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  • Kolling researchers make promising breakthrough with leukaemia study

    Kolling researchers make promising breakthrough with leukaemia study

    While there has been a great deal of encouraging progress with many cancer treatments over the last decade, the prognosis for people with acute myeloid leukaemia remains dismal, with only 27 per cent of patients surviving more than five years after treatment.

    Lead researcher Dr Jenny Wang said we have seen a sharp rise in the number of people with the deadly form of blood cancer in recent years and the trend is set to continue.

    There are now more than 135,000 people in Australia living with blood cancers, with 16 people losing their life to this disease every day.

    Dr Wang said blood cancers are particularly aggressive forms of cancer and very challenging to treat.

    “The majority of them are resistant to current chemotherapy treatments which means many people experience a relapse of their blood cancer. If even one cancer stem cell survives after treatment, the cancer can regenerate and come back,” she said.

    “Sadly, over 80 per cent of people will experience a relapse with their blood cancer.”

    The future for blood cancer treatment is expected to be stem cell-based treatment and Dr Wang’s team has made significant progress over the last 10 years broadening our understanding of the biology of the stem cells driving blood cancers.

    Her Cancer and Stem Cell Laboratory team is now using that knowledge to progress the development of an effective, stem cell-targeted cancer treatment.

    Dr Wang said leukaemia stem cells have their own protective mechanisms that make them resistant to anticancer drugs.

    “Our new treatment approach however, works by disrupting the ability of the leukaemia stem cells to self-renew. Specifically, it destroys the unique protective antioxidant mechanism of malignant stem cells.

    “Antioxidants have long been considered a type of healthy compound, due to their many benefits such as anti-aging and anti-inflammatory. However, we found that the antioxidant in cancer protects malignant stem cells against cancer therapy, leading to drug resistance and disease relapse.

    “Reducing the antioxidant level makes malignant stem cells sensitive to standard chemotherapy and effectively kills these cells.

    “Encouragingly, it’s anticipated this treatment approach could be applied to other cancers as well, improving outcomes for a much larger range of cancers.”

    Dr Wang’s research has been published in the top hematology journal, Blood, with international leaders from Columbia University and Temple University. To view the publication click here:

  • Vale John Walsh

    Vale John Walsh

    It is with great sadness that the Kolling Institute acknowledges the passing of Professor John Walsh AO.

    Professor Walsh had a longstanding relationship with many researchers across the Kolling and the local health district and was immensely respected by his colleagues.

    Having a background as an actuary, Professor Walsh applied his expertise to many projects over his life, specifically policy development and research related to disability and rehabilitation.

    In 2014, the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research was named in his honour. It has since played an integral role within the Kolling Institute, and influenced national and international models of care.

    Over the past decade, Professor Walsh provided advice to researchers at the centre both on an informal basis and as a researcher for specific projects.

    For around ten years, John also held an appointment as an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney.

    Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine and Senior Staff Specialist Ian Cameron said John’s continuous guidance and generosity was a highlight of his working relationship with him. 

    “John was always generous with his time. His knowledge of rehabilitation and disability issues was vast,” he said.

    “John provided guidance on clinical, policy, public health and actuarial issues related to disability and rehabilitation.”

    Our deepest condolences and best wishes are with his loved ones during this time. 

  • Running for game-changing research

    Running for game-changing research

    Less than two years after a breast cancer diagnosis, Professor Gemma Figtree has completed the prestigious Boston Marathon while raising significant funds for cancer research.

    Gemma crossed the finish line in a sub four hour time as part of the talented team running for the internationally renowned Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

    Gemma ran her first marathon just after completing six months of chemotherapy in 2022, so to be accepted into the Boston event was a remarkable achievement.

    “I was really excited to have the opportunity to run in the marathon, but it was particularly an honour to run for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute,” she said.

    “For me to come through chemotherapy, and then qualify to run Boston was a major milestone in itself, and then to be able to run for one of the world’s best cancer research institute’s fundraising teams, was a perfect combination.

    “Running was a crucial part of my recovery, and there’s now increasing evidence around the benefits of exercise for cancer patients from reductions in recurrence, improved mental health and a reduction in the side effects of chemotherapy.”

    Gemma is tremendously thankful to her donors who helped her raise more than $30,000.

    “Philanthropic funding is so important as it often supports early to mid-career researchers or early stage ideas, where there may not necessarily be all the data to succeed with a highly competitive national funding grant. It can be a crucial component in advancing medical research.”

    Gemma hopes there will be further philanthropic funds for her own research program into heart disease and the rise in cases of coronary artery disease and heart attack in patients without the traditional risk factors, like blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking.

