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New patient wellbeing programs launched alongside Patient Parliament
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Shedding light on the complexity of sarcoma
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Peter Mac launches Environmental Sustainability Strategy
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Two clinical researchers awarded 2024 Discovery Partner Fellowships
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Peter Mac gets $3 million boost for research preventing surgery complications
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US award for Peter Mac researcher
A ground-breaking trial using pharmacogenomics to improve patient recovery following surgery is now underway at Peter Mac in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, Monash University, and the University of Melbourne.
The research – which studies how a person's genes affect their response to medications - is the first study of its kind in Australia within the field of anaesthetics and it has the potential to reduce common post-operative side effects.
More than one third of the 2.6 million patients undergoing surgery across Australia each year experience postoperative complications, leading to a substantial impact on patients’ lives including morbidity, increased hospital stays, delayed return to work and increased costs to hospitals.
Some of the most common side-effects include nausea and vomiting, pain and fatigue - all of which can lead to increased time in recovery and the need for further medical intervention.
Peter Mac’s Director of Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine, and Pain Medicine, Professor Bernhard Riedel, said this innovative research has the potential for wide-ranging application in clinical medicine, especially around the time of surgery where between 10-20 medicines are administered to patients.
“Whilst this research has been done clinically for chemotherapy and psychiatry medications, it has not been done in the field of anaesthetics,” he said.
“The project will determine if it is possible to conduct pharmacogenomics testing prior to surgery. This information will then be used to tailor anaesthetic drugs based on the test results to improve safety, recovery and comfort after surgery.”
The trial is analysing how genes affect a person’s response to anaesthetics and pain management, with the aim to personalise anaesthetic medications to ensure the best outcome and reduce the risk of adverse effects while improving comfort.
The project, led by Prof Riedel and Dr Michelle Gerstman, specialist anaesthetist at Peter Mac and Alfred Hospital and PhD candidate, and Professors Andrew Somogyi (University of Adelaide), Carl Kirkpatrick (Monash University), and Colin Royse (University of Melbourne), has received grant support from the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and research foundations (Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, the Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, and the Australian Society of Anaesthetists). The trial is expected to run for two years.
This research will also contribute to the scientific evidence which can enable the personalisation of additional medications, such as propofol, fentanyl and oxycodone, which currently lack evidence for guidelines.
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First steps to navigating Peter Mac
Getting started Peter Mac locations Visitor information Accessing telehealth Important contacts Patient and carer support![Image alt text](/images/Peter Mac building and cafes/DJ3_7004_V2_BrAf_FS.jpg)
We offer care that goes beyond treatment
Peter Mac has a wellbeing approach to care. We base this on a fundamental belief that the best cancer care treats the person and the disease. The Wellbeing Centre is a sanctuary for patients, their families and carers. It is a gathering place that is open, accepting and welcoming for all.
Cancer can be hard to deal with and we know that getting treatment is only part of it. You might have other challenges and need help with them. We offer many kinds of help for you, your loved ones, and your carers. Each resource can help you deal with how cancer affects your body, emotions and money.
The Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service is a team of health and other professionals who specialise in the care of young people aged 15 to 25. We work with you and your healthcare team to support you at all stages of the cancer journey, anywhere in Victoria.
You are a carer if you’re taking care of someone with cancer. You might be a family member, friend or neighbour. Our wonderful volunteer service is here to help to make things a little easier for you and the person you’re caring for. They offer a range of support, resources, and items to help you.
The Psychosocial Oncology Program is a multidisciplinary team. This includes clinical psychologists, social workers, PCLNs, and psychiatrists/psychiatric registrars. They assess patients at risk of mental health problems. They will also assess and treat those with current mental health problems.
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