Biological, Functional And Radiographic Evaluation Of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,400.00
Summary
We will test the hypothesis that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and extensor realignment produces superior clinical, biological and radiographic results when compared with conventional treatment of realignment and debridement. We will specifically address the following aims: 1. Quantify the clinical outcome of ACI compared to the traditionally used treatment of debridement through the use of functional evaluation in a blinded randomised controlled clinical trial; 2. Evaluate the radio ....We will test the hypothesis that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and extensor realignment produces superior clinical, biological and radiographic results when compared with conventional treatment of realignment and debridement. We will specifically address the following aims: 1. Quantify the clinical outcome of ACI compared to the traditionally used treatment of debridement through the use of functional evaluation in a blinded randomised controlled clinical trial; 2. Evaluate the radiographic changes in the patellofemoral joint that occur as a result of ACI, using high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage; 3. Using the new technique of confocal arthroscopy, we will compare the histologic appearances of the ACI graft and its interface with adjacent articular cartilage; 4. Evaluate patient, surgical and explant chondrocyte characteristics in relation to functional, radiographic and biological outcomes. With respect to the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) technique, we wish to clarify the clinical practice as a definitive treatment for articular cartilage defects. This will be the first randomised, controlled clinical trial of the MACI technique compared to that used by other groups. A positive clinical outcome from this trial will help promote the three cornerstones of this procedure – successful cell culture, efficient surgical procedures, and complimentary postoperative rehabilitation. Furthermore, this research will: a) Enhance the expansion of the MACI technique; b) Encourage development of endoscopic techniques of implantation using a combination of – • Preoperative defect registration with MRI • pre-cut custom patches, implanted with • Computer-assisted navigation techniques: c) Increase the potential to cater for a larger number of patients requiring articular cartilage repair; d) Confirm the long-term durability of regenerated cartilage in the 4th year and beyond; e) Add further commercial value by demonstrating MACI may prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.Read moreRead less
The proposed project is part of a research programme aimed at developing a new drug to reduce the side effects of cancer radiotherapy. These side effects result from the radiation damage to normal tissues close to the tumour. Since in many instances the normal tissues at risk are accessible to topical application (eg. skin in breast cancer patients, rectal mucosa in prostate cancer patients, oral mucosa in all patients being treated for tumours in the head and neck region) the concept is very si ....The proposed project is part of a research programme aimed at developing a new drug to reduce the side effects of cancer radiotherapy. These side effects result from the radiation damage to normal tissues close to the tumour. Since in many instances the normal tissues at risk are accessible to topical application (eg. skin in breast cancer patients, rectal mucosa in prostate cancer patients, oral mucosa in all patients being treated for tumours in the head and neck region) the concept is very simple. A drug which makes cells less sensitive to X-rays (these drugs are called radioprotectors) is simply applied topically to the normal tissues at risk. For this purpose, we have developed a new radioprotecting drug called methylproamine which is 100-fold more potent than previously-developed radioprotectors. Unfortunately, methylproamine is not suitable for our purpose because at higher concentrations it is toxic to some cells. This hurdle must be overcome in order to make the project attractive to potential commercial sponsors. Our aim is to modify methylproamine by removing the molecular features that cause the cytotoxicity. We have established that this is feasible, by synthesising and evaluating a small family of methylproamine analogues. Some less toxic family members have already been identified. With this knowledge, we now propose to use special computer programmes to design a much larger family of methylproamine analogues, and to synthesise and test each one in order to identify the most promising candidate for our purpose. Once the efficacy window hurdle is passed, the subsequent milestones to commercialisation and clinical implementation can be addressed, with appropriate sponsorship. An Australian company has already expressed strong interest and is evaluating the opportunity.Read moreRead less
Development Of A PET Detection System Prototype With Depth Of Interaction Capability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,906.00
Summary
This development project invovles the development of a slim-line Positron Emission Tomogrphy (PET) detection sub-module, the crucial component of PET scanners, that is small and extremely flexible. It is planned to utilize this module in the design of customized new commercial PET scanners ideal for diagnosing human brain and breast disorders. The development will proceed in collaboration with Insight Oceania-ADAC, Sydney. Insight Oceania-ADAC are very excited by the potential applications and f ....This development project invovles the development of a slim-line Positron Emission Tomogrphy (PET) detection sub-module, the crucial component of PET scanners, that is small and extremely flexible. It is planned to utilize this module in the design of customized new commercial PET scanners ideal for diagnosing human brain and breast disorders. The development will proceed in collaboration with Insight Oceania-ADAC, Sydney. Insight Oceania-ADAC are very excited by the potential applications and future markets (Australia and overseas) of the newly developing PET detection sub-modules for dedicated PET scanners. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a functional imaging tool, which is able to quantify physiological and biochemical processes in vivo, using short-lived cyclotron-produced radiotracers. PET is emerging as an extremely important diagnostic procedure used in the early detection of cancers, neurological diseases and as an aid in treatment monitoring and drug development. The unique advantage of PET over anatomical imaging techniques, such as X-ray CT and MRI, arises from its ability to measure changes in tumour biology, at the molecular level, prior to anatomical changes in involved tissues, using trace amounts of a radiolabelled compound (radiotracer). The full potential of PET however, is not being completely utilized due to constraints within the current designs of PET scanners. When used to its full potential PET, in principle, would be an excellent diagnostic and treatment monitoring tool for breast cancer, brain tumours and other neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, post stress disorder, dementia, and depression. Lack of flexibility in current PET scanner designs to date has meant that no commercial human brain or breast imaging scanners exist. Pilot project data proved the feasibility of our new flexible PET detection module design.Read moreRead less