Dual 68-Gallium/FDG PET Imaging In Neuroendocrine Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$75,006.00
Summary
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are uncommon cancers. Low-grade tumours may grow very slowly and not require treatment, but high-grade tumours can grow over weeks and have a poor prognosis. Grade is determined by looking at tissue, but this may vary considerably even in different disease sites in the same patient. Two PET scans (FDG PET and 68Gallium PET) can show high grade and low grade disease respectively, and we plan to investigate their combination in imaging advanced neuroendocrine tumours.
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.
NOVEL NON-INVASIVE METHODS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF PULMONARY VASCULAR DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,463.00
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive disorder. Current non-invasive diagnostic modalities are insensitive for detecting early disease, thus preventing early intervention with therapy. We aim to develop novel and reproducible ways to assess the pulmonary circulation, which will ultimately allow for the early diagnosis of PAH and in turn facilitate early initiation of treatment and improved patient outcomes.
New Copper and Rhenium Radiopharmaceuticals. The aims of this project are to provide new metal-based radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer, and the imaging of cancer and other conditions through the design and engineering of new coordination complexes of rhenium and copper. Various strategies will be used to selectively and specifically target these metal complexes to the desired areas in vivo for non-invasive imaging and therapeutic applications. The most promising candidates will be ....New Copper and Rhenium Radiopharmaceuticals. The aims of this project are to provide new metal-based radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer, and the imaging of cancer and other conditions through the design and engineering of new coordination complexes of rhenium and copper. Various strategies will be used to selectively and specifically target these metal complexes to the desired areas in vivo for non-invasive imaging and therapeutic applications. The most promising candidates will be tested in the appropriate cells.Read moreRead less
Novel Nanoparticle Composites For Molecular Probes In Diagnostic Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$170,716.00
Summary
Isotope labelled protein probes, eg. antibodies, are a valuable imaging tool in investigating patient disease. Their biological specificity is their great strength, however, detection sensitivity often limits their use. A novel nanoparticle developed at ANU can increase this signal by a million-fold in comparison with conventional methods of labelling. This approach suits a range of probes and will accommodate many of the isotopes already used in patient diagnostics and therapy.
Neuroimaging changes underpinning improvements in cognition in the elderly. Natural supplements are often used to improve brain and cognitive function, however, we do not know how these supplements work in the brain. Using novel brain imaging scans, the project will investigate whether 12-month administration of two promising natural supplements improves brain markers of ageing and cognitive decline in an elderly population.