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Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging In The Diagnosis Of Cervical Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,600.00
Summary
In Victoria alone around 500000 Pap smears a year are examined for evidence of cancer of the cervix or conditions that may lead to cancer. This is a time consuming, labour intensive and costly process with a relatively high failure rate. A number of alternative techniques have been explored in the last decade with a view to providing a diagnostic technique that is free of human error, more reliable than the Pap method and easily used. An alternative technique based on using infrared light to pro ....In Victoria alone around 500000 Pap smears a year are examined for evidence of cancer of the cervix or conditions that may lead to cancer. This is a time consuming, labour intensive and costly process with a relatively high failure rate. A number of alternative techniques have been explored in the last decade with a view to providing a diagnostic technique that is free of human error, more reliable than the Pap method and easily used. An alternative technique based on using infrared light to probe smears shows promise in providing such an easily automated reliable method. We, and others have spent a number of years exploring this technique and have solved a number of the problems associated with it. Based on our work in the field and the work of others we now wish to develop a methodology using an infrared micro-imaging spectrometer combined with multivariate statistics that can be used to diagnose cervical cancer and the conditions that lead to cervical cancer.Read moreRead less
Dementia is an urgent global challenge with enormous health and economic cost to Australia. While the hope is for a cure, the number with dementia is growing and diagnosis is often delayed by ~3 years. This project will use innovative neurocognitive methods to achieve earlier diagnosis and develop tailored treatments. This will enhance or maintain function, promoting independence and community living, improving the quality of life and care for persons living with dementia.
Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) As A Diagnostic Tool In Colorectal Cancer: Role In Screening And Early Detection Of Metastatic Or Recurrent Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,478.00
Summary
These studies will be exploring the value of using a blood test to detect cancer DNA as a screening test for colorectal cancer. This test promises to be superior to faecal blood testing, which is currently performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. It may also have advantages over colonoscopy as a screening tool. Given the likely acceptability of having a blood based screening test, it is expected that participation rates in bowel cancer screening, which has been shown to ....These studies will be exploring the value of using a blood test to detect cancer DNA as a screening test for colorectal cancer. This test promises to be superior to faecal blood testing, which is currently performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. It may also have advantages over colonoscopy as a screening tool. Given the likely acceptability of having a blood based screening test, it is expected that participation rates in bowel cancer screening, which has been shown to save lives, will be greatly increased.Read moreRead less
Early Detection Of Infants And Young Children With Autism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$268,250.00
Summary
Autism is a severely handicapping condition adversely affecting social interaction, communication, behaviour, interests, and activities. Autism requires treatment at an early age (before 4 years). Despite finding that parents notice problems with their child's development within the first 2 years, on average diagnoses are made around 6 years of age. Treatment for autism should begin as early as possible to improve outcome. Diagnosis requires specialist assessment and these services are limited. ....Autism is a severely handicapping condition adversely affecting social interaction, communication, behaviour, interests, and activities. Autism requires treatment at an early age (before 4 years). Despite finding that parents notice problems with their child's development within the first 2 years, on average diagnoses are made around 6 years of age. Treatment for autism should begin as early as possible to improve outcome. Diagnosis requires specialist assessment and these services are limited. Therefore it is not possible to undertake such assessments with all children who have developmental problems. This project therefore proposes to evaluate a method for screening large populations of children for autism, thus enabling timely and more appropriate referral to assessment services. Previous work by the investigators has developed a potential screening tool (DBC Early Screen) for autism in young children under 4 years with developmental delay that has high levels of accuracy in identifying those infants and children who are at risk of autism and require specialist assessment. This project proposes to undertake a community field trial to assess the accuracy and reliability of this early screen and to establish its suitability for wide use as a population screening tool. The preliminary testing of DBC Early Screen demonstrated that a community field trial was feasible. The results of this study will facilitate the referral of infants and young children to specialist autism assessment services, thus enabling the commencement of appropriate early intervention for children and their families from an early age.Read moreRead less
To reduce Australia's future dementia burden, it is imperative to develop methods to identify those Australians at the very early stage of dementia. To achieve this goal, we are establishing multidisciplinary research projects to track disease progression from the very early stage. These projects use cutting-edge neuroscience technologies to examine how the mind and brain change in dementia. My goal is to discover novel methods for early detection, and develop early intervention strategies.
Predicting Perioperative Cognitive Disorders In The Elderly Based On Cardiovascular Risk, AD Risk And New Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,826.00
Summary
Anaesthesia and surgery are common in the elderly and are known to lead to memory and thinking problems. Why this happens is unclear. I plan to study confusion, memory and thinking problems before and after surgery and to determine if blood or cerebrospinal fluid tests or modifying cardiovascular disease can predict this happening. This work will lead to early identification of people who are at risk of cognitive problems following anaesthesia and surgery, and ways to prevent this happening.
The CRE is a collaboration of researchers who have a national and strategic focus for research into asbestos related diseases and cancers. The National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases provides a platform to build on Australia’s existing research expertise and encourages strong organisational linkages to ensure our research is systematic and complementary to existing research efforts in the area of asbestos related diseases.
Imaging, Fluid And Genetic Markers Of Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,519,004.00
Summary
Markers of pathology and inflammation are useful tools for the diagnosis and staging of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. This approach will deepen our basic understanding of this disease, improving early detection and prediction of cognitive impairment. This work will make possible more accurate diagnosis, and improved monitoring of therapeutic interventions.