    “I’m sure we can learn from some of our cancer colleagues about the drugs that can target specific biological pathways that are driving an individual’s susceptibility or resilience to common disease.

    “This could be particularly relevant for heart disease, with 25 per cent of heart attack patients developing ticking time bomb coronary plaque without the traditional risk factors.

    “We are developing new biomarkers in the blood to help detect early coronary artery plaque before a heart attack, enabling all patients to benefit from effective treatments. These markers are designed to be integrated into clinical pathways that take a stepwise approach to imaging using advanced CT coronary angiography.

    “This would have a game changing impact on reducing heart attacks – because, if we can detect the disease, we can treat it.”

    Imaging of coronary plaque also has an important role in providing a new pathway for novel drugs to prevent heart attack. Gemma is leading an international initiative through the CAD Frontiers not-for-profit: the Atherosclerotic CT Imaging Outcome Consortium: Accelerating Atherosclerosis Drug Development.

    This initiative aims to develop and support a research consortium dedicated to applying advanced computed tomography (CT) imaging to atherosclerosis quantification and responses to therapeutic intervention. Consortium goals are for coronary CT to become an accepted susceptibility biomarker (diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring) and a predictive biomarker (pharmacodynamic and surrogate endpoints) in cardiovascular clinical trials. This would dramatically reduce the cost and time required to develop much needed new coronary artery drugs without reducing the rigor.

  • Researchers inform next-gen space suit design

    Researchers inform next-gen space suit design

    Leading researchers from the Kolling Institute have welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Metakosmos as it pioneers the development of a next-generation space suit.

    Led by CEO Kiriti Rambhatla, Metakosmos is working to revolutionise human spaceflight technology. Their Kosmosuit architecture has garnered acclaim and the interest of the Kolling Institute’s Academic Director Professor James Elliott.

    Since 2020, Metakosmos has worked with the CSIRO and the Department of Defence to improve production processes. Their research focuses on three key areas: wearer protection, aesthetic design and mitigating physiological impacts such as space radiation and microgravity.

    Space radiation for example, can have detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal system, including bone density loss, muscle atrophy, joint degeneration, impaired healing and increased injury risk. Astronauts can come back to Earth five to eight centimetres taller.

    There is also a risk of injuries during extra vehicular activity preflight training periods prior to space radiation or microgravity exposure. Metakosmos is working on designing systems that can protect the users from injuries during the entire lifecycle of human spaceflight.

    Metakosmos and colleagues are close to unveiling an application that will redefine the way human spaceflight lifecycles are monitored and managed at scale.

    Incorporating biomarker tracking, Metakosmos’ suits monitor astronauts’ musculoskeletal health, stress levels and radiation exposure in real-time. With a 40 per cent increase in efficiency and 50 per cent reduction in total mass, these suits support performance in extreme conditions.

    Metakosmos’ designs cater to various environments, from deep-sea operations to international space station missions. Their collaboration with the Kolling Institute underscores a commitment to advancing human spaceflight capabilities and terrestrial based health, performance and wellbeing.

    James Elliott first met Kiriti Rambhatla at a space consortium hosted by the Kolling Institute in collaboration with the Australasian Society of Aerospace Medicine.

    “We immediately realised we had synergies,” he said.

    “Kiriti was interested in our collaborative multidisciplinary work towards measuring wellbeing after trauma. Not much is known about long-term post-trauma recovery, and no two recoveries are the same.

    “Kiriti was intrigued by our methodology, which involves collecting comprehensive physiological data, creating pathways that work on simulated models, and addressing modifiable environmental factors, such as trip hazards and fall risks.

    “Our research is continually evolving as we measure and refine our approach. The Kolling Institute’s interest in muscle mapping aligns perfectly with the goals of Metakosmos, and we are integrating our findings to support this area.

    “By leveraging their combined expertise, Metakosmos and the Kolling Institute, among other institutions, are breaking new ground in wearable technology for extreme environments, marking a significant step forward in human health and performance on earth and beyond.” 

  • Recognition for emerging research leader

    Recognition for emerging research leader

    We would like to congratulate our early career researcher Dr Nashwa Masnoon from the Kolling’s Ageing and Pharmacology Lab who has taken out the ATA Scientific Young Scientist Encouragement Award.

    Nashwa, who is a postdoctoral research pharmacist, clinched the $1500 prize for her assessment of the risks and benefits of using artificial intelligence in research.

    The award will enable her to attend a high profile conference co-ordinated by the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists, the Asia Pacific Federation of Pharmacologists and the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association.

