Integration Of Novel Biological Targets/biomarkers In The Treatment Of Lethal Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,930,260.00
Summary
Prostate cancer (PC) remains a major cause of cancer-related death. Precision medicine is predicated on the principle of the right drug for the right patient at the right time. This program aims to assess/validate the ability of blood-based molecular markers to predict an individual patient’s response to different treatments and develop new drug strategies based on biological endpoints. Overall, this project has the potential to improve survival and quality of life in men with lethal PC.
Cancer is now the leading cause of death in our community. Dramatic progress in genomic technologies is impacting on cancer treatment and risk management internationally. My vision is an Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Program (AGCMP), uniting than 15 cancer centres and three major medical research institutes in all states and territories, and bringing genomics through research into the clinic to improve health outcomes for all Australians.
Improving The Synthesis Of Medical Research: The Evidence Synthesis Taxonomy Initiative
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
People who make decisions regarding the health of individuals or a society need trustworthy information to support these decisions, whether they be about the effectiveness of a strategy, the burden of a disease, the accuracy of a medical investigation or the preferences and values of a population. To produce trustworthy evidence, we need to collate and synthesise all of the information available. This work will improve the science behind evidence synthesis and the quality of evidence synthesis.
Pathogenic Repeat Expansions In Ataxia: Advancing Gene Discovery And Genetic Diagnosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Hereditary ataxia is a severe neurological disorder that results in impaired coordination and balance and affects 1 in 20,000 Australians. Ataxias are often caused by complex genetic mutations called repeat expansions (RE), which are difficult to detect. Therefore, genetic diagnosis of ataxia remains limited and poorly accessible, leading to a gap in clinical care. In this study, we will utilise modern advances in genetic sequencing technology to diagnose and discover ataxias caused by REs.
Pain is a prevalent condition and a major cause of disease burden. The research program will address important questions in the clinical management of pain to reduce its the enormous burden. The program will: 1) investigate whether opioid medicines and oral steroids are effective in treating acute low back pain and neck pain, and sciatica, and 2) assess and improve the appropriate use of strong pain medicines in primary care.
Motor Impairment: Physiology, Pathophysiology And Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,814,215.00
Summary
It is very common to get Motor Impairments in many diseases and disorders, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis, and even with ageing. These affect our ability to move and function properly. I will use multidisciplinary expertise in basic, applied and clinical science to answer key questions about mechanisms and management of the Motor Impairments of weakness and fatigue, impaired sensation and balance, and muscle contracture. Results will be rapidly applied in clinical populations.
Overcoming The Barriers To Treatment Of Multi-drug Resistant Gram-negative Bloodstream Infections In Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,603.00
Summary
There is a critical need to develop new treatments for children with antibiotic resistant infections. The most important bacteria causing resistant infections are known as Gram-negative bacteria. Doctors treating children with resistant Gram-negative infections are faced with few antibiotic options. This project will discover the most important resistant infections in Australian children, and trial a new antibiotic to help doctors to use it in the right children and at the right dose.
Healthy Diet And Weight Management In Pregnancy: Evidence To Ease A Hefty Clinical Burden.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,705,260.00
Summary
Approximately 50% of women are overweight or obese on entering pregnancy, placing women at increased risk of well documented pregnancy complications. This proposal will: 1) Translate RCT evidence into clinical practice to provide dietary advice for pregnant women 2) Address why pregnancy interventions have not impacted weight gain despite improved maternal diet 3) Consider the key features of an intervention before conception 4) Evaluate a pilot RCT weight loss intervention
Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (circulating tumour DNA or ctDNA) into the patient’s bloodstream. Recent technological advances now allow levels of ctDNA to be accurately measured in the blood. Changes in ctDNA levels have potential to be used as specific markers of disease progression and/or response to cancer therapy. This research will advance the use of ctDNA to serially follow patients and individualise treatment decisions in cancer management across several cancer types.
Towards Evidence-based Use Of IVF Add-ons In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
A large number of extra ‘add-on’ treatments are available which claim to increase the chance of success of IVF. However, there is no evidence that these add-ons are safe or effective, and they can cost patients up to $2000. I will undertake research to measure use of add-ons in Australia and the factors that drive supply and demand. I will use this information to develop resources based on robust evidence which will help guide patients and clinicians in making decisions about using IVF add-ons.