Very Fast, Accurate And Low Dose Imaging For Radiotherapy Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,651.00
Summary
This project will reduce scan times and imaging dose by an order of magnitude for an imaging modality that is the standard of care for lung cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Specifically, scan times reduce from 4min to below 60sec, image quality will be improved and imaging dose will be reduced by 85%. These improvements not only improve treatment efficacy by improving the accuracy of radiotherapy delivery, they reduce treatment times and reduce discomfort to the patient.
Towards The Clinical Application Of Phase-contrast Computed Tomography In Breast Cancer Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,659.00
Summary
Imaging used for breast cancer screening misses between 15-40% of cancers and uses radiation and painful patient compression. We introduce phase contrast computed tomography, which for the first time clinically since 1895, will exploit X-ray refraction rather than X-ray absorption. Our pilot data demonstrated an increased image signal, offering significantly improved cancer detection, reduced radiation dose and lower tissue compression. This work will include the world-first patient trial.
Coronary Artery Calcium Score: Use To Guide Management Of Hereditary Coronary Artery Disease (CAUGHT-CAD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,762,082.00
Summary
Lifetime risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is doubled in families with premature CAD. This study will be the first randomized controlled trial of the use of coronary artery calcium scoring (CCS) in relatives of patients with premature CAD, in which treatment will be initiated based on CCS. At three years, the effectiveness of intervention will be assessed on change in plaque volume at CT coronary angiography. The results inform the guidelines regarding evaluation of families with CAD.
Monitoring Changes In CT Scanning Usage To Minimise Cancer Risk?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,664.00
Summary
Computed tomography scanning (CT) is an x-ray technique that uses ionizing radiation to produce the images of the body. Ionizing radiation is harmful and carries a risk of cancer. Concerns have been expressed about the increasing use of CT with the importance of monitoring the trends in use recognised internationally. We will investigate changes in the use of CT, estimate the radiation dose and the number of cancers that can be expected due to CT.
How Can We Accurately Predict Intra-cranial Injury In Children: The APIC Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$836,500.00
Summary
Head injuries are a common in children. Even a seemingly minor incident may cause serious brain injury. Whilst head computed tomography (CT) identifies all important injuries there is a growing recognition that radiation from CTs increases the risk of fatal brain cancers, especially in younger children. This study of 10,000 children with head injuries aims to investigate the best way to accurately predict which children should undergo a head CT, and which children do not require one.
EXTEND-IA Randomized Trial Of Intra-arterial Clot Retrieval In Ischemic Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,534.00
Summary
Most strokes are caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain. Current treatments to dissolve the blockage improve recovery for many patients but often fail to unblock larger brain arteries. The EXTEND-IA trial will use advanced brain imaging to identify patients who have the most to gain if the blocked artery can be re-opened. The trial will test whether a new minimally invasive clot removal procedure performed after standard clot-dissolving treatment improves recovery after stroke.
The Clinical Impact Of Event-based Motion Correction In Paediatric PET-CT Brain Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$276,104.00
Summary
Movement of the head during PET-CT brain imaging can prevent accurate diagnosis by blurring and distorting the image. The problem is perhaps most acute in paediatric patients, many of whom must be anaesthetized or sedated to avoid motion. This work will establish whether a recently developed motion correction method can improve the clinical utility of PET-CT brain images in young patients, and reduce the need for sedation and anaesthesia during the PET scan.
Molecular Imaging Of Cancers With Copper And Zirconium Radiopharmaceuticals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,475.00
Summary
This research aims to develop new imaging agents to assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer. This research will advance knowledge in the areas of chemistry, biotechnology and diagnostic imaging.
The Development Of Innovative Multiplexed Molecular Imaging Technology Targeting Improved Diagnostic Imaging Of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,599.00
Summary
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is extremely invasive and the most lethal of all primary brain tumours. To optimise treatment planning, we propose to develop novel Multiplexed Molecular Imaging (MMI) technology employing the latest PET-MRI hybrid imaging technology. Our strategy targets the development of new F19 MRI MI agents for measuring tumour infiltration that can be multiplexed with F18 PET hypoxia tracers. Our MI agents can also act as conjugative vehicles for drug delivery.
The Australian, Imaging, Biomarkers And Lifestyle Study Of Ageing (AIBL) Phase III - Facilitating Early Intervention In Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$733,653.00
Summary
Amyloid brain scans can detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease 10-15 years before symptoms first appear. Amyloid build-up is thought to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease. The earlier that drugs designed to slow the build up of amyloid or to clear it from the brain are given, the greater the chance of benefit. This study will use the recent discoveries from the Australian AIBL study to develop the best method to find these people with brain amyloid but no symptoms for early treatment trials to ....Amyloid brain scans can detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease 10-15 years before symptoms first appear. Amyloid build-up is thought to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease. The earlier that drugs designed to slow the build up of amyloid or to clear it from the brain are given, the greater the chance of benefit. This study will use the recent discoveries from the Australian AIBL study to develop the best method to find these people with brain amyloid but no symptoms for early treatment trials to prevent dementia.Read moreRead less