Cancer Risks From Low-dose Ionising Radiation Following Diagnostic Medical Procedures
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,579.00
Summary
Our study investigates cancer risk following exposure to low doses of ionising radiation from medical procedures. Our first major paper linked over 800,000 CT exposures to cancer outcomes in a cohort of almost 11 million young Australians, and found that CT exposure predicted an increased incidence of leukaemia and most solid cancers. In our ongoing work we will incorporate nuclear medicine and other diagnostic x-rays, and estimate radiation dose for individual procedures and to specific organs.
The Role Of Infant Food Allergy In The Natural History And Burden Of Allergic Disease Across The Early Years: The HealthNuts Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,722,373.00
Summary
The HealthNuts study of 4600 infants is the world’s first comprehensive population-based study of food allergy with objective measurement of true food allergy and will enable us to understand better the natural history of allergic disorders including food allergy, asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis and the interplay of risk factors for development of these conditions in the first 6 years of life. The study will have important implications for clinical guidelines and public health policy.
Defining The Impact Of Universal Iron Interventions In Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial In Rural Bangladesh
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,794,373.00
Summary
Although nearly half of the world's young children are anaemic, evidence regarding the best approaches to correct this problem are limited. New data even suggests that the conventional approaches (iron supplements, multiple micronutrient powders) may even be harmful. We will perform the definitive trial which will confirm the existence and magnitude of any benefit (and harm) from these interventions in young Bangladeshi children. This trial will inform global policy on anaemia control.
Combining PI3K, CDK4/6 Pathway Inhibitors And Immunotherapies In Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): A Novel Therapy Combination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,345.00
Summary
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis of all breast cancer subtypes, classically affecting young women and characterized by a lack of effective therapies. We show that blocking both PI3K and CDK4/6 pathways together effectively reduces TNBC growth in mice and can enhance anti-tumour immune responses. We aim to understand how these drugs work together and if adding immunotherapy can improve responses. Our project could provide a new treatment approach for TNBC patients.
Reducing The Greatest Uncertainty In Radiotherapy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,197.00
Summary
The weakest link in radiotherapy is defining treatment volumes (contouring). Lack of accuracy and consistency in clinical trial contouring has been shown to result in reduced patient outcomes. Manual review of contouring is resource intensive, expensive and for advanced treatments unachievable in a timely fashion. We will assess an automated approach to contouring assessment using 4 clinical trial datasets, changing practice for future studies and enabling consistent assessment in the clinic.
Targeting Bone Marrow Mediated Angiogenesis And Metastasis In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,006.00
Summary
Despite advances in treatment and diagnostics breast cancer (BC) remains one of the leading causes of death in women. Metastases and tumour blood vessel recruitment are linked. Work by Dr Mellick and others has shown that host bone marrow contributes endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to tumour vasculature. The chemokines and their receptors, which differentiate EPCs from tumour vessels, will be knocked down in the tumour cells and EPC progenitors with the aim of preventing tumour spread.
Improving Sexual Health In Men With Prostate Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial Of Exercise And Psychosexual Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,416.00
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common and distressing side effects of prostate cancer. Despite being a critical survivorship care issue, there is a clear gap in knowledge surrounding the optimal treatment of sexual dysfunction in men with prostate cancer. This project examines whether exercise aids in the management of sexual dysfunction and explores if an integrated treatment model incorporating pharmacological, exercise and psychosexual therapies maximises improvement in sexual health.