Use Of Advanced Bronchoscopic Techniques In The Diagnosis And Staging Of Suspected Primary Lung Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$118,796.00
Summary
Lung cancer is common in Australia. Multiple diagnostic procedures may be used, thought they have never been directly compared. Our study will determine the optimal path of investigation of patients with suspected lung cancer, examining safety, diagnostic accuracy, cost, and the ability to provide essential information required in lung cancer care. Work will focus on use of CT-guided tests, or bronchoscopy (examination of the inside of the airways), the two most commonly used diagnostic methods.
Allergen-sensitzation And Environmental Exposures In Early Life Interact Synergistically To Alter Lung Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,088.00
Summary
Asthma develops as the result of complex interactions between genetic susceptibilities and environmental exposures. Approximately 40% of 6-year-old children in Perth are sensitized to inhaled allergens, however, only half of these have asthma. Allergic sensitization per se is therefore insufficient for the development of persistent asthma. A second hit, associated with lung inflammation in early life, increases this risk several fold. This second hit could come from viral infection or from other ....Asthma develops as the result of complex interactions between genetic susceptibilities and environmental exposures. Approximately 40% of 6-year-old children in Perth are sensitized to inhaled allergens, however, only half of these have asthma. Allergic sensitization per se is therefore insufficient for the development of persistent asthma. A second hit, associated with lung inflammation in early life, increases this risk several fold. This second hit could come from viral infection or from other inflammatory stimuli such as exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollutants and vehicle exhaust emissions. The timing of this second hit may well be important, particularly if it is early while the lungs are still growing and developing. The aim of this project is to examine interactions between allergen sensitization and exposure to environmental hazards in early life using a mouse model of allergic inflammation. We will test the hypothesis that the combination of allergic sensitization and viral infections in early life alter lung growth, airway function and airway hyperresponsiveness, however, exposure to air pollutants can not provide the 'second hit required to induce persistent asthma. Determining the role viral infection and environmental pollution have early in life may provide us with a strategy for intervention that could prevent life-long changes in respiratory function and airway hyperresponsiveness.Read moreRead less
Selective Use Of Long-term Antibiotics For Chronic Lung Obstructive Disease In Aboriginal Adults: A Multi-centre Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,800.00
Summary
Indigenous Australians suffer from well-documented health disadvantage. This is demonstrated particularly for chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD-COAD). In remote communities nearly 15% of Aboriginal Australians suffer from COPD. This is reflected in death rates that show Aboriginal Australians as 6 times more likely to die from COPD and to be hospitalised much more frequently for this condition. Treatment options for COPD once it is established are however limited. Although smoking is a well ....Indigenous Australians suffer from well-documented health disadvantage. This is demonstrated particularly for chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD-COAD). In remote communities nearly 15% of Aboriginal Australians suffer from COPD. This is reflected in death rates that show Aboriginal Australians as 6 times more likely to die from COPD and to be hospitalised much more frequently for this condition. Treatment options for COPD once it is established are however limited. Although smoking is a well recognised cause of COPD it is becoming clear that in Aboriginal Australians additional factors are likely to be important. Aboriginal Australians have higher rates of bacterial respiratory infections compared non-Indigenous Australians and it is likely that this is an important preventable factor in the establishment and progression of COPD. The aim of this study is thus to determine if the judicious use of regular antibiotics will be effective in treating Aboriginal adults with COPD. Particularly we aim to determine if this treatment can prevent acute exacerbations, which are associated with hospitalisation and death, and reduce inflammation in the airways, which is associated with continuing damage to the lungs and progressive disability. The involvement of 4 Aboriginal communities in this well-designed clinical trial is an important advance in the methods used to evaluate interventions in Aboriginal health. The project will also provide local training and equipment to improve the assessment and management of respiratory disease in remote Aboriginal communities. Finally the results of this study will be directly relevant to evidence-based guidelines that are currently utilised for the management of COPD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.Read moreRead less