QUARTZ: Quality Of Life After Radiotherapy And-or Steriods
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$63,000.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer related death worldwide. In this group, one in four people will be diagnosed with brain metastases during their illness. This makes brain metastases a major health resource issue. For this group, the diagnosis of brain metastases is often associated with survival of less than 3 months. It is therefore important that this short survival period, which is often compromised by the effects of the disease, is not compromised further with the use of potentia ....Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer related death worldwide. In this group, one in four people will be diagnosed with brain metastases during their illness. This makes brain metastases a major health resource issue. For this group, the diagnosis of brain metastases is often associated with survival of less than 3 months. It is therefore important that this short survival period, which is often compromised by the effects of the disease, is not compromised further with the use of potentially toxic treatment. Whole Brain Radiotherapy (WBRT) is often used to treat these people. There is no current evidence to confirm that WBRT improves their quality of life. Most people with brain metastases routinely receive steroid medicine either as sole treatment or in addition to WBRT. Despite their potential side effects, steroids can control the symptoms of brain metastases and improve a person's quality of life. It is possible that the addition of WBRT adds nothing to steroids used alone or that only subgroups of these people benefit from WBRT. If these subgroups could be identified, treatment could be better tailored to the individual and minimise unnecessary hospital visits for these terminally ill patients. This could also potentially benefit the oncology community by translating into reduced radiotherapy waiting times. This is a unique, international collaborative study which aims to enroll 1000 people over a 3 year period from the UK, Australia and Canada .The main research question in this study is: Do the overall disadvantages of WBRT for lung cancer sufferers outweigh the advantages? It will be comparing the overall combination of quality and duration of survival in a) people receiving steroids and optimal palliative care alone to b) people receiving steroids, optimal palliative care and WBRT. The secondary research aims are to compare the two treatment groups in terms of symptoms experienced by the person and treatment side effects.Read moreRead less
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?