Icon Cancer Foundation (ICF) is thrilled to announce the funding of two innovative, investigator-initiated research projects aimed at enhancing patient care and improving treatment outcomes.
Congratulations to our Icon research teams at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart and Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens (Adelaide), for receiving ICF’s inaugural grants.
COMPRES
Associate Professor Louise Nott and Georgina Douglas will lead a clinical trial investigating the use of compression therapy in patients’ hands and feet during treatment with Oxaliplatin, a chemotherapy drug known for causing painful nerve damage.
“Nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy, can really impact a patient’s everyday living and quality of life,” A/Prof Nott said.
“This trial – called COMPRES – will help us identify if an intervention like compression therapy can prevent this side effect or minimise its effect on their physical and emotional well-being.”
Co-investigator, oncology nurse Georgina Douglas says there is very limited research on preventative interventions to neurotoxic effects for patients treated with Oxaliplatin.
Pictured: Icon Cancer Centre Hobart oncology nurse Georgina Douglas and medical oncologist Associate Professor Louise Nott have been awarded the Icon Cancer Foundation research grant for the COMPRES clinical trial.
“Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common side effects related to this particular chemotherapy,” Georgina said.
“It can be very painful for the patient and can also lead to terminating treatment early or reducing the dose.”
“Establishing a cost-effective, minimally invasive way to prevent this side effect would significantly enhance the quality of life for patients undergoing this type of chemotherapy,” Georgina said.
iROAR
Associate Professor Peter Gorayski and Lydia Tamblyn will lead another innovative research project funded by ICF – a clinical registry study called Innovative Low-dose Radiation for OsteoArthritis Relief and Management (iROAR).
“Our study, iROAR, represents a significant step forward in exploring non-invasive treatment options for osteoarthritis,” radiation oncologist A/Prof Peter Gorayski said.
“By evaluating the safety and efficacy of low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT), we aim to provide valuable data that could lead to improved quality of life for patients suffering from this common condition.
“This research will also contribute to the growing body of real-world evidence, helping us understand how these therapies perform outside the controlled environment of clinical trials.”
Pictured: Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens (South Australia) Site Manager Lydia Tamblyn and radiation oncologist Associate Professor Peter Gorayski have been awarded the Icon Cancer Foundation research grant for their clinical registry iROAR.
Co-investigator Lydia Tamblyn says this registry is important for people with osteoarthritis because it is a potential effective treatment option that could help them feel better without needing surgery or taking medications long-term.
“Osteoarthritis can be very tough to live with, so finding new ways to treat it is crucial,” Lydia said.
“By having this registry, we will establish important relationships that may improve patient access to LDRT into the future.
“It’s a great example of how working together, we can make a real difference in healthcare,” Lydia said.
Icon Cancer Foundation looks forward to the impact these studies will have on patient treatment and care.