In July the world-class HMRI Building opened its doors to around 350 health and medical researchers in the Hunter, offering state-of-the-art laboratory spaces and facilities to further their research.

However the HMRI Building also holds something new and unique for Hunter residents.

The Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) is the focal point between the innovative research being undertaken in the Building and the significant health benefits it holds for the community.

The high-tech equipment and modern clinic rooms that fill the CTC are second to none, having been built to enhance the specific HMRI research programs taking place.

Complete with a cough challenge clinic, lung function machine, expired nitrous oxide clinic, nutrition lab and pharmacy, the area allows researchers to conduct clinical trials with an unprecedented ability to retrieve accurate study results and track outcomes.

University of Newcastle respiratory researcher Dr Lisa Wood recognises the value that a centre like this will hold for the Hunter.

“The Clinical Trials Centre will have enormous benefits for both researchers and clinical trial participants,” Dr Wood said.

“It offers participants a range of improved facilities to make the research process more comfortable.

“On the other hand it also allows researchers to conduct clinical trials in a professional setting with an extensive range of equipment and resources available to them.”

Researchers previously shared equipment that was also being used by outpatient clinics at the hospital. This inevitably meant longer waiting lists.

“Having our own dedicated research equipment is not only going to make clinical trials a more consolidated process but it is going to be more efficient and quicker for participants,” Dr Wood said.

HMRI Director Michael Nilsson says the move into the new Building heralds an exciting new era for medical research.

“For HMRI it really represents a seismic shift from a virtual institute to one with a $90 million centrepiece that will help cement the Hunter’s place in the research world,” Professor Nilsson said.

“That said, the heart and soul of HMRI are the 1100 researchers, wherever they’re working – the University campus at Callaghan, the Hunter New England Health campus at Wallsend, the Calvary Mater Newcastle or elsewhere.”

Professor Nilsson added that it was vital for researchers to have the best possible “tools” to work in such a technical sphere.

“Through the integration of clinical trials facilities, this building will become a global centre of excellence while providing the best possible environment for the translation of research for patients in the Hunter.”

Where patients are a virtue!

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“The CTC will have enormous benefits for both researchers and clinical trial participants.”

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EFFICIENT: Dr Lisa Wood with a patient undergoing a ‘Dexa’ scan in the CTC.

searcherspring 2012

The generosity of HMRI supporters may help asthmatics to breathe a little easier, with a recent study highlighting why many of the 670,000 Australians with asthma are resistant to conventional steroid treatment.

The study was funded by HMRI grants in its early stages, helping the researchers to attract major national funding through the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council.

Lead researcher Professor Phil Hansbro, from the University of Newcastle, said some asthmatics were resistant to steroid treatment and often suffered more severe asthma.

“Asthmatics with steroid-resistant asthma more commonly carry a bacterium called Haemophilus influenzae in their airways,” Professor Hansbro said.

“Our research has demonstrated that the combination of allergic airways disease and the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria drives chronic lung infection which, in turn, leads to the development of steroid-resistant disease.

“For the first time, we have clear evidence that targeting bacterial infection in patients with steroid-resistant asthma may have therapeutic benefits.

“This finding is likely to be

important in guiding the future development of treatments that target the infection and reduce resistance to steroids.”

Ashleigh Baines, 24, has been trying to manage her asthma from a very young age, and says that sometimes an asthma attack is unavoidable.

“I have learned to somewhat control my condition, but it is a very delicate balance of steroid-based medication and therapy,” Ashleigh said.

“Therefore I can’t stress the importance of research into alternative asthma treatments, as it will help sufferers to take back control by giving them the appropriate tools to manage their asthma more efficiently.

“I look forward to new innovations within the management of asthma, as it will hopefully make breathing easier for both myself and other asthma sufferers.”

community

Newcastle musician and clinical trial participant Mark Wells has been one of the first members of the public to experience the facilities available through the new Clinical Trials Centre at the HMRI Building.

While participating in an antibiotic drug trial to treat cystic fibrosis with the respiratory team, Mark is able to benefit from the new equipment and clinical practices first hand.

“Previously when I needed to have a lung function test done the wait would generally be between six and 12 weeks. If I required a test more urgently I used a hand-held machine and the results always varied considerably,” Mark said.

While participating in the HMRI antibiotic trial, researchers have measured Mark’s lung function continually using the new lung function machine in the CTC.

“I haven’t had to wait to get a test done in the new building, and the results are always accurate. My lung function has improved over 10 per cent, and watching that change has been really motivating,” Mark said.

“Knowing that this equipment is available to me, and that the researchers at HMRI are watching my results so closely really takes a great deal of stress off my treatment program.

“Managing cystic fibrosis takes a lot of time and hard work, but I am happy to give that extra time up to participate in studies like this if it means I am getting these kind of results.”

Study a breath of fresh air

Singing the praise

ASTHMA BREAKTHROUGH: Professor Phil Hansbro and Ama-Tawiah Essilfie

Ashleigh Baines

“Knowing that this equipment is available to me ... really takes a greatdeal of stress off my treatment program.”

HMRI supporter Jan Bynon, pictured, is proudly Novocastrian and yet she is even more passionate about the importance of medical research to the Hunter.

If you attended the annual HMRI Ball you would be acquainted with Jan’s avid support and creative insight.

The 2012 Secret Garden Ball marks Jan’s fourth year on the HMRI Foundation Events Sub-Committee, second as the Chair, and has resulted in unprecedented success.

“The Ball this year was a big night, but the planning goes on for months, it began back in October 2011,” Jan said.

