ANZCTR search results

There is a significant body of clinical evidence to support the assertion that if men adopt a healthier lifestyle, they experience improvements in health outcomes including: reduced chronic disease risks (i.e. reduced: waist circumference, weight, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose); reduced urological symptoms (i.e. erectile dysfunction, urinary symptoms); and improved psycho-social welfare (i.e. reduced depression/anxiety, improved sleep and perceived quality of life). There is less evidence, however, about how to engage and support men in a community setting to adopt and sustain the necessary lifestyle changes – this is our central focus. The theoretical basis for the GIRTH program is the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and its construct of self-efficacy. The peer-support program has been constructed around a chronic disease self-management (CDSM) framework to promote participants’ self-efficacy in relation to physical activity, nutrition, sleep habits and stress management. Self-management skills are infused at every step of the program to ensure that positive changes are sustainable.

No effective standard treatment of advanced progressive neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) exists, but over the past decade at Fremantle Hospital, we have developed new radiopeptide therapies with encouraging results using Lutetium-177 octreotate. Recently, we have combined this radioisotope with radiosensitizing chemotherapy to achieve stabilization of disease in over 90% of patients and tumour shrinkage in over half the NETs. We now seek to combine Lutetium-177 octreotate with a new targeted agent, Everolimus which has proven, although minor suppressive effect on NET progression. We propose to combine a standard activity of 177Lu-octreotate with escalating doses of Everolimus to define the maximum safe dose achievable. We will then design a study to define the efficacy of this novel radiopeptide Everolimus combination in NET patients with progressive disease.

The aim of this study is to prospectively investigate the accuracy and safety of an accelerated chest pain diagnostic pathway in patients presenting with intermediate risk chest pain in an Australian setting. The primary objective is to demonstrate the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the rule for ACS-related diagnoses at 30 days post discharge. The secondary objective is to demonstrate the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the rule for the composite oucome of patients who are admitted to hospital for potential ACS. That is, those with an ACS related diagnosis or significant exercise stress test (EST) findings (positive or indeterminate results).

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Ivabradine is an anti anginal agent, approved by the TGA for use in chronic stable angina. It reduces the heart rate by inhibiting the If current within the SA node. Ivabradine has been shown to increase exercise time and time to ischemic ECG changes. This study will evaluate its efficacy in reducing spontaneous episodes of angina amongst patients with chronic refractory angina.

The lymphatic transport system provides the way for extra-cellular fluid and other substances to be transported back to the venous system. This fluid is taken up by lymph capillaries, flows into lymph collectors, then to lymph nodes in various parts of the body. Each part of the body flows to its own nodes eg fluid from the left arm will flow to the axilla under the left arm. In Australia a major cause for disruption to the lymphatic system is surgery and radiation therapy. Breast cancer treatment commonly includes modified radical mastectomy surgery, radiation to the chest wall, and removal of lymph nodes. These treatments all contribute to disruptions in lymphatic system function. Secondary arm lymphoedema after treatment from breast cancer occurs in at least 20% of women although this figure is usually quoted as being higher. Research into the effects and benefits of different exercise modalities for women with secondary arm lymphoedema as a result of breast cancer treatment have shown that various types of exercise do not worsen lymphoedema - as long as the exercise is given in a supervised and controlled way, with adequate warm-up and cool-down. Women also report that attending a group exercise class helps keep them motivated to continue with their self-management regime. Recently, studies based on tai-chi and breathing and gentle exercises including breathing and relaxation, have led to slight decreases in the amount of fluid in the affected arm. Yoga has been reported to lower levels of anxiety and depression and improve quality of life and immune function in women. However to date there has been no investigation on the effectiveness of yoga in the treatment of lympoedema. This study will examine the effects of an eight week yoga intervention on lymphoedema in breast cancer survivors. A range of measures of degree of lympoedema, strength, range of motion and quality of life will be measured in women on commencement and after four and eight weeks of a yoga intervention and at four weeks after completion of the intervention. Results will be compared with a control group who receive usual care.

Whey proteins are normally found in milk. Supplementation appears to strengthen the immune system by promoting anti-bacterial activity. Lactoferrin is a protein isolated from whey proteins in milk with documented anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and immune function strengthening effects. Studies have shown lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein that is present in body secretions such as tears, nasal exudates, saliva, and bronchial mucus. A high concentration is also found in breast milk to help the infant fight infection. Lactoferrin is also a major component of circulating white blood cells known as neutrophils and is released by these cells in infected areas. Further, lactoferrin has also been shown in laboratory experiments to bind to viral receptor sites and inhibit the growth of several viruses that include HIV, Herpes simplex 1 and 2, hepatitis C, and human cytomegalovirus. To date, there are no clinical trials that have specifically investigated the effect of lactoferrin to prevent or treat the common cold. However, because of its scientifically demonstrated antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, lactoferrin may be of benefit in alleviating the symptoms or complications of these viral infections and a clinical trial could introduce significant merit to clinical claims.

Participants will be randomly assigned to active treatment with oral cholecalciferol using a single (10 ml) dose of 50000 IU weekly for 8 weeks then 50000 IU monthly or identical placebo. Dosing will be under the supervision of dialysis nursing staff at the conclusion of dialysis sessions. Testing at baseline and 6 months will be performed as described above.

To determine whether or not acute ketamine administration produces schizophrenic-like changes in the way one's own body is represented mentally.

This is a study to determine whether a 3 month program of diet and exercise can reduce the risk of diabetes following kidney transplantation from a living kidney donor