RESEARCH UPDATE THE QUEST FOR BETTER OUTCOMES AND A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER

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1 ISSUE 61 SUMMER 2018 RESEARCH UPDATE Clinical Trials FAQs Free Screening for Coeliac Disease Donate to find a cure for breast cancer INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE QUEST FOR BETTER OUTCOMES AND A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER Sir John Monash once said Equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit but for the benefit of the whole community. At Wesley Medical Research, we are proud to collaborate with many clinicians, surgeons and health professionals who have adopted this quote in their practice. They are working on a wide range of diseases and conditions that are prevalent in our society and greatly affects our community such as breast cancer. The quote from Sir John Monash was part of the inspiration that spurred Dr Kowsi Murugappan to become an academic breast surgeon. As a surgeon, she could help patients through surgical work; with an interest in clinical research, she can contribute to the community by advancing breast cancer management and patient care. Being involved in research allows me to treat patients to the best of my ability and make things better using evidence, said Dr Murugappan. Clinicians like Dr Murugappan have driven patient care improvements through clinical research. Wesley Medical Research has supported a wide range of research projects tackling the causes, treatment and management of breast cancer. A novel study funded by Wesley Medical Research and led by Dr Ian Bennett has found that viruses like HPV and EBV are not associated with breast cancer formation. Building on these results, Professor Melissa Brown and her team are now investigating whether there is a strong linkage between bacteria and breast cancer formation. Dr Kowsi Murugappan is comparing the journey and outcomes of a breast cancer patient in a public health setting to a patient in a private health environment. Through patient journaling, the hospital experience and service for cancer patients is also gradually improving. I would urge you to support clinical research in breast cancer because this is the only way to drive continuous, evidencebased improvements in the care, outcomes and management of patients now and in the future. Dr Murugappan. Dr Kowsi Murugappan Another innovative project will investigate if 3D-printed nipples and naturally regenerated breast tissue (developed from the patient s own breast tissue) can reduce risks, complications and the cost of breast reconstruction surgery, and still offer patients a boost in their confidence and psychological well-being. To support breast cancer research and clinicians like Dr Kowsi Murugappan, visit complete the form on page 5, or call the team on Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with 1 in 8 women getting diagnosed during their lifetime. 1

2 FROM THE CHAIRMAN Associate Professor John Allan has joined Wesley Medical Research as Acting Chief Executive Officer. A/Prof John Allan is the Head of UnitingCare Health Clinical School and a Gynaecologist with a specialty in infertility and IVF. He has been practicing at The Wesley Hospital since 1984 and has an active interest in research. I thank John for stepping up in this time of change. Supporters of Wesley Medical Research help in many different ways and they are united by one goal: to drive patient-based research at WMR because it provides an early return on their investment. It also feels good to see your contributions making a positive impact in the community you live in. As you read this, our collaborating researchers are working hard to make sure the impact of your donations is felt by our patients. PETER ALLEN CHAIRMAN REMEMBERING CHRIS BARNARD The Board, staff, patrons and committee members of Wesley Medical Research remember and acknowledge Board Member Chris Barnard. Wesley Medical Research benefited from Chris Barnard s active service as a board member since He was a dynamic and valued member of a number of committees. His passion about the impact that medical research can have was inspiring. As a leading financial advisor and stockbroker in Brisbane, Chris introduced potential donors to WMR whose support has been absolutely crucial in funding vital clinical research. His contribution to WMR was far wider, in governance and financial oversight. Chris was a leader and a friend, a mentor and always curious to know more. Chris generous spirit, diligent focus and persistence led WMR to where we are today. We express our deepest gratitude to him for his service and share our condolences with his family. FROM THE ACTING CEO Welcome to A survey conducted by Research Australia has found that 84% of Australians believe health professionals who see patients and also undertake research provide the best A/Prof John Allan medical care. It s great to see support for clinical research grow because evidencebased practice and care is the best and most effective for patients. Many families today will receive an awful diagnosis. Clinical trials will give some of these patients and their families hope and potentially more time together. In 2017, researchers have already seen improvements in patients with cancer and stroke, and increased our knowledge of Multiple Sclerosis. Changes and improvements in patient care and outcomes are only possible with your donation and support. I urge you to consider donating to Wesley Medical Research and give patients hope, extend lives and drive medical advances for better patient care. Thank you to all who have committed to making a difference this past year will be an exciting year for Wesley Medical Research with the commencement of many critical and high quality research trials and projects. 2

3 CLINICAL TRIALS FAQs WHAT ARE CLINICAL TRIALS? Clinical trials are studies conducted to test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and therapies. Clinical trials involve real people and patients as volunteers. Most of the trials at WMR are driven by clinicians and funded by philanthropic donors like you for the public good (so thank you!). A small portion of our on-site trials are commercially-sponsored to test new products in the pipeline of pharmaceutical companies. Clinical trial patient Paul J WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN A CLINICAL TRIAL? Your participation as a patient or a healthy volunteer can help to advance medical research. The involvement of both patients and healthy volunteers are vital to a successful clinical trial. Patients volunteering for a clinical trial become part of the research process. They often receive extensive medical care associated with the trial. There is also the possibility of accessing a promising new therapy for their condition that is currently not available on the market. Healthy volunteers help investigators define what normal is and act as the control. Investigators gain further insight about the disease and the treatment being tested by comparing data and results between healthy volunteers and the patient group. WHAT TRIALS CAN I PARTICIPATE IN? You can participate in a trial if you fulfil the eligibility criteria. Eligibility criteria refer to the guidelines every clinical trial has to determine who can or cannot participate so investigators can achieve accurate and meaningful results. These criteria describe characteristics that must be shared between trial participants. Wesley Medical Research is now seeking participants for clinical trials investigating new treatments for the following medical conditions: Parkinson s Disease Motor Neurone Disease NASH (Fatty Liver) with or without Diabetes Mellitus Cluster Headaches (Episodic or Chronic) Ulcerative Colitis Crohn s Disease PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) For more information, or to speak to a study coordinator about your interest in participating, please call or clinicaltrials@wesleyresearch.com.au Eligibility criteria differ from trial to trial and may include age, gender, medical history and current health status. Sometimes a patient s disease stage also plays a part. For your eligibility concerning a specific trial, contact us to find out more. 3

