Prediction Of Response To Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer Therapy By Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$67,321.00
Summary
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has a well-established role in the management of breast cancer. Various roles have been proposed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the NAC setting, including its application in prediction of final pathologic response when undertaken early during a planned NAC course; the detection of residual disease after completion of NAC; and the measurement of residual tumour extent. The present study aims to determine the accuracy of MRI (relative to other imaging and cl ....Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has a well-established role in the management of breast cancer. Various roles have been proposed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the NAC setting, including its application in prediction of final pathologic response when undertaken early during a planned NAC course; the detection of residual disease after completion of NAC; and the measurement of residual tumour extent. The present study aims to determine the accuracy of MRI (relative to other imaging and clinical tests) in these clinical scenarios.Read moreRead less
Micropapillary Adenocarcinoma: The Emergence Of A Discrete Lung Cancer Phenotype And Its Genomic And Transcriptomic Characterization.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,565.00
Summary
I believe I can describe a new subtype of lung cancer, which has never been classified by the World Health Organization. This has been previously mis-classified or simply ignored. My hypothesis is that this is a distinct disease by virtue of patterns of genetic abnormalities as well as features visible under the microscope. I also believe it is one of the most aggressive cancers and needs new treatments.
Domiciliary Oxygen Therapy In Interstitial Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,608.00
Summary
Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are chronic lung diseases with significant health impacts, but limited drug treatment options. Although home oxygen treatment (HOT) is commonly used in these patients, its clinical benefits are uncertain with potential risks and significant costs for both patients and the health care system. Very little published information is available on the use of HOT in these patients. These studies aim to improve our knowledge and management of HOT in patients with ILD.
Structural And Functional Correlates In Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,699.00
Summary
Survival in congenital heart disease patients has improved. Despite long-term sequelae, evidence is scarce. We aim to correlate structural cardiac features on MRI in adults with exercise capacity to determine predictors of poor outcome. Non-compaction cardiomyopathy ("spongy" heart) is a rare, unclassified form of heart failure. The incidence is much higher in patients with congenital heart disease. We aim to examine the causes, mechanical consequences and its effects on cardiac electrical condu ....Survival in congenital heart disease patients has improved. Despite long-term sequelae, evidence is scarce. We aim to correlate structural cardiac features on MRI in adults with exercise capacity to determine predictors of poor outcome. Non-compaction cardiomyopathy ("spongy" heart) is a rare, unclassified form of heart failure. The incidence is much higher in patients with congenital heart disease. We aim to examine the causes, mechanical consequences and its effects on cardiac electrical conduction to understand this undefined entity.Read moreRead less
Cardio-oncology is dedicated to preventing and treating cardiovascular issues in cancer patients. We aim to establish the first Australian perspective on this emerging field. We will assess the role of biomarkers in detecting cardiotoxicity from cancer therapy so patients can be safely guided through their cancer treatment. Finally, we will investigate if advanced cardiac imaging can detect cardiotoxicity earlier so patients can have optimal cancer therapy whilst preserving cardiac function.
Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification(LAMP): A Novel Tool For The Diagnosis Of Mixed Malaria Infections In Elimination Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,877.00
Summary
The malaria elimination agenda will require the development of novel, field applicable diagnostic tools to detect asymptomatic carriers of P.falciparum and non-falciparum malaria infections. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been demonstrated to be a novel, sensitive, specific nucleic acid amplification technique. My project aims to optimise LAMP into a high-throughput field applicable molecular diagnostic tool capable of diagnosing malaria in elimination settings
The Development Of A Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay For The Detection Of Strongyloides Stercoralis In The Stool.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$127,494.00
Summary
A new test will be developed for the detection of the worm, Strongyloides stercoralis in the stool. S. stercoralis infects millions of people worldwide and occurs in the north of Australia. It can occasionally cause a ‘hyperinfection’ with fatal consequences. The test is based on the DNA detection method, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which can be performed using simple equipment. The aim will be to make this test as easy possible to perform and to evaluate its effectiveness.
The Use Of Next Generation Sequencing To Diagnose Neurogenetic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$55,689.00
Summary
For two groups of neurogenetic disease, leukodystrophy and polymicrogyria, the underlying genetic cause is not known for at least 50% of cases. In these cases, patients and their families do not have access to accurate genetic counselling, prognostic information or targeted therapeutics. This study will use new genetic technologies to identify the specific genetic causes underlying these diseases. These results will improve patient care and our understanding of the disease mechanisms.
Pathophysiological Decision-making In Children With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder And Tic Disorders: Action-selection And Imaging Correlates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Why is it that a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has trouble deciding whether or not to wash their hands? We scanned the brains of teenagers with OCD while they made decisions and found that they had difficulty using cues in their environment to direct choices. This may be an early vulnerability for the development of the disorder that could guide prevention. We plan to check if that difficulty is present in younger children with OCD and their family members.
Diagnostic And Therapeutic Implications Of Whole Genome Sequencing And Phenotyping In Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Prospective cohort study investigating progression measures in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia including clinical phenotype, severity rating scales, motor evoked potentials and diffusion tensor imaging. These measures will be correlated with genotype using whole genome sequencing and measures of economic impact from this condition.