Relationship Between Head Injury And Cognitive, Neurological And Biological Variables Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$252,849.00
Summary
This project will investigate in people over the age of 60 whether the features which predispose to Alzheimer’s disease are more prevalent in individuals who have sustained a head injury previously in their lives. If our findings suggest that a history of head injury increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, we will be able to evaluate relationships with other medical and social variables and with lifestyle and dietary factors which may reduce this risk.
Aurora A As A Novel Therapeutic Target For HPV-driven Cancers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$762,328.00
Summary
Cervical cancer is caused by a virus and current treatments have not improved for many years. We have performed a screen and identified new drug targets and here we will examine one of these using a drug that has perviously been developed for other cancers. Our preliminary data shows cervical cancer is highly sensitive to this drug and there are few side-effects. We will examine how it works and if it results in permanent protection from new cancers.
Improving Quality Of Life In High-risk Cancer Populations: A Randomised Trial Of A Structured Intervention For Head And Neck Cancer Survivors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,220.00
Summary
Patients treated for head and neck cancer commonly experience pain, disfigurement, eating difficulties, depression and fatigue, undermining confidence and quality of life. This study aims to help patients self-manage their ongoing health problems following completion of treatment. This will be achieved through a randomised trial in which patients will be assisted by a trained oncology nurse to develop a tailored survivorship care plan focusing on the patient’s specific medical and emotional conc ....Patients treated for head and neck cancer commonly experience pain, disfigurement, eating difficulties, depression and fatigue, undermining confidence and quality of life. This study aims to help patients self-manage their ongoing health problems following completion of treatment. This will be achieved through a randomised trial in which patients will be assisted by a trained oncology nurse to develop a tailored survivorship care plan focusing on the patient’s specific medical and emotional concerns.Read moreRead less
Much of the death and suffering caused by cancer is associated with secondary tumours, but alot remains to be learned about how cancer spreads through the patient's body. This project will determine how genes that enable the growth of tumours work with other genes that enable cancer cells to detach from the tumour, enabling them to enter the bloodstream and form secondary tumours in other organs.
A Randomized Trial Of 2 Radiation And Systemic Therapy Strategies In Good Prognosis Advanced Human Papilloma Virus -associated Cancer Of The Tonsil And Base Of Tongue
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,097,932.00
Summary
Cancers of the tonsil and base of tongue due to the human papilloma virus have a better prognosis than other head and neck cancers, but standard treatment can result in significant acute and late side effects. This trial aims to compare two types of chemotherapy and radiotherapy that are less intensive than standard treatment. The aim of the trial is to determine which treatment is associated with better quality of life and less side effects, while maintaining efficacy.
Stratification Of Therapies In HNSCC Through Discovery Of Molecular Signatures
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$852,600.00
Summary
Human head and neck cancer is a devastating disease with poor survival rates. Using a unique mouse model, we have now uncovered novel genetic defects that trigger cancer development. These defects are also evident in human cancers. This proposal will utilize this mouse model to explore new treatment strategies based on targeting the genetic defect. Ultimately we anticipate that this will translate into personalized therapies that will favourably alter the course of this cancer.
A Randomised Controlled Trial To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Zoledronate Therapy In Osteonecrosis Of The Hip.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,441.00
Summary
Osteonecrosis of the hip is an important cause of musculoskeletal disability and finding therapeuticsolutions has proven to be challenging. A wide range of surgical treatments with variable success rates ahve been proposed for the treatment. Non-surgical treatment options are limited and usually result in a poor prognosis. This novel clinical trial research will study the protective value of a bisphosphonate in patients with osteonecrosis of the hip and evaluate the cost-effectiveness.
PET Imaging Agents For The Differential Diagnosis Of Hypoxic Tumors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,429.00
Summary
Choosing the best type of treatment from the ever increasing arsenal of chemotherapeutic agents against cancer is of critical importance. Tumor hypoxia requires specialized treatment and patient selection. Current PET imaging agents cannot differentiate between severely and mildly hypoxic tumors. We have found a new agent that can detect mildly hypoxic tumors and the aim of this grant application is to further develop this radiotracer to improve image quality and reliability of the diagnosis.
Eating As Treatment (EAT): A Stepped Wedge, Randomised Control Trial Of A Health Behaviour Change Intervention Provided By Dietitians To Improve Nutrition In Head And Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,156,299.00
Summary
Maintaining nutrition in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients is challenging. Radiotherapy and the burden of the cancer make it difficult for HNC patients to maintain sufficient nutrition. HNC patients also have higher levels of mental illness and substance dependence including alcohol misuse. This trial aims to build on promising pilot data to evaluate for the first time a dietitian delivered health behaviour intervention (Eating As Treatment) to improve nutritional status among HNC patients.
Translating Molecular Insights In Squamous Cell Carcinoma Into Novel Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$859,551.00
Summary
In Australia, skin cancers account for 80% of all new cases of cancer, and over 95% of these are basal cell cancers (BCC) or squamous cell cancers (SCC). Although exposure to the sun is the major factor responsible for both of these cancers, it is not known what genes are damaged allowing them to grow in an uncontrolled manner. Our laboratory has identified critical genes that malfunction in SCC. This discovery will allow us to develop new preventative and curative strategies for SCC.