From The Synchrotron To The Clinic: Translation Of A Novel Functional Lung Imaging Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$891,834.00
Summary
Our team has recently developed a synchrotron technology with a startling capacity for dynamic functional imaging that can act as a sensitive regional indicator of lung disease. We will demonstrate that this technology can be translated from the synchrotron to the lab and eventually the clinic. We will provide proof of this concept by the application of this technology to emphysema, asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis lung disease and neonatal resuscitation.
Imaging Lung Aeration And Lung Motion Following Very Premature Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,631.00
Summary
Using a synchrotron as an X-ray source, we will image the lungs as they aerate at birth and optimise ventilation strategies that improve lung aeration while minimising the risk of ventilation-induced lung injury.
Characterisation Of Emerging New Signaling Networks That Underlie COPD Phenotypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,966.00
Summary
Incurable diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia’s aging population and new therapies are urgently needed. We have discovered a possible cause of severe emphysema and developed a novel method to image functional changes in the diseased lung. Using advanced molecular and imaging techniques we are now probing for ways to turn this discovery into effective treatments for this fatal disease.
Real-time In-vivo Imaging During Lung Cancer Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Lung tumours move in clinically significant and unpredicable ways. Current radiotherapy is limited by the lack of real-time imaging to monitor tumour motion. The aim of this project is to develop and clinically implement Real-time In-vivo Imaging to enable motion-adaptive radiotherapy and thereby improve treatment outcomes. Real-time In-vivo Imaging is a software technology that will be applicalbe to 90% of modern radiotherapy systems globally and will enable wide access to advanced cancer care.
Hyperpolarized Helium MRI To Quantify Regional Lung Damage And Ventilation For Improvement Of Recruitment Strategy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,160.00
Summary
Many lung injuries need mechanical ventilation to reopen collapsed lung airspaces and supply oxygen to the patient. This study uses two methods to monitor the lungs during ventilation: Hyperpolarised helium MRI to image the airspace, and electrical impedance tomography to measure lung volume. This information will allow adjustment of ventilator pressure to maximize oxygen transfer without increasing lung damage. Quicker repair of lung damage and patient recovery are the benefits of this study.
Predicting The Long Term Lung Health Outcomes In Young Adults Born Very Preterm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$854,201.00
Summary
Preterm birth and its resulting lung problems can lead to breathing problems during childhood and into adult life. There are very few lung health studies that have tracked preterm individuals from childhood and into early adult life. This study will conduct a detailed lung health assessment in a follow-up of a group of preterm individuals at 19 years of age. We aim to identify if information we obtained in the group at 6 and 11 years can predict how the lungs look and behave at 19 years of age.
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.
How The Immune Response Can Affect Influenza Virus And Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,964.00
Summary
A strong immune response is essential for protection against viral infections. However, in some circumstances a strong immune response against viruses can actually further aggravate disease. In addition, an anti-viral immune response can trigger asthma attacks in allergic individuals. This research thus seeks to understand and therefore mitigate the potentially detrimental role of inflammation in influenza virus infections and asthma.
Reducing Perinatal Lung, Heart And Brain Injury In Preterm Infants – From Bench To The Clinic.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Many infants are exposed to an adverse environment whilst developing in the womb, and are therefore at increased risk of lung, heart and brain injury, with life-long consequences. This research is focused on improving the entry into the world of vulnerable infants, thus reducing the risk and severity of brain injury.
Respiratory failure at birth is a major cause of death and disease in newborn infants. At birth the airways must be cleared of liquid to allow the inhalation of air, but, little is known about the process of lung aeration, because it has not been possible to observe or measure it. We have developed imaging and analytical techniques to observed and measure lung aeration. We will determine ventilation procedures that promote uniform lung aeration and minimise lung injury in ventilated infants.