams need to be targeted at the tumour, plus a margin of error around it to ensure that it receives sufficient dose despite uncertainties in its exact location relative to reference points used for beam alignment. Advanced statistical modelling techniques applied to data collected from patients will be used to determine the optimal margin width for individual patients to maximise cancer cure while minimising normal tissue side effects.
Cancer Radiotherapy 2020: Accounting For Tumour Deformation In Real Time To Improve Treatment Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,616.00
Summary
Tumours in lung and prostate cancer change shape during radiotherapy treatment. This is not accounted for in current care, compromising the therapeutic efficacy. We will develop the first radiotherapy system that can adjust the radiation beam in real time to follow the changing tumour shape. We will assess the performance of the system and quantify the clinical benefit. It is expected that clinical implementation of this technique will improve the cure rates and decrease the treatment toxicity.