The Clinical Impact Of Event-based Motion Correction In Paediatric PET-CT Brain Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$276,104.00
Summary
Movement of the head during PET-CT brain imaging can prevent accurate diagnosis by blurring and distorting the image. The problem is perhaps most acute in paediatric patients, many of whom must be anaesthetized or sedated to avoid motion. This work will establish whether a recently developed motion correction method can improve the clinical utility of PET-CT brain images in young patients, and reduce the need for sedation and anaesthesia during the PET scan.
Molecular Imaging Of Cancers With Copper And Zirconium Radiopharmaceuticals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,475.00
Summary
This research aims to develop new imaging agents to assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer. This research will advance knowledge in the areas of chemistry, biotechnology and diagnostic imaging.
Very Fast, Accurate And Low Dose Imaging For Radiotherapy Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,651.00
Summary
This project will reduce scan times and imaging dose by an order of magnitude for an imaging modality that is the standard of care for lung cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Specifically, scan times reduce from 4min to below 60sec, image quality will be improved and imaging dose will be reduced by 85%. These improvements not only improve treatment efficacy by improving the accuracy of radiotherapy delivery, they reduce treatment times and reduce discomfort to the patient.
Towards The Clinical Application Of Phase-contrast Computed Tomography In Breast Cancer Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,659.00
Summary
Imaging used for breast cancer screening misses between 15-40% of cancers and uses radiation and painful patient compression. We introduce phase contrast computed tomography, which for the first time clinically since 1895, will exploit X-ray refraction rather than X-ray absorption. Our pilot data demonstrated an increased image signal, offering significantly improved cancer detection, reduced radiation dose and lower tissue compression. This work will include the world-first patient trial.
Coronary Artery Calcium Score: Use To Guide Management Of Hereditary Coronary Artery Disease (CAUGHT-CAD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,762,082.00
Summary
Lifetime risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is doubled in families with premature CAD. This study will be the first randomized controlled trial of the use of coronary artery calcium scoring (CCS) in relatives of patients with premature CAD, in which treatment will be initiated based on CCS. At three years, the effectiveness of intervention will be assessed on change in plaque volume at CT coronary angiography. The results inform the guidelines regarding evaluation of families with CAD.
Monitoring Changes In CT Scanning Usage To Minimise Cancer Risk?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,664.00
Summary
Computed tomography scanning (CT) is an x-ray technique that uses ionizing radiation to produce the images of the body. Ionizing radiation is harmful and carries a risk of cancer. Concerns have been expressed about the increasing use of CT with the importance of monitoring the trends in use recognised internationally. We will investigate changes in the use of CT, estimate the radiation dose and the number of cancers that can be expected due to CT.
The Development Of Innovative Multiplexed Molecular Imaging Technology Targeting Improved Diagnostic Imaging Of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,599.00
Summary
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is extremely invasive and the most lethal of all primary brain tumours. To optimise treatment planning, we propose to develop novel Multiplexed Molecular Imaging (MMI) technology employing the latest PET-MRI hybrid imaging technology. Our strategy targets the development of new F19 MRI MI agents for measuring tumour infiltration that can be multiplexed with F18 PET hypoxia tracers. Our MI agents can also act as conjugative vehicles for drug delivery.
The Australian, Imaging, Biomarkers And Lifestyle Study Of Ageing (AIBL) Phase III - Facilitating Early Intervention In Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$733,653.00
Summary
Amyloid brain scans can detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease 10-15 years before symptoms first appear. Amyloid build-up is thought to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease. The earlier that drugs designed to slow the build up of amyloid or to clear it from the brain are given, the greater the chance of benefit. This study will use the recent discoveries from the Australian AIBL study to develop the best method to find these people with brain amyloid but no symptoms for early treatment trials to ....Amyloid brain scans can detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease 10-15 years before symptoms first appear. Amyloid build-up is thought to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease. The earlier that drugs designed to slow the build up of amyloid or to clear it from the brain are given, the greater the chance of benefit. This study will use the recent discoveries from the Australian AIBL study to develop the best method to find these people with brain amyloid but no symptoms for early treatment trials to prevent dementia.Read moreRead less
Investigating Neuroinflammation And Its Relationship With Progressive Brain Structural Loss In Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,252.00
Summary
This project will investigate whether brain inflammation contributes to progressive brain volume loss in people with schizophrenia. Using novel brain scanning we will index whether brain cells involved in inflammation, called microglia, are in an activated state in people with schizophrenia. We expect microglia will be ‘activated’ in a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia, and will be related to progressive brain volume loss in these patients. This information will help us develop new treatme ....This project will investigate whether brain inflammation contributes to progressive brain volume loss in people with schizophrenia. Using novel brain scanning we will index whether brain cells involved in inflammation, called microglia, are in an activated state in people with schizophrenia. We expect microglia will be ‘activated’ in a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia, and will be related to progressive brain volume loss in these patients. This information will help us develop new treatments to prevent brain volume loss in the illness.Read moreRead less
Novel Radioligands For PET Imaging And Phenotyping Of Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$817,828.00
Summary
This project aims to catalyse a paradigm shift in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). We will achieve this paradigm shift by developing radioligands that can be used to image the brain of MS patients. These agents will target a protein in MS patients that will be diagnostic of the state of disease progression. This will facilitate prediction of disease outcome, monitoring of therapeutic response and the development of novel treatment strategies for the better treatment of MS.