Low Cost High Precision Radiotherapy: A Synergistic Framework For Tumour Tracking During Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Advances in technology have enabled radiotherapy to become more sophisticated and more efficient at treating cancer. Yet, despite its sophistication, today radiotherapy suffers from a major problem: whilst we routinely image patients prior to treatment, no anatomical information is available during treatment. This project aims to solve this problem by making use of a number of sensors that are already available in a radiotherapy to track the tumours positions during treatment, when it counts.
Improving Patient Safety In Radiation Therapy With The Watchdog Real-time Treatment Delivery Verification System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,742.00
Summary
Radiation therapy is a highly effective cancer treatment with extremely high doses delivered using very complex treatment machines. Unfortunately errors have occurred resulting in cases of patient death and mistreatment. We have developed a novel method to assess the treatment delivery in real-time to prevent errors. The method uses imaging devices that are already present on the treatment machine meaning that this method could have a major impact on patient safety in modern radiation therapy.
Investigation Of A New Electronic Portal Imaging Device For Radiation Therapy Dose Delivery Verification
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,101.00
Summary
In external beam radiotherapy highly complex radiation fields are used to deliver high doses of radiation to the tumour while sparing normal tissues. Inaccurate treatment could result in poor patient outcome or damage to normal tissues. We aim to investigate a novel imaging device to measure the dose accuracy of these fields. This work has the potential to make a significant and fundamental difference to existing verification techniques for radiotherapy treatments to ensure patient outcomes.
Development of Novel Two-dimensional Techniques for Magnetic Resonance In-vivo Spectroscopy. Body chemistry alters with functionality, pain, ageing and disease. These changes can be recorded by magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy (MRS) in vivo in a whole body MR scanner. When changes in chemistry can be recorded rapidly, and the individual species assigned, it will be possible to make a definitive diagnosis and in some cases allow the tailoring of treatment on an individual basis. This is curre ....Development of Novel Two-dimensional Techniques for Magnetic Resonance In-vivo Spectroscopy. Body chemistry alters with functionality, pain, ageing and disease. These changes can be recorded by magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy (MRS) in vivo in a whole body MR scanner. When changes in chemistry can be recorded rapidly, and the individual species assigned, it will be possible to make a definitive diagnosis and in some cases allow the tailoring of treatment on an individual basis. This is currently hampered by our inability to separate the composite resonances in a one dimensional MR spectrum. Research will allow two dimensional MRS to be implemented and provide detailed chemical information on human organs in vivo. Read moreRead less
Innovations In Cancer Imaging And Targeted Radiotherapy To Improve Human Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$926,980.00
Summary
Through a process of discovery, development and investigation we will create medical devices and methods to improve cancer imaging and targeted radiotherapy. Successful completion of this program will directly impact on the treatment and lives of Australian cancer patients in the foreseeable future.This program will substantially build research capacity and productivity within Australia, raise Australia’s profile in cancer research and foster international collaboration.
Breathe Well: Improving Cancer Imaging And Targeted Radiotherapy Using Audiovisual Biofeedback
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,847.00
Summary
Irregular breathing causes anatomical errors in medical images and consequently cancer targeting accuracy, resulting in poorer clinical outcomes and increased health care costs. We have developed and patented the Breathe Well Audio Visual (AV) biofeedback device, to improve breathing regularity. Our goal is to gather critical scientific information and reach commercial proof-of-concept objectives that will allow us to attract investment to establish a viable medical device enterprise.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100009
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,064,000.00
Summary
Ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for physical applications. Ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for physical applications: Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging provides unique high contrast images at previously inaccessible levels of resolution (<0.1mm). It non-invasively provides unprecedented information on chemical and biochemical processes including functional biological mechanisms. This infrastructure will be the focal point for ....Ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for physical applications. Ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for physical applications: Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging provides unique high contrast images at previously inaccessible levels of resolution (<0.1mm). It non-invasively provides unprecedented information on chemical and biochemical processes including functional biological mechanisms. This infrastructure will be the focal point for more than 100 academics and HDR students. It will take Australia to the forefront of magnetic resonance imaging capability as well as providing unique insights into diffusion and electrophoretic problems central to designing next generation energy storage. Outcomes will range from agricultural advances, higher performing batteries, and more effective cancer treatments as well advancing Australia's fundamental scientific capabilities.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354734
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
The Australian Research Network for Medical Devices: advanced technology solutions for patients and practitioners. Medical Device technologies embrace a wide range of scientific, engineering and medical knowledge, with the goal of assisting a clinical professional (doctor or nurse) deliver a service to a patient in an efficacious, cost effective manner. Development of appropriate medical devices, whether for diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease or disability, is critical to improving h ....The Australian Research Network for Medical Devices: advanced technology solutions for patients and practitioners. Medical Device technologies embrace a wide range of scientific, engineering and medical knowledge, with the goal of assisting a clinical professional (doctor or nurse) deliver a service to a patient in an efficacious, cost effective manner. Development of appropriate medical devices, whether for diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease or disability, is critical to improving health care and reducing health care costs. To be successful, a device must include all relevant disciplines in the research, development and testing phases. This network will bring together these groups, promoting knowledge sharing and cross-disciplinary investigations that illuminate current device limitations and potential solutions.Read moreRead less