“It’s nice that people come and expect something different every year. I absolutely love the Ball, I love the meetings and all the people involved are just amazing.

“It never ceases to amaze me how much time they are willing to give or what they are willing to do to help.”

Jan’s devoted support also comes from her family’s personal experiences with research.

“Everybody loves somebody who needs hope for something. Medical research is important to all of us, because it is going to touch each of our lives at some point.

“My dad was 61 years old when he had his first stroke, and when

I recently read about the amazing results of Professor Chris Levi’s stroke trial, I thought ‘isn’t that wonderful!’ ... I would have given the world for Dad to have been able to have the opportunity to receive that kind of treatment.

“I am so glad that HMRI is making it possible for someone else to have that chance now. We can look at that study with pride now and say, that’s Novocastrian research.”

Jan attributes much of the success of events like the Ball to the enormous generosity of people in the Hunter.

“Everybody I approach and ask to help, they always answer with a yes. It doesn’t matter how big or how small it is, everyone is happy to lend a hand,” she said.

“That is the good thing about Newcastle, it is a really giving town, we are very lucky.

“I think that is what HMRI has done for me, it has shown me how much people are willing to give and how much we get back from the research in return. It is a real two-way street and that’s what makes it work.

“It’s simple, we do the funding that allows the researchers to do their job. Raising money is the easy part, the hard part is up to the researchers.”

Read more about this year’s HMRI Ball on the back page!

Proud and passionate

news in briefResearchers at the

University of Newcastle have motivated 85 Hunter men to ‘shed’ a total of 438kgs – equal to about 40 cartons of beer.

The SHED-IT (Self-Help, Exercise and Diet using Information Technology) Program motivates men to lose weight using a range of resources including the internet, a DVD and printed materials.

Professor Philip Morgan said the first community-wide SHED-IT Program was a great success with participants losing an average of 9.7 kilos.

The researchers are now calling for another 200 men to take part in the next round of the SHED-IT Program.

Call (02) 4921 6096 for more details.

The University of Newcastle’s Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher has won the Cancer Institute NSW Make a Difference 2012 award for his cancer prevention work with

disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, including reducing smoking among pregnant Aboriginal women.

The award recognises a researcher who has made a significant difference to cancer care or research practice. Professor Sanson-Fisher has made a lasting impact on the cancer field and demonstrated sustained progress against cancer.

Hunter researchers have helped secure a second $5 million grant from the National Breast Cancer Foundation based on promising results from a study that successfully identified women who are at a greater risk of breast cancer recurrence.

The next phase of the study will focus on identifying the cancer recurrence risk factors from these biomarkers and then appropriately targeting those women with immediate screening and therapies.

Professor Rodney Scott said the finding took researchers a step closer to targeting those women who were more likely to develop breast cancer after remission and then treat them more quickly and effectively.

Lot 1, Kookaburra Cct New LambtonLocked Bag 1000 New Lambton NSW 2305 T 02 4042 0000 F 02 4042 0001 E info@hmri.com.au ABN 27 081 436 919

It’s no secret that this year’s HMRI Ball was a resounding success, raising over $147,000.

Newcastle’s Civic Theatre was transformed to resemble a mystical Secret Garden, with guests greeted by live statues on arrival and tables adorned with trees, twisted vines and twinkling tea-lights.

HMRI Development Manager Maureen Jack said that the outstanding result ensures that

HMRI can continue to provide valuable grant funding to Hunter researchers.

“This is helping them to improve the health outcomes of people throughout our region and beyond, both today and into the future,” Maureen said.

“Every year we receive exceptional support from our major sponsors, and everyone who donates auction items or essential services to the Ball.”

‘Secret Garden’ bears fruit

Upcoming events

SAVE THE DATES:Sept 15 Stroud RodeoSept 15/22 Keith Tulloch Wine DinnersSept 30 PULSE NRL Grand Final PartyOct 6 Keith Tulloch Wine 2012 Wine Appreciation - supporting PULSE Oct 7 Tainn Hunter Classic Softball Tournament Oct 13 Ord Minnett HMRI Cup yacht race Oct 27 Rotary Newcastle-Dungog charity bike rideNov 6 Singleton Foundation Melbourne Cup Luncheon

events

Horses and coursesJoin the HMRI Singleton Foundation to

celebrate the Melbourne Cup in style, on November 6 at the Singleton Showground Pavillion. Cricket commentator Jim Maxwell will be MC for a day of races, live auctions, sweeps and raffles.

Tickets are $100, including a two-course lunch and all beverages.

See www.hmri.com.au for more details.

Ord Minnett has come aboard as principal sponsor of the HMRI Cup yacht race, which will be held at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club on October 13.

Given Australia’s golden efforts in sailing at the Olympics, this is a great team-building opportunity which also provides views of our coastline … and the occasional glimpse of a whale!

Each yacht has a skipper and crew, and there are no spinnakers to worry about, so

Sail away ...

participants can do as much or as little as they like.

A spectator cruiser will be available for those seeking a gentler pace, while back at the club you can enjoy a band, food and drinks right on the waterfront.

SEE THE WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS

Ready to rideState Member for Newcastle, Tim Owen

AM, will be among up to 400 cyclists donning the lycra to compete in the third annual Rotary Newcastle to Dungog charity bike ride on October 27.

Mr Owen is borrowing a road bike and madly training for the 90-kilometre course from Nobbys Beach to Dungog.

“It’s a little daunting because I haven’t been on a pushbike for a little while, but I’m very much looking forward to the ride,” Mr Owen said. “I like the idea of a healthy activity like cycling helping to fund medical research.”

Last year’s event attracted more than 360 cyclists – a peloton twice as