A Phase III Trial Comparing Adjuvant Versus Salvage Radiotherapy For High Risk Patients Post Radical Prostatectomy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$819,138.00
Summary
About half of all patients Treated with an operation to remove their prostate cancer have a high chance of the cancer coming back. Giving immediate radiotherapy to all patients will improve cure rates but does not benefit all men and can cause significant side effects. This study explores whether it is safe to wait and only give radiotherapy when there is a rising PSA after surgery indicating active cancer. A total of 470 men from Australasia will enter this study comparing the two approaches.
Radiotherapy Treatment For Prostate Cancer - A Change In Practice Based On Direct Evidence For Targeting And Toxicity Effects Using Real Outcomes Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,129.00
Summary
Radiotherapy for prostate cancer treatment will be more effective when we have better knowledge of what patient anatomy needs to be targeted, and what needs to be avoided. This project will combine data collected during a large Australasian prostate cancer radiotherapy trial, ‘RADAR’, with data collected using new patient imaging methods to determine how patient anatomy impacts on the effectiveness of their treatment and the side-effects they experience.
Effects Of Replacement And Withdrawal Of Testosterone In Human Males On Muscle, Bone And Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$156,682.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. Cutting edge technology will be used to help explain how AD may relate to these negative effects, particularly on muscle function. Given the importance of aging, frailty, osteoporosis and obesity, understanding the role of hormones in these conditions may have major implications for prevention and treatment.
Effects Of Testosterone And Oestrogen On Body Composition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,768.00
Summary
Masculinising and feminising hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen respectively are important hormones controlling the amount of muscle, fat and bone in the body. By studying people with conditions such as prostate cancer where these hormone levels are disrupted, we aim to understand how testosterone and oestrogen affects various body systems, which may lead to new treatments for important public health problems of frailty, obesity and heart disease, and osteoporosis.
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
The Older Australian Twins Study (OATS) Of Healthy Brain Ageing And Age-related Neurocognitive Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$940,960.00
Summary
Ageing is associated with cognitive decline and dementia. It is still not completely understood what relative contributions genes and environment play in these. This project is an extension of the Older Australian Twins Study to examine genetic and environmental factors associated with late life brain changes and dementia, and will establish an internationally significant cohort for novel discovery.
Markers Of Androgen Action, Genetic Variation And Prostate Cancer Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,907.00
Summary
This proposal aim to follow up evidence from a number of studies that genetic and non-genetic markers of hormonal action in different periods of a man's life are associated with prostate cancer risk using a collection of three large, independent epidemiologic studies on prostate cancer named the Prostate Cancer Program. A principal objective is to collect exposure data on acne and digit ratio, and genotype cases and controls across the studies of the Prostate Cancer Program for common genetic va ....This proposal aim to follow up evidence from a number of studies that genetic and non-genetic markers of hormonal action in different periods of a man's life are associated with prostate cancer risk using a collection of three large, independent epidemiologic studies on prostate cancer named the Prostate Cancer Program. A principal objective is to collect exposure data on acne and digit ratio, and genotype cases and controls across the studies of the Prostate Cancer Program for common genetic variants in 4 candidate genes in the hormonal pathway. The established risk factors for prostate cancer are only age, race and family history. We anticipate that this project will cast light on the role of hormones in prostate cancer and that we will identify new markers of risk of prostate cancer and markers of disease aggressiveness. These outcomes will help us identifying men who are at risk for prostate cancer to target screening and surveillance, and plan prevention strategies. Furthermore, they will also form the basis for research on treatment targets.Read moreRead less
Improving Outcomes For Children With Common Developmental Conditions: Identifying Risk And Protective Factors And Developing Targeted Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and language impairment (LI) are both highly prevalent and associated with mental health difficulties. This research will investigate 1) risk factors for poor versus better mental health, academic and social outcomes in children with ADHD and LI and 2) the development and piloting of interventions targeting these factors. This research will indicate avenues for new methods of intervention and prevention for children with ADHD and LI.
Do Exposures Before Conception Influence The Risk Of Asthma In Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,586.00
Summary
Asthma and poor lung function are major causes of public health issues. Emerging evidence suggests adverse exposures even before the conception of a child may cause these conditions. The proposed project is part of an international study across generations to identify these factors. This study will provide novel evidence to guide interventions and identify studies to advance this area further. These original findings will be of great importance both nationally and internationally.
Predictors Of Outcome And Intervention In The ‘Ultra-High Risk’ For Psychosis Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,561.00
Summary
This area of research is concerned with improving our ability to identify young help-seeking patients who are most at risk of developing psychotic disorders and provide intervention to delay or prevent the onset of psychosis. A number of studies are planned, including researching disturbances in sense of self, neurocognitive factors, history of trauma and reaction to stress as predictive of future onset of psychosis, as well as a study of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an intervention for the ....This area of research is concerned with improving our ability to identify young help-seeking patients who are most at risk of developing psychotic disorders and provide intervention to delay or prevent the onset of psychosis. A number of studies are planned, including researching disturbances in sense of self, neurocognitive factors, history of trauma and reaction to stress as predictive of future onset of psychosis, as well as a study of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an intervention for these high risk young people.Read moreRead less