ANZCTR search results

This study aims to determine the accuracy of an imaging technique, known as PSMA PET/MRI scanning, in detecting, diagnosing and characterising prostate cancer lesions. Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are a male aged 18 years or above and have new biopsy diagnosed prostate cancer, for which you are eligible for definitive (surgical) treatment with a radical prostatectomy. Study details All participants in this study will undergo an extra scan in addition to standard clinical care (which includes a multiparametric prostate MRI scan and a Ga68 PSMA PET/CT scan). The additional scan is called PSMA positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). It is done immediately after the participant has undergone the standard scans, and does not require any additional radiotracer to be injected. A PET/MRI nuclear medicine technologist will perform the scan, taking around 30 minutes to 1 hour, at a research imaging facility in metropolitan Melbourne. It is hoped that the additional scan will help to detect and characterise prostate cancer lesions and associated metastatic disease.

Cancer screening is one aspect of health care that is perceived as “more equals better”. However, there is uncertainty associated with the benefits and harms of screening for cancer in older adults. More specifically, evidence shows that older men and women are more likely to experience net harm from breast and prostate cancer screening than younger adults. However, it is challenging to communicate effectively and sensitively about these issues to older adults. Qualitative research suggests that life expectancy could be helpful to mention, but the way that it is framed could have importance in how the information is received. The aim of this study is to examine different strategies to communicate with older people about the option of stopping cancer screening, taking into account well-known heuristics and biases that impact on decision making in this group. In particular, we will test the effect of different strategies to communicate about benefits versus harms and life expectancy. Furthermore, we will compare positively and negatively framed statements of life expectancy.

This pilot study aims to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) of Supporting Early Play Exploration and Early Development Intervention (SPEEDI) for preterm infants, to inform a larger RCT. SPEEDI focuses on early motor development, environmental enrichment and supporting parent infant interaction. It involves direct physiotherapy/ occupational therapy and parent provided activities, with 5 sessions delivered in the neonatal nursery, and 5 in the home setting, until 3 months’ corrected age. Twenty infants born <30 weeks’ gestation will be recruited from The Royal Women’s Hospital. After baseline assessment at 34-38 weeks’ corrected age, infants will be randomly assigned to SPEEDI or usual care. At 3 and 4 months’ corrected age infants will be assessed using standardised measures of motor function and cognitive skills by assessors blind to infant group allocation. Parents in both groups will be interviewed about their experience of the study. Primary outcome is study feasibility (including enrolment and attrition rates), acceptability (participant experience and willingness to be randomised), and standard deviations of the outcome measures to estimate sample size for a larger RCT

The purpose of this study is to assess if the drug PAX-1 can reduce the amount of opiate-based pain medication required to control persistent cancer pain. Who is it for? You may be eligible for this study if you are aged 18 or older, have persistent cancer-related pain and currently use pain management that includes opioids. Study details Participants will be randomised (by chance) into one of three groups. After a 2 week baseline period, each group will take the study medication in addition to their usual pain medication, twice per day for 6 weeks. One group will receive 7.5mg of the study drug, another group 10mg of the study drug, and the final group will receive a placebo. After the 6 weeks, participants can continue on the study with the active drug for 4 weeks if they choose. Throughout the study, participants will complete a daily pain scale and some surveys. It is hoped that information gained in this study will aid in the understanding of persistent cancer pain and help in the development of new approaches to its treatment and the care of future patients who share your condition.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate newer methods of investigating cardiac structure (specifically cardiac MRI T1 mapping sequences) and function (using echocardiogram measurements) in participants undergoing radiation therapy for left sided breast cancer. Who is it for? You may be eligible for this study if you are an adult who has been diagnosed with left sided breast cancer requiring radiation therapy. Study details. All participants will complete two cardiac MRI scans and two echocardiograms. The first MRI scan and echocardiogram will be done prior to the commencement of radiation therapy and the second scan and echocardiogram will be done six months after the completion of radiation therapy. It is hoped that this research will determine whether these tests are effective in determining changes in the structure and function of the heart at an early, potentially reversible stage in women undergoing treatment for left sided breast cancer.

Wheezing is a common presentation in young children. The 2 most common conditions that can cause wheezing are asthma and viral- induced wheeze (caused by viruses). However, in pre-school children (less than 6 years old), the diagnosis of asthma can often be very controversial as majority of the patients who present with pre-school wheeze do not develop asthma. However, it is still highly recommended that these groups of children be provided with an asthma action plan for symptom management in the community. Currently at The Northern Hospital and other units, children who are diagnosed with a viral-induced wheeze are given an asthma action plan prior to going home. This has not only caused confusion amongst parents as to the diagnosis and management of their child’s wheezing, but causes a lot of difficulty on the part of the medical and nursing staff in explaining how their child does not have a diagnosis of asthma. In this project, we aim to determine if providing the parents with a PRE-SCHOOL WHEEZE ACTION PLAN is less confusing guide for parents in managing their child’s symptoms at home.

This study aims to compare a number of sun protection messages to improve skin cancer prevention behaviours Who is it for? People who are aged 18-40 years, have a smartphone with a camera, are on the Australian Medicare system, residing in Queensland, and have at least 2 skin cancer risk factors (light hair color, skin that rarely or never tans, skin that burns easily, many moles, family/personal history of skin cancer) are eligible to participate in this study. Sample will be recruited via the population-based Australian Medicare system. Study details Participants will be randomised to one of 4 groups. These 4 groups will cycle through the 4 different interventions in a random order. All participants will undertake the 4 interventions, only the order will vary. The interventions are as follows: A - Personalised sun protection messages B - Interactive sun protection messages C - Personalised and interactive early intensity sun protection messages D - Personalised and interactive late intensity messages At the beginning of the study as well as 6 months post-commencement, participants will complete an online survey (20-30minutes), and between the different interventions, participants will complete an online short (5 minutes) online survey This study will create a highly valuable database of evidence-based intervention messages that may help prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) has a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals. The number of people with this condition is growing and the physical, mental, and financial costs are continuing to increase. People with CNLBP are more likely to experience changes to the way muscles in the hip and lower back area function. Foot orthoses have been shown to reduce pain and improve function in people with CNLBP. Additionally, foot orthotic devices have also been shown to alter the timing and intensity of muscle contractions in hip and lower back areas. This may be significant in the treatment of CNLBP as this condition is associated with dysfunction of muscles in these areas. The primary outcome measures will be change in pain and function from baseline to 12 (primary time point), 26, and 52 weeks. Secondary outcome measures include: gluteus medius muscle activity and transversus abdominis muscle thickness from baseline to 12 weeks, and physical activity over 12, 26, and 52 weeks. Number of hours per day and week that the prefabricated orthoses are worn over 12 weeks, as well as, adverse events over 52 weeks will be self-reported by participants.

This study assessed the effect of providing Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) Therapy on the self-administered sedation requirements, via a propofol patient controlled sedation pump, of patients undergoing joint replacement surgery under regional anesthesia in at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. It was hypothesized that patients receiving IVR would self administer less sedation during joint replacement surgery compared to individuals not receiving IVR.

When people in residential aged care facilities become immobile a high support chair (HSC) is used to maintain health advantages related to upright posture and continued social participation rather than staying in bed. Unintended negative outcomes however are occurring due to poor posture related to current HSC design. These include difficulties swallowing, contractures, pressure areas and discomfort. As well current HSC are difficult to manoeuvre and have resulted in injuries to care staff. Aged Care Housing (ACH) Group have designed a new HSC with features designed to overcome these limitations. This research will investigate if the new HSC does improve physical and social outcomes for immobile people and prevent injuries in the staff who care for them.