![[APHA]](/images/logo_apha.svg){kind=logo}
Two new research projects aim to reduce side-effects caused by a life-saving cancer therapy and find a more effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
Australia's leading dedicated cancer care provider, Icon Group, is running the studies at clinics in Tasmania and South Australia.
They are both funded by grants from the Icon Cancer Foundation, a charity that supports the group's network of national cancer centres.
Associate Professor Louise Nott and registered nurse Georgina Douglas are leading a clinical trial at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart to investigate a way of reducing side-effects from a chemotherapy drug.
They are testing the use of compression therapy in patients' hands and feet during treatment with Oxaliplatin, which can cause 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 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."
Elastic garments such as stockings can improve blood flow, but Ms Douglas said there was limited research on such preventative interventions to neurotoxic effects caused by Oxaliplatin.
"It can be very painful for the patient and can also lead to terminating treatment early or reducing the dose," she said.
"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."
Icon Cancer Centre Hobart's Associate Professor Louise Nott and registered nurse Georgina Douglas
Another trial at Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens in Adelaide is investigating a non-invasive treatment for osteoarthritis – a degenerative disease that causes chronic pain in the joints.
The clinical registry study – called Innovative Low-dose Radiation for OsteoArthritis Relief and Management (iROAR) – is led by Associate Professor Peter Gorayski and site manager Lydia Tamblyn.
"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," A/Prof Gorayski said.
Ms Tamblyn said the treatment could help osteoarthritis patients 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," she said.
"By having this registry, we will establish important relationships that may improve patient access to LDRT into the future."
Read more: 'New hope' for cancer patients
Read more: Study pinpoints safer prostate cancer therapy
Next Safety And Quality:
2/10/2024 Queensland-first skin cancer therapy
Previous Safety And Quality:
3/9/2024 Trial aims to improve precision of cancer care