The Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Exercise, Nutritional support and Deprescribing (FRIEND) Project

The Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Exercise, Nutritional support and Deprescribing (FRIEND) Project

Advisor/s

A/Prof Ulf Schmitz, Dr Daniel Xing, Prof Andreas Lopata

College or Research Centre

College of Medicine & Dentistry; College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Science

Summary of Project

Join our dynamic research team at JCU and the Townsville Cancer Centre (TCC) for an exciting HDR (Higher Degree by Research) project that merges cutting-edge technology with critical clinical applications. Our umbrella project encompasses two groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes and patient care. Project 1: Enhancing Glioblastoma Treatment with Magnetic Resonance and Radiotherapy Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive brain cancers, with limited survival rates despite recent advances in treatment. Our research focuses on the novel application of tumour treating fields and the integration of a magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MRL) to explore the biological effects of combining magnetic fields with ionizing radiation. We aim to uncover how these combined modalities impact tumour and immune cell interactions, ultimately seeking to improve GBM treatment efficacy. Project 2: Developing Blood-Based Surveillance for HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) presents unique challenges in post-treatment surveillance, particularly for patients in remote regions. Our research aims to develop and validate a blood-based circulating HPV-DNA (cHPV-DNA) test using next-generation sequencing (NGS). This innovative approach will enable earlier detection of recurrent disease, reduce patient burden, and improve survival outcomes for HPV-OPSCC patients.

The Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Exercise, Nutritional support and Deprescribing (FRIEND) Project will implement our evidence-based, sustainable, multi-disciplinary program to improve frailty in cognitively-impaired residents of aged care. The aim of FRIEND is to establish integrated processes and pathways within a residential facility that enable early identification and effective reduction of frailty. Collaborative staff and student training will support the incorporation of strategies to mitigate three remediable contributing factors: sarcopenia, malnutrition, and polypharmacy. We will implement robust weight-lifting exercise, nutritional assessment to address factors limiting food intake and improve nutrient intake/density, and deprescribing of potentially harmful/unnecessary medications.

This project provides an opportunity to work in translational research in the aged care sector with those living with cognitive impairment, as part of a collaboration of top medical and allied health researchers from James Cook University and the University of Sydney.

Key Words

brain cancer; head and neck cancer; radiation oncology; biomarker; bioinformatics next generation sequencing

Would suit an applicant who

We invite motivated students with a passion for oncology, molecular biology, and innovative technology to apply. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative research with the potential to significantly impact patient care and treatment outcomes.

Has an interest in improving quality of life and frailty outcomes for aged care residents with cognitive impairment. Allied health, psychology, nursing, medical or pharmacy background preferably with experience in qualitative interviews and/or exercise delivery.

Updated: 18 Aug 2021