Deep Brain Stimulation In The Treatment Of Severe Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,008,087.00
Summary
Some patients with depression fail to respond to a variety of standard treatments and in this group, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is being evaluated as an alternative treatment option. This study will investigate the use of DBS applied to a novel brain target site in patients with highly treatment refractory depression.
Seizures And Carbon Dioxide – A Study Of Respiratory Acidosis As A Cause For Seizure Termination And Trial Of Carbogen As An Anti-epileptic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,582.00
Summary
Although much is known about epilepsy, the reason a seizure stops is not clear. A rise in the acidity of the blood, mainly due to a rise in carbon dioxide from breathing less deeply, may well contribute. Currently the standard treatments given in hospital to stop seizures are sedatives. Although effective, this sedation can need Intensive Care treatment. We aim to develop a safe, rapid, non-sedating way to treat seizures using a small amount of carbon dioxide in oxygen.
A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial Of Probiotic And Peanut Oral Immunotherapy For The Treatment Of Peanut Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,887,302.00
Summary
A curative treatment for food allergy is required to prevent deaths and improve management. We recently trialed a new treatment for peanut allergy that was highly effective. Over 80% of children treated with Probiotic and Peanut Oral ImmunoTherapy (PPOIT) tolerated peanut as compared to 4% of children who received placebo. We now plan a larger multicentre trial to confirm these findings. If successful, we will have established a new treatment for peanut allergy and possibly all food allergies.
Probiotic Prawn Oral Immunotherapy (ProPIT) For Treatment Of Prawn Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,865,369.00
Summary
A ‘curative’ food allergy treatment is needed to prevent deaths and improve care. We recently showed that probiotic peanut oral immunotherapy (PPOIT) was highly effective for treating peanut allergy. 82% of PPOIT treated children gained tolerance compared to 4% of the placebo group. We will now test the combined probiotic-food OIT approach for treating prawn allergy. If successful, we will have identified the first treatment for prawn allergy and a platform treatment for other food allergies.
A La CaRT: Australasian Phase III Randomised Trial Comparing Laparoscopic-assisted Versus Open Resection For Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$974,440.00
Summary
The current major treatment for rectal cancer is surgical removal of the cancer. This type of surgery requires a large cut through the abdomen for removal of the cancer. There is a newer, less invasive procedure known as laparoscopic resection enabling the same surgery by using a scope inserted in the abdomen along with a smaller incision to allow removal of the tumour. This study is being conducted to determine whether the newer procedure is as safe and effective as the current procedure.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Oxytocin Nasal Spray For Alcohol Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,035.00
Summary
Alcohol use disorders account for 5% of the worlds burden of disease. Current treatments are very limited. While there is existing animal research, this study determines the benefits of a novel treatment, oxytocin nasal spray, to reduce cravings and drinking levels in dependent populations. Outcomes could establish a new, effective and safe treatment to manage alcohol dependence in the community.
Ketamine Therapy Among Patients With Treatment-resistant Depression: A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,069,382.00
Summary
In the last decade, there have been reports of powerful antidepressant effects after a single injection of anaesthetic ketamine, with dramatic (though shortlasting) effects within 24 hours. This will be the first controlled study to test whether a course of repeated ketamine treatments, given over 4 weeks, is effective and safe in treating depression.
DOCetaxel With Or Without Radiation Therapy For Resectable Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Based On Early PET Response To Induction Chemotherapy (DOCTOR).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,024,738.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer continues to have poor survival despite surgery. Patients responding to pre-operative chemotherapy have better survival than those who do not. This study proposes using early FDG-PET scan to identify patients not responding to standard chemotherapy. This will permit the timely change of therapy to alternative regimens with a newer agent with or without radiotherapy, aiming to improve outcomes. This represents a paradigm shift in the management of oesophageal cancer.