A Phase III Trial Comparing Adjuvant Versus Salvage Radiotherapy For High Risk Patients Post Radical Prostatectomy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$819,138.00
Summary
About half of all patients Treated with an operation to remove their prostate cancer have a high chance of the cancer coming back. Giving immediate radiotherapy to all patients will improve cure rates but does not benefit all men and can cause significant side effects. This study explores whether it is safe to wait and only give radiotherapy when there is a rising PSA after surgery indicating active cancer. A total of 470 men from Australasia will enter this study comparing the two approaches.
Benefits Of Home-based Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation In Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,039.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the third leading cause of death in Australia. People with lung cancer experience a complex mix of symptoms that can provoke significant distress and impair physical function. This study aims to develop and test a home based exercise and self-management support program to increase function and physical activity levels, reduce levels of depression and improve quality of life of people with lung cancer.
Developing An Australian Valuation For The EQ-5D-5L Quality Of Life Instrument
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,357.00
Summary
In the assessment of gains resulting from a health technology, it is standard to consider both mortality and quality of life effects. This project explores how Australians value different components of quality of life. To do this, we are running an online survey called a discrete choice experiment, and analysing the data using a range of cutting-edge econometric techniques. This will allow policy-makers to better reflect people's preferences when making decisions about new technologies.
The Healthy Brain Project: A Prospective Cohort Study To Examine How Later-life University Education May Affect The Trajectory Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,085,742.00
Summary
Previous research has indicated that higher levels of education in early adulthood are associated with lower risk for dementia in older adults. This world-first project will examine if older adults who undertake university education have reduced rates of age-related cognitive decline than older adults who do not undertake further education. This would support the notion that boosting cognitive reserve in later life is protective against age- and disease-related neurodegenerative change.
Improving Quality Of Life In Late Stage Bipolar Disorder: RCT Of A Novel Psychological Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,083,620.00
Summary
Hundreds of thousands of Australians have bipolar disorder and receive minimal benefit from existing drug and psychological treatments. ORBIT 2.0 is a new low-intensity online treatment using mindfulness strategies to improve quality of life in this poorly served ‘late stage’ group. Pilot testing suggests ORBIT is effective. This project will refine the intervention and is expected to confirm its clinical and cost effectiveness prior to international roll-out.
Impact Of A Sleep Intervention In ADHD: Translational Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,020,595.00
Summary
Up to 50% of children with ADHD experience sleep problems which worsen their ADHD symptoms, behaviour, quality of life and day to day functioning. In a previous trial, we showed that treating sleep problems in children with ADHD improves these outcomes. We now want to know if these benefits can be replicated when general paediatrcians and psychologists deliver the same sleep intervention in community settings.
Improving Vision And Quality Of Life: An Innovative And Comprehensive Eye Care Model For Individuals In Residential Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$896,953.00
Summary
Elderly people living in residential care facilities have high levels of vision loss which can impact on emotional health, falls, daily functioning, and quality of life. Appropriate correction and cataract surgery can improve vision and, with low vision rehabilitation, can enhance quality of life. This project will assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a new model of eye care targeting vision impairment to improve residents’ daily functioning, enhance their emotional well-being and quali ....Elderly people living in residential care facilities have high levels of vision loss which can impact on emotional health, falls, daily functioning, and quality of life. Appropriate correction and cataract surgery can improve vision and, with low vision rehabilitation, can enhance quality of life. This project will assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a new model of eye care targeting vision impairment to improve residents’ daily functioning, enhance their emotional well-being and quality of life; and reduce falls.Read moreRead less
CKD-FIX: A Randomised, Controlled Trial Of Allopurinol In The Slowing Of Kidney Disease Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,917,147.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem affecting over 1.5 million Australians and is associated with increased risk of death, heart disease and progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Current treatments to slow progression to ESKD are limited. The CKD-FIX trial aims to find out whether treatment with allopurinol, a commonly used drug for gout prevention, safely and effectively slows CKD progression. This could lead to significant health and economic benefits.
Optimal Duration Of Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy In Localised Prostate Cancer Treated By Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,335.00
Summary
The 96.01 trial aims to find out whether androgen deprivation (AD) administered prior to and during radiotherapy (i.e., neo-adjuvant AD) will improve outcomes in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer that is considered inoperable and is treated for cure by radiotherapy. The trial also aims to find out whether six months AD produces outcomes superior to those achieved by three months AD. The trial has been running since 1996 and involves 802 men who attend 19 cancer treatment centres acr ....The 96.01 trial aims to find out whether androgen deprivation (AD) administered prior to and during radiotherapy (i.e., neo-adjuvant AD) will improve outcomes in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer that is considered inoperable and is treated for cure by radiotherapy. The trial also aims to find out whether six months AD produces outcomes superior to those achieved by three months AD. The trial has been running since 1996 and involves 802 men who attend 19 cancer treatment centres across Australia and New Zealand. It would not have been possible without the continuous funding support of the NHMRC. So far this trial has shown that AD does prevent prostate cancer from returning after radiotherapy. This is very important because the need for treatment of recurrent cancer (usually AD for the rest of the patient's life) is halved by 6 months AD compared to standard treatment (radiotherapy alone). However, it is now necessary to observe the patients in this trial for another 5 years to find out whether AD also prolongs life, and whether 6 months AD is more effective than 3 months. Further patient follow up is also necessary to identify whether some men respond better to treatment than others. This is very important because it will enable treatment to be tailored to individual patients, in particular those who require more treatment than is given in this trial. This funding application is therefore to enable patient follow up on this large scale trial for another 5 years.Read moreRead less
Improving Outcomes For Patients Receiving Outpatient Chemotherapy Through A Shared Care Pathway Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,887.00
Summary
Many cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment continue to experience serious side effects at home, where they struggle to self-manage and often go to hospital after symptoms have worsened. We have developed an innovative clinical pathway involving the provision of home-based assessment, clinical care and advice by community nurses, which aims to help patients without creating new health service positions. Our study will test if the pathway decreases unplanned hospital visits, improves pa ....Many cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment continue to experience serious side effects at home, where they struggle to self-manage and often go to hospital after symptoms have worsened. We have developed an innovative clinical pathway involving the provision of home-based assessment, clinical care and advice by community nurses, which aims to help patients without creating new health service positions. Our study will test if the pathway decreases unplanned hospital visits, improves patient well-being and is cost-effective.Read moreRead less