4 FREE SCREENING FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS OF PERSON DIAGNOSED WITH COELIAC DISEASE Coeliac disease is a serious medical condition with lifelong implications. Surprisingly, only 20% of people with coeliac disease in Australia have a definitive diagnosis to help them make appropriate lifestyle changes and manage their condition. A research trial led by Dr James Daveson is evaluating a novel point of care test (PoCT) to diagnose coeliac disease. This test uses only a finger pinprick of blood instead of inserting a needle into the vein. If the results of this PoCT kit is proven to be as accurate as a normal blood test, it will make diagnosing coeliac disease easier and quicker. With a simple finger pinprick test, we expect patients to be given a diagnosis, meaning they can better manage their disease. Some people avoid full blood tests due to a fear of needles, so this less invasive point of care test could encourage parents to get children screened. As coeliac disease has a strong genetic link, immediate family members are at a higher risk for the same condition. Alex and Imogen showing off finger pinprick after getting screened for coeliac disease If you are an immediate family member of a person diagnosed with coeliac disease and and are interested in attending a free screening for coeliac disease, please phone Deb on or gut@wesleyresearch.com.au to express your interest or for more details. NATIONAL CLINICS FOR YOUNG PATIENTS WITH RARE DISEASE Twice a year Wesley Medical Research hosts the only National Ataxia Telangiectasia clinic in the southern hemisphere for young patients diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T). A-T is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that causes loss of muscle control, decreased immune system, cancer and premature death in kids and young adults. Only around 40 children in Australia had been diagnosed. Patients and their families are able to consult with specialists, including neurologists, paediatricians, dietitians, respiratory specialists, immunologists and geneticists who have experience in dealing with and managing the symptoms and side effects of this genetic disorder. There are so many implications with this disease. At the clinics, experienced specialists and researchers can make sure issues that could be easily missed are addressed and monitored, said Ms Nicoletta Sandona, clinical coordinator at the BrAshA-T Foundation. Specialists also expand their knowledge about this rare disease through the clinic and collect essential, first-hand information and data from the patients. The patients and their families are then actively involved in critical research which will contribute to the discovery of treatments and a cure, said Ms Sandona. 3 year-old A-T patient Matilda enjoying a book of pug dogs. These clinics are hosted in conjunction with the BrAshA-T Foundation and the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR). To donate, complete the form on page 5 or call

5 HELP FIND BETTER TREATMENTS AND A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER Breast cancer patients are mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, grandmothers and aunts that we all know and love. Researchers have made progress over many decades. Our Wesley Medical Research health professionals have more work to do and you can make this happen. Your donation will fund research into better care and outcomes for breast cancer patients. It s easy call us or complete the form below. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY BY: POST Complete and return this form using the reply-paid envelope attached. BANK DEPOSIT Contact our fundraising staff in person on (07) ONLINE Visit wesleyresearch.org.au/donate Find details for paying with Credit Card, Bpay or via the Post Office BEQUEST Send me more information. Complete section 3 of form below. 1. MY DONATION 2. PAYMENT METHOD Please accept my gift of Enclosed Cheque payable to Wesley Medical Research Ltd $60 $120 $250 Other: $ Please direct my gift towards: Breast Cancer Research Children with rare diseases Visa Mastercard Amex Card No. Expiry Date / CVV Name on Card WMR s Research Priorities Please provide your address and update your details by completing section 3 below. 3. MY DETAILS Miss Ms Mrs Mr Other Name Address Suburb State Postcode Phone Mobile

6 WMR'S YEAR IN REVIEW APPLICATIONS 45 SUBMITTED 17 DOUBLE-BLINDED, RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIALS APPLICATIONS APPROVED FOR FUNDING PATIENTS ENROLLED IN TRIALS 28 PUBLICATIONS 132 PROJECTS COMPLETED SINCE RESEARCH PROJECTS ONGOING 322 DOCTORS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DOING RESEARCH SINCE DONORS INDIVIDUALS FAMILIES & ORGANISATIONS 20+ ORGANISATIONS COLLABORATIONS INCLUDING CLINICIANS, RESEARCHERS & 4 UCH HOSPITALS 1 MISSION BETTER PATIENT CARE, OUTCOMES & QUALITY OF LIFE FOR EVERY $1 INVESTED IN MEDICAL RESEARCH $3 IN HEALTH BENEFITS FOR EVERY $1 INVESTED IN CLINICAL TRIALS $5.8 IN HEALTH BENEFITS *Studies and figures referenced from Research Australia WESLEY MEDICAL RESEARCH Level 8, East Wing, The Wesley Hospital 451 Coronation Drive Auchenflower Q 4066 t e supportresearch@wesleyresearch.com.au wesleyresearch.org.au 6