Microperimetry is a clinical tool for measuring central visual function whilst the retina is continuously monitored and retinal testing locus adjusted for eye movements. Regulatory authorities are now considering outcomes of microperimetry as a valid clinical trials endpoint in certain retinal conditions because visual acuity does not always reflect disease progression. This project will validate various types of microperimeters and determine how they should be used to monitor macular diseases.
What Predicts The Progressive Phase Of Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,791,343.00
Summary
We have made major gains in our understanding of what causes MS. What has proven to be far more difficult is understanding the drivers of disability progression and conversion to progressive MS. The onset of progression heralds the accumulation of irreversible disability and is a critical time point to a person with MS. This grant aims to determine the lifestyle, environmental, genetic and epigenetic drivers of MS progression, using an internationally unique Australian MS longitudinal cohort.
Defining Treatment Targets To Optimise The Management Of Early Midfoot Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of foot pain and responsible for significant pain and disability. This project will investigate the early structural and functional changes in the midfoot joints and determine the relationships between foot joint loading, structural changes, symptoms and functional impairment. This will identify modifiable factors involved in midfoot OA and define treatment targets to inform the development of effective interventions.
Randomised Controlled Trial To Determine Efficacy And Safety Of Prescribed Water Intake To Prevent The Progression Of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (PREVENT-ADPKD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$746,751.00
Summary
Increasing the daily intake of water is well known to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones but there is growing evidence that it may also benefit other kidney diseases, particularly autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This study will determine if adequate hydration can slow the progression of ADPKD, and could provide a relatively simple and cheap treatment for preventing the onset of kidney failure due to this disease.
Clinical And Microbiological Predictors Of Post-operative Crohn's Disease Recurrence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
The multi-centre randomised controlled POCER (Post-Operative Crohn’s Disease Recurrence) trial has shown that following “curative” surgery, the anti-tumour necrosis factor drug adalimumab prevents recurrent disease in almost all patients. I will examine the multiple factors that contribute to disease recurrence including assessment of mucosal microbiota, faecal biomarkers and serological antibody markers in patients with Crohn's disease. Results will improve clinical outcomes and change internat ....The multi-centre randomised controlled POCER (Post-Operative Crohn’s Disease Recurrence) trial has shown that following “curative” surgery, the anti-tumour necrosis factor drug adalimumab prevents recurrent disease in almost all patients. I will examine the multiple factors that contribute to disease recurrence including assessment of mucosal microbiota, faecal biomarkers and serological antibody markers in patients with Crohn's disease. Results will improve clinical outcomes and change international practice.Read moreRead less
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and its management is hindered by the lack of effective clinical measures of the disease. This project seeks to develop new clinical tests to take the “guesswork” out of its management – measures that can correctly identify those at high-risk of progression, accurately determine treatment efficacy and sensitively detect disease progression, thus preventing the irreversible loss of vision from this disease.
Can Exercise Delay Transition To Active Therapy In Men With Low Grade Prostate Cancer? A Multi-Centre Randomized Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,429.00
Summary
Prostate cancer overdiagnosis is associated with increased rates of overtreatment and associated morbidity. Although nearly half of Australian men diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer are managed with active surveillance there are no established recommendations for slowing disease progression and delaying transition to active treatment. The proposed study would be the first to determine the efficacy of a comprehensive exercise program during active surveillance for prostate cancer.