Research Projects
Diagnostic imaging
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Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in monitoring liver fat in the treatment of chronic liver disease
Clinical problem
Obesity has risen at an epidemic rate during the past 20 years, with more than 50 per cent of Australians now either overweight or obese. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly recognised condition that is often seen in overweight or diabetic patients, with liver damage such as steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis.
Current imaging tools (CT, Ultrasound and MRI) have only a limited role in the diagnosis and staging of fatty liver disease, as they are unable to detect pathologic features such as liver cell ballooning and fibrosis. Instead patients need a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis, which is invasive and costly and subject to sampling error.The study
In this project, MRI is being compared to the biopsy technique currently used to monitor treatments to reduce liver fat (drugs, diet and exercise programs).Ultimate aim
The project expects to establish MRI as an accurate alternative to biopsy for diagnosis and follow-up. Final outcomes of the project are expected soon, however early results indicate the MRI findings are correlating with those from liver biopsies.
Researchers
Associate Professor Elizabeth Powell, Gastroenterologist
Professor Graham Galloway, Research Fellow
Dr Judy Bauer, Dietition
Project partners
Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Princess Alexandra Hospital -
Relieving frozen shoulder
Clinical problem
Frozen shoulder is a common but poorly understood condition, characterised by pain and restricted joint movement. It is increasingly frequent with ageing, occurs more in females, and is believed to have a higher likelihood of occurrence among individuals with diabetes and cardio-pulmonary diseases.The study
This study will involve approximately 25 patients to develop accurate and effective procedures for treating a range of shoulder conditions. Researchers will ‘expand’ the joint capsule by injecting water into the joint (called hydrodilation).Ultimate aim
The study aims to improve the range of motion for patients suffering from frozen shoulder by determining how effective hydrodilation is alone and in combination with other therapies. -
Distinguishing new tumour growth from brain swelling following chemotherapy or radiation treatment
Clinical problem
When patients receive radiation treatment for a brain tumour, the ‘healthy’ tissue surrounding the tumour can also be damaged.
Current imaging techniques – CT, MRI and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanning – cannot distinguish between normal tissue, tumour tissue, swelling / damage from radiation and new tumour growth in the first critical months after treatment.
This currently affects patient treatment and outcomes as doctors are not able to identify if a treatment is being effective and therefore do not have the option of changing treatment in the early stages.The study
This project is testing a new MRI imaging technique that will give more information before, during and after treatment to help distinguish between these different types of tissue.Ultimate aim
This will help inform doctors how the tumour is responding to treatment in the critical early stages so they can modify treatment to achieve better outcomes for patients.
Researchers
Dr Stephen Rose, MRI Physicist
Associate Professor Alan Coulthard, Consultant Neuroradiologist
Dr David Schlect, Radiation Oncologist
Project partners
The Centre for Magnetic Resonance
The University of Queensland -
Breast cancer detection using computerised MRI techniques
Clinical problem
There is no one technique that is able to adequately diagnose breast cancer. Experts acknowledge that even the current diagnostic imaging tools for breast cancer, ultrasound and mammography, have limitations.The study
A team of researchers, led by Professor Stuart Crozier from the University of Queensland, is developing new image analysis software for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners to enable better detection and characterisation of breast cancer.
The software will provide more accurate information about tumour size, will show any new tumour growth, and enable doctors to monitor treatment progress.Ultimate aim
The new software has the potential to improve breast cancer treatment by monitoring the efficacy of medical and surgical therapies (such as reduction in tumour size, accuracy of surgery in removing all the tumour and any new tumour growth) in more detail and with greater accuracy then ever before. This has the potential to be ‘added’ to any existing MRI unit to complement and build on initial diagnoses from mammography and ultrasound.
Researchers
Professor Stuart Crozier, Biomedical Engineer
Dr Stephen Wilson, Biomedical Engineer
Dr Lisa Erzetich, Clinical Director, The Wesley Breast Clinic
Project partners
The Wesley Breast Clinic
The University of Queensland
Southern X-Ray
Queensland X-Ray
