This Fellowship will focus on psychosocial issues in cancer, empowering patients to participate in their care, and improving communication between patients and health professionals. Research aims to reduce distress in immigrant, rural, advanced and young cancer patients and reduce fear of cancer recurrence in survivors; better understand the role of stress, coping and social support in the development of breast cancer; and improve communication about prognosis and end of life issues.
A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomised Trial (SMART) Of Nursing Interventions To Reduce Pain Associated With Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,418.00
Summary
Modern chemotherapy treatments can result in damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This condition is characterised by a range of sensory and functional changes that can cause pain and reduced ability to perform daily activities. This project will test various non-pharmacological pain management measures to determine if they are effective in improving the quality of life of patients who experience this problem.
A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial To Test The Efficacy And Cost Effectiveness Of An Intervention To Reduce Carer Burden And Depression Among Caregivers Of Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,832.00
Summary
Given the crucial role caregivers play in a cancer patient’s recovery and illness management, caregivers are often not adequately prepared to manage the physical and emotional demands of care giving. This intervention involves developing and implementing a targeted program for caregivers, comprising screening for distress and provision of information and support, designed to reduce carer burden, improve psychosocial outcomes for caregivers and decrease unmet needs of people with cancer.
Improving Health Outcomes For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Australians With Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Despite the high standard of health experienced in Australia in general, a disproportionate burden of cancer adversely impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This research will identify the supportive care needs, quality of life, and patterns of care of Indigenous cancer patients and through engagement with Indigenous cancer survivors, community organisations and government and non-government agencies disseminate and translate these findings into policy and practice.
Australian Predicting Infectious ComplicatioNs In Children With Cancer (PICNICC) Project
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,980.00
Summary
Children undergoing cancer treatment are at an increased risk of infection. This is managed by admission to hospital for antibiotics which can be a frightening experience for the child, disruptive for their family and expensive for the healthcare system. While many need admission, a proportion of patients can be safely managed at home with oral or intravenous antibiotics. This project aims to identify these children, so as to improve their quality of life, and decrease cost of treatment.
Centre Of Research Excellence In Melanoma: Person, Tumour And System-focussed Knowledge To Drive Better Outcomes In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,486,945.00
Summary
This Centre for Research Excellence in Melanoma will address three pivotal questions: how best to identify and conduct surveillance of the person with a high risk of melanoma, how best to manage the person who has developed a melanoma with high potential for relapse, and how best to improve support, survivorship and the patient experience. Economic evaluation, policy and implementation research are integral to the research plan.
Reducing The Burden Of Disease And Inequity Related To Indigenous Australians With Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,946.00
Summary
Indigenous Australians have higher incidence of cancers, higher cancer mortality rates and poorer survival compared to other Australians. My proposed program of research aims to improve patient outcomes and survival of Indigenous people with cancer. The proposed work will examine cancer care at the primary and hospital setting, identify deficiencies, and suggest mechanisms for improvement (an intervention will be tested).
Improving The Treatment Of Infections In Children And Young Adults With Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,237.00
Summary
Children and young adults undergoing cancer treatment are at an increased risk of infection. This is managed by admission to hospital for antibiotics which can be a frightening experience for the child and expensive for the healthcare system. While many need admission, a proportion of patients can be safely managed at home with oral or intravenous antibiotics. This project aims to identify these children and young adults, so as to improve their quality of life, and decrease cost of treatment.
Trial To Evaluate Anti-fibrinolytic Therapy In Thrombocytopenia (TREATT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,057,478.00
Summary
Patients with haematologic malignancies often have low platelet counts from their disease or treatment. This can be associated with bleeding, which can sometimes be serious or fatal. Nearly 2/3 of all platelet transfusions in Australia are given in this setting to try to prevent bleeding but many people still experience bleeding. This study asks whether tranexamic acid can safely & effectively reduce bleeding and if it does, does reduced bleeding lead to reduction in platelet transfusions?