Four University of Sydney researchers have secured a combined $8.3 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies grant scheme to advance innovative treatments for cancer and addiction.
The substantial funding will support high-quality clinical trials designed to address critical knowledge gaps and develop implementable findings that benefit human health across Australia.
"This scheme funds studies that will ultimately lead to better treatments for Australians suffering from cancer and addiction," said Professor Julie Cairney, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney. "Their success reflects the University of Sydney's commitment to translating outstanding research into real solutions that enhance health and wellbeing services, practices and policies."
Advanced Skin Cancer Diagnosis Trial
Professor Pascale Guitera from the Sydney School of Health Sciences received the largest grant of $2.72 million for her project titled "Skin cancer UNCUT: Beyond 'if in doubt, cut it out'." This randomized controlled trial will investigate the effectiveness of adjunctive in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for skin cancer diagnosis.
The innovative approach aims to reduce unnecessary surgical procedures by providing more accurate diagnostic capabilities. Current skin cancer diagnostic practices often follow the precautionary principle of surgical removal when uncertainty exists, leading to numerous procedures that might be avoidable with more precise diagnostic tools.
Improving Quality of Life for Lung Cancer Patients
Professor Paul Keall, also from the Sydney School of Health Sciences, secured $1.86 million to lead a randomized controlled trial investigating how ventilation imaging can improve quality of life for patients with lung cancer.
The study will examine how advanced imaging techniques can better guide radiation therapy, potentially reducing treatment side effects while maintaining or improving efficacy. This approach could significantly enhance treatment outcomes and patient comfort during the challenging course of lung cancer therapy.
Risk-Benefit Assessment in Cancer Immunotherapy
From the Sydney Pharmacy School, Professor Christine Lu received $1.22 million to examine real-world risk-benefit balancing in cancer immunotherapy. This research addresses the critical need for better understanding of immunotherapy outcomes in diverse patient populations outside of controlled clinical trial environments.
As immunotherapies continue to revolutionize cancer treatment, this study will provide valuable insights into optimizing treatment protocols and managing adverse events in real-world clinical settings, potentially improving patient selection and treatment outcomes.
Cannabidiol for Treatment-Resistant Alcohol Use Disorder
Professor Kirsten Morley from Sydney Medical School was awarded $2.49 million to develop the CAN-AUD trial, a multi-site randomized controlled trial evaluating cannabidiol versus placebo for the management of treatment-resistant alcohol use disorder.
This groundbreaking study will assess whether cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, can effectively reduce alcohol consumption and cravings in patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. The trial addresses a significant unmet need in addiction medicine, as alcohol use disorder affects approximately 1.5 million Australians, with many not responding adequately to current therapeutic approaches.
Translating Research into Clinical Practice
The NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies scheme specifically targets research that can be readily translated into clinical practice, addressing significant health challenges facing Australians.
Professor Cairney also acknowledged the importance of trial participants in advancing medical knowledge: "I want to acknowledge the participants who will be involved in these upcoming trials. Thank you for volunteering to take part in research that holds potential in helping so many others."
These four diverse projects represent significant potential advances in their respective fields, from novel diagnostic approaches to innovative therapeutic interventions. The substantial funding commitment underscores the quality and potential impact of the University of Sydney's medical research programs in addressing pressing health challenges.
