Clinical Sciences

Major projects in this area include:

Lymphodoema: prevention, diagnosis and treatment

Our lymphoedema research program focuses on prevention, assessment and management of lymphaoedema following cancer treatment.

Investigators: Prof Neil Piller, Dr Steve Birrell
Further information: Prof Neil Piller

Clinical trials of new cancer treatments

We participate in a range of investigator-driven and company-sponsored trials for a range of cancer types and sites. Current trials include treatments for breast, bowel and lung cancer.

Investigators: Prof Bogda Koczwara, Dr Chris Karapetis
Further Information: Dr Chris Karapetis and Medical Oncology

Cancer survivorship, psycho-oncology and psychosocial support

Several projects are underway in partnership with researchers and professional colleagues in social work, psychology and behavioural science fields at Flinders and elsewhere.

Investigators: Prof Bogda Koczwara, Dr Tracey Wade, Dr Lisa Beatty, Dr Kate Burns
Further Information - Psychooncology: Dr Lisa Beatty and Medical Oncology
Further information – Hope and social support: Dr Kate Burns

Profile: Controlling lymphoedema – helping people to cope with the disability of cancer (Prof Neil Piller, Dr Steve Birrell)

Lymphoedema is a swelling of the limbs which occurs in about 30% of those who have had surgical and or radiotherapeutic treatment for cancer of the breast and also in a few of those who have had treatment for cancers of the gastrointestinal or reproductive systems.

Prof Neil Pillar’s work in early detection and therapy has assisted hundreds of patients in minimizing the impact of lymphoedema. The team has developed revolutionary new equipment to monitor the level of breast lymphoedema using sophisticated hardware and software They have shown that early detection and intervention in the form of local physical and natural therapies serves to promote lymph flow and reduce the impact of this sometimes-disabling condition, reduces severity of the condition.

Next steps: The team will now investigate more advanced surgical techniques for their ability to reduce the risk of breast lymphoedema.