Single-cell Optical Window Imaging In CDK1-FRET Biosensor Mice To Assess Tissue Stiffness And Optimise Delivery And Therapeutic Response To Gemcitabine/Abraxane In Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$676,979.00
Summary
Inefficient drug response in solid tumour tissue is commonly a limiting factor in the clinical effectiveness of cancer therapies. Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3D models that mimic the disease, we have mapped areas of poor drug response within distinct regions of tumours. Here, we pinpoint and specifically target key factors limiting efficient drug targeting in order to improve the encouraging anti-cancer profile of the new drug combination Gemcitabine/Abraxane in pancreatic cancer.
Therapeutic Targeting Of Cell Cycle Checkpoint Aberrations In Pancreatic Cancer: Personalised Medicine In Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$634,354.00
Summary
Less than 5% of people with pancreatic cancer (PC) survive 5 years, and the odds of patients beating this disease have remained unchanged for 50 years. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop novel treatment approaches for this highly aggressive cancer. Our study aims to define novel therapeutic strategies for PC utilising specific anti-proliferative therapies and a personalised “companion biomarker” directed strategy.
Evaluation Of Molecular Mechanisms Driving Metastasis Using Integrated Intravital Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$885,271.00
Summary
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-associated death. Understanding key steps that drive the spread of cancer is critical to improve current treatment strategies. Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3-dimensional model systems that mimic the disease, we will pinpoint key events that are susceptible to drug intervention and identify new therapeutic targets.
Targeting PI3K-regulated Small Non-coding RNAs To Restore Cardiac Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,204.00
Summary
Heart failure affects approximately 2.4% of the adult population and over 11% of people over 80 years old. The majority of existing therapies slow, rather than reverse heart failure progression. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether regulating novel regulatory genes can enhance cardiac function in a setting of heart failure. Ultimately, technologies that target these genes may lead to innovative pharmacotherapies in the clinical management of heart failure.
Workplace Interventions To Reduce The Cost Of Neck Problems In Office Personnel
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,834.00
Summary
Neck pain in office workers is a major burden in industry in terms of lost productivity and personal suffering. This research will evaluate a novel intervention for the prevention and management of neck pain in computer users. The impact and value of neck specific exercises and best practice office ergonomics will be evaluated from the employers (productivity loss) and workers perspective (severity of neck pain). The findings will directly benefit future management of this significant health iss ....Neck pain in office workers is a major burden in industry in terms of lost productivity and personal suffering. This research will evaluate a novel intervention for the prevention and management of neck pain in computer users. The impact and value of neck specific exercises and best practice office ergonomics will be evaluated from the employers (productivity loss) and workers perspective (severity of neck pain). The findings will directly benefit future management of this significant health issue.Read moreRead less
Economic Evaluation Of Alternative Pneumococcal Vaccination Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,894.00
Summary
Pneumococcal vaccination is a readily available preventive strategy that can offer substantial protection to the elderly but it is important that we carefully evaluate the different potential strategies to ensure the most (cost-) effective approach to prevention is identified. This grant will explore alternative strategies to control pneumococcal-related disease in elderly Australians using the available vaccines.
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.
A Randomised Trial Of Rapid Point-of-care Tests For Chlamydia And Gonorrhoea Infections In Remote Aboriginal Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$788,624.00
Summary
This project will trial a new kind of test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea that can provide immediate results at the time of clinical consultation. The trial will take place in remote Aboriginal communities. These tests have the potential to reduce re-infection rates by ensuring that people with infection have timely treatment. Health services will undertake standard practice in one year, and supplement standard practice by rapid point-of-care testing in the other year in a randomly assigned order.
Defining The Molecular Effectors Of Gene/environment Interaction On Mouse Heart Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$749,271.00
Summary
One third of all birth defects involve the heart, and are the most common cause of infant death. Some defects are due to genetic factors, but others arise when the pregnant mother is exposed to environmental stress. We will examine how one stress (low oxygen levels) causes abnormal heart formation in the embryo, look at what causes this at a molecular level, and explore if such stress increases the risk of heart defects in families with a history of such abnormalities