Prof Hunter is a rheumatologist engaged in clinical osteoarthritis research. In his current work he is investigating a number of key elements in osteoarthritis including (but not limited to) the epidemiology of osteoarthritis, genetic epidemiology of osteoarthritis, the role of biomarkers in understanding OA etiopathogenesis, the role of non-pharmacologic options in disease management and the application of imaging to better understand structure and function with application to both epidemiologi ....Prof Hunter is a rheumatologist engaged in clinical osteoarthritis research. In his current work he is investigating a number of key elements in osteoarthritis including (but not limited to) the epidemiology of osteoarthritis, genetic epidemiology of osteoarthritis, the role of biomarkers in understanding OA etiopathogenesis, the role of non-pharmacologic options in disease management and the application of imaging to better understand structure and function with application to both epidemiologic research and clinical trials.Read moreRead less
Improving Awareness And Treatment Of Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$411,327.00
Summary
The foundation of this proposal leverages my current and planned program of osteoarthritis research to investigate the challenges of prevention, pain and delivery of care. These research initiatives are readily translatable, will make inroads into this prevalent and disabling disorder, have international impact and rely upon a close synergy between my research work and clinical practice.
From Imaging To Intervention In Osteoarthritis And Back Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis and back pain are regarded as cartilage disorders, however recent evidence suggests that underlying bone and joint fluid pathology are also involved. This project takes a unique approach of targeting bone and joint fluid pathology of knee osteoarthritis and back pain, and will test the effects of existing therapies and krill oil through clinical trials. If successful, it will have the potential to slow progression to joint replacement through an easy method of implementation.
DICKENS - A Randomised Controlled Trial Of DIaCerein To Treat KneE Osteoarthritis With EffusioN-Synovitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,327,836.00
Summary
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is common, but the current treatments are poor. Almost 60% of people with knee OA have joint inflammation. Patients with inflammation are more likely to experience joint pain and rapid joint destruction. We propose that treating patients with inflammatory knee OA with the anti-inflammatory drug, diacerein, will reduce pain and joint damage.
Does Statin Use Have A Disease Modifying Effect In Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,194.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of knee pain and disability. Treatments are limited to reducing pain and improving function: no therapy slows disease progression, with symptomatic end-stage OA treated by knee replacement. Statins, a drug class used to lower cholesterol levels, may affect the structural progression in knee OA. We propose a randomised controlled trial to see if statin use slows the progression of knee OA, which would delay or prevent the need for joint replacement.
Does Statin Use Have A Disease Modifying Effect In Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis? A Multicentre Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,002,987.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of knee pain and disability. Treatments are limited to reducing pain and improving function: no therapy slows disease progression, with symptomatic end-stage OA treated by knee replacement. Statins, a drug class used to lower cholesterol levels, may affect the structural progression in knee OA. We propose a randomised controlled trial to see if statin use slows the progression of knee OA, which would delay or prevent the need for joint replacement.
Improving Musculoskeletal Pain By Matching The Right Treatment With The Right Patient
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal pain is common, disabling, and costly in Australia. Current treatment options are poor. This program of research uses clinical trials to investigate new therapy options for osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. These studies aim to provide new effective treatment options for patients that can improve pain, slow joint damage and decrease the overall burden of musculoskeletal disease.
A Long Term Follow-up Of The Offspring Cohort: A Controlled Study Of Those At Higher Risk Of Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$238,168.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal disorder. Despite this, relatively little is known about how the disease develops. This study will use a powerful technique known as MRI scanning to determine the sequence of changes over 10 years in subjects at higher risk of osteoarthritis (based on their family history) but who do not yet have established disease on radiographs (even though many have symptoms).
Does Metformin Have A Disease Modifying Effect In Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis? A Multicentre Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis(OA) is a major contributor to this disease burden. Currently, there is no therapy that slows disease progression. Metformin may affect OA progression via multiple pathways that address the pathogenesis of knee OA, including weight loss, glucose- and lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammation. This will be the world first randomised, double-blind controlled trial, to assess the effect of metformin, compared with placebo, on knee OA-related structural and clinical outcomes
Does Vitamin D Supplementation Prevent Progression Of Knee Osteoarthritis? A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,016,758.00
Summary
Observational evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may have a role in the causes of osteoarthritis (OA) and there are biologically plausible mechanisms to explain this. There is, however, no evidence which shows that intervening with vitamin D supplementation can slow the progression of OA. This study will compare knee OA structural changes in patients receiving vitamin D supplementation with those receiving a placebo. Use of MRI will provide sensitive measures of knee OA changes.