Our overall objective is to significantly improve the efficacy and efficiency of image-guided neurosurgery for brain tumours by including realistic computation of brain deformations, based on a biomechanical model, in a system to improve intra-operative visualisation, navigation and monitoring. The system will create an augmented reality visualisation of the intra-operative configuration of the patient’s brain merged with high resolution pre-operative imaging data.
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.
Biofocussed Prostate Cancer RadioTherapy (BiRT): A Personalised Approach To Delivering The Right Dose To The Right Place
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$753,565.00
Summary
We propose a new approach to treating prostate cancer with radiotherapy to move from the standard whole prostate treatment to a personalised treatment that varies radiation intensity throughout the prostate. We will mathematically combine features that influence radiotherapy effect from advanced imaging, clinical and biopsy information. This model will map out the radiotherapy dose required at each part of the prostate, to maximise killing of the cancer whilst minimising harm to normal tissue
Elucidating Immune Responses By Single Cell Pedigree And Tracing Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,950.00
Summary
To develop vaccines and to combat autoimmunity, we need to understand how initial immune activation influences the fate of immune cells and their progeny. To achieve this, we have developed microscopic techniques and analytical software with which to observe how initial signalling processes in the parent immune cell influence the death, proliferation and differentiation of its daughters, granddaughters and further progeny. We will use these approaches to determine how immune cell fate is control
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the body’s sentinels, with three specialized subtypes. They monitor for infections and cancer and then activate immune T cells to clear it. Interestingly, they can all arise from a single cell, but the precise steps are unknown. By literally filming this process and analyzing the movie, we hope to draw the ‘family trees’ that lead to their generation. This knowledge will offer crucial clues as to how to boost or reduce their numbers for medical applications.