    Nashwa was thrilled to win the award and has welcomed the chance to attend the large scale event in Melbourne.

    Further details about the ATA Scientific competition and the next awards can be found here.

  • Kolling Institute researchers instrumental in Australian first guidelines

    Kolling Institute researchers instrumental in Australian first guidelines

    It has taken three years and many hours of careful work, but two researchers from the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research have developed the first clinical practice guidelines for physiotherapists to inform the care of people with life-changing spinal cord injuries.

    Physiotherapy is a key part of rehabilitation for people with a spinal cord injury, but until now, there has been no nationally consistent advice based on the best available evidence.

    The guidelines were driven by Professor Lisa Harvey and Associate Professor Joanne Glinsky, who worked with a team of physiotherapists, researchers, and people with a spinal cord injury across Australia and New Zealand.

    Professor Harvey said the recommendations provide up-to-date information on the most effective physiotherapy management.

    “Importantly, they are based on a rigorous evaluation of the available evidence, taking into account the opinions of clinical experts and people with a spinal cord injury,” she said.

    “We started the process by identifying over 100 clinical questions of importance to physiotherapists and those living with an injury, and each question was ultimately answered by way of an evidenced-based recommendation or a consensus statement.”

    Associate Professor Glinsky said we followed a very detailed and rigorous process with many meetings, discussions and reviews of the evidence.

    “It is this process that should give people confidence in the recommendations of the guidelines,” she said.

    Professor Harvey added that the work was only possible with the initial financial support from icare in NSW, and the support from organisations throughout Australia including the Transport Accident Commission, the National Insurance Scheme Queensland and the Lifetime Support Authority.

    “Their support for this important piece of work was critical to our success. We are tremendously grateful they shared our vision to create these first Australian recommendations.”

    The guidelines can be viewed at www.SCIPTguide.org 

  • Professor Michael Cousins leaves extraordinary legacy

    Professor Michael Cousins leaves extraordinary legacy

    We would like to acknowledge the remarkable life of pain medicine pioneer and former Royal North Shore Hospital specialist Professor Michael Cousins AO who has sadly passed away.

    Michael was a trailblazer in anaesthesia and pain medicine, and a mentor to many at the Kolling Institute and on the Royal North Shore Hospital campus.

    With a career spanning more than 50 years, Michael dedicated his life to helping others through pain management and better care. He changed the way that Australia managed pain, believing that access to pain management was a fundamental human right. He instigated change not only in Australia, but on a global scale.

    Michael designed Australia’s National Pain Strategy, and was a founding member of peak Australian pain advisory bodies and academic faculties. In 1995, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia.

    Michael was instrumental in the establishment of Royal North Shore Hospital’s Pain Clinic and the Kolling Institute’s Pain Management Research Institute (PMRI). This multidisciplinary centre is internationally regarded for its clinical care, teaching and research.

    In 1998, the institute was recognised by the National Health and Medical Research Council as one of only eight Centres of Clinical Excellence in hospital-based research, and in 2012, it was named the lead site for pain research in the state by the NSW Ministry of Health.

    Today, it continues to support the community, delivering world leading research and improvements in care.

    Current PMRI Director Professor Paul Glare said he first met Michael in the early 1990’s and worked alongside him in an academic capacity.

    “Little did I know at the time that I would replace him as Chair of Pain Medicine and be the beneficiary of the incredible academic legacy he left here in Northern Sydney,” he said.

    “His passing is very sad for all of us in the Michael J Cousins’ Pain Management Research Institute.

    “I would like to recognise his truly incredible efforts to lift standards of care and improve the management of pain across Australia and internationally.”

  • Australian researchers help astronauts tackle the health challenges of spaceflight

    Australian researchers help astronauts tackle the health challenges of spaceflight

    As the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) progresses its ambitious Artemis spaceflight program, Australian researchers including the Kolling Institute’s Academic Director Professor James Elliott will tap into their scientific expertise to offer support.

    Professor Elliott attended a recent event at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Texas, which brought together leading clinicians and scientists from around the world to discuss ways to reduce the spine injuries experienced by astronauts.

    This group is exposed to a range of musculoskeletal conditions including spinal pain and muscle challenges due to the lack of gravity when in space.

    Professor Elliott said we know that physical changes to the spine during spaceflight predispose astronauts to symptomatic spine pain and nearly 50 per cent of cases presenting to NASA’s musculoskeletal care team involve spine pain.

    “The risk of spine pain during and after spaceflight raises operational issues and concerns for the long-term spine health of astronauts and others going into space,” he said.

    “We are looking forward to sharing our expertise to help reduce injury, and improve the health and performance of astronauts.

    “NASA has expressed an interest in our MuscleMap program, which is a revolutionary technique to assess whole-body skeletal muscle composition using high-resolution MRI.

    “The program is generating a reference dataset of muscle composition across the lifespan to help diagnose pathology, gauge the effectiveness of interventions, and develop new health outcome measures.

    “The normative data sets, developed by the MuscleMap program, could be used to compare data sets from the astronauts, so that when astronauts return from space, and they’ve experienced zero gravity exposure, you will be able to see what’s happened to their muscle system and what has changed to their skeletal muscle composition.

    “The MuscleMap program could be an assessment tool to help improve their pain and performance when they’re in space, when they get home, and in preparation for future missions.

    “We are very excited to be involved with this cutting-edge research which we hope will directly support astronauts and their long-term health.”  

  • 269 million people to experience neck pain by 2050

    269 million people to experience neck pain by 2050

    New research led by investigators from the Kolling Institute has identified a concerning global trend which will see the burden of neck pain dramatically increase over the next 30 years.

    The research analysed data from more than 200 countries, measuring the prevalence of neck pain from 1990 to 2020.

    It found 203 million people now experience neck pain across the globe, a figure which has remained stable over the last 30 years and not improved.

    More women than men live with neck pain, while the condition primarily affects people between 45 years and 74 years.

    Despite the high prevalence of neck pain, its causes have not been clearly defined across populations.

    Investigators say the evidence suggests a range of factors from muscle strains, work or sports related events through to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, car accidents, or neurological issues are contributing to the painful condition.

    Lead author and Kolling Institute Academic Director Professor James Elliott said the data points to a sharp rise in expected cases due to a rapidly ageing global population.

    “Concerningly, the projections indicate a 32 per cent increase in cases between 2020 and 2050, bringing the total number of cases of neck pain to 269 million,” he said.

    “This will lead to a tremendous burden on health systems across the globe, as well as a significant individual toll.

    “We know that neck pain has a considerable economic, social and personal cost, and we would like to see more effective interventions introduced on a large scale.

    “Currently, there is no gold standard diagnostic test for neck pain, no known pathophysiology and no universally effective treatment for it.

    “We need to shine a light on the condition and drive new technology, new assessments and new management options that are economically viable, effective and broadly available.

    “We hope that following this historic research there will be a renewed commitment to improving our understanding of the different causes and risk factors for neck pain, and an escalation in the collection of global neck pain data.”

    Senior author and leading rheumatologist Professor Lyn March has welcomed the focus on neck pain, saying this research represents a call to action for policy makers to strengthen the capacity of their health systems to deliver quality musculoskeletal care services.

    “It’s crucial the community has access to early detection, management and long-term care, and that greater resources are invested in research to reduce the global burden of neck pain,” she said.

    The research, which has been published in The Lancet Rheumatology, was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health.

  • Research helping the community tap into the best osteoarthritis care

    Research helping the community tap into the best osteoarthritis care

    While a large share of the community experiences osteoarthritis, many people are not receiving the latest, evidenced-based care leaving them with poorer and more painful outcomes.

    Health and government bodies are working to address the shortfall, investing resources to increase awareness of high-value care.

    As part of this national approach, Kolling Institute researcher and physiotherapist Dr Jillian Eyles has received a prestigious $660,000 NHMRC investigator grant to promote best-practice osteoarthritis care.

    Dr Eyles said we know that the first-line approach for osteoarthritis involves non-surgical treatments based on education, self-management, exercise and weight control.

    “This approach works well for many people and is consistently recommended by the clinical guidelines, and yet 64 per cent of people with osteoarthritis are not offered these treatments,” she said.

    “We can see there are many barriers to delivering the best care from a lack of knowledge and skills of health professionals to traditional referral pathways.

    “There is an urgent need to reduce the use of treatments that are not recommended such as unnecessary surgical procedures, and we will be working with surgeons to gain a better understanding around the existing pathways.

    “As part of this grant, we will also be looking at new ways to educate and train the health workforce to deliver best-evidence care, and we’ll be working to improve the uptake of programs which offer best-evidence models of care.

    “This will involve phasing-out low-value osteoarthritis treatments which should no longer be used.

    “A large amount of research has made considerable progress in recent years, and its crucial that this new advice and understanding of the joint disease is broadly incorporated into both the hospital and community settings.

    “More than eight per cent of Australians lives with osteoarthritis, so it’s important everyone has good access to the best available advice and treatment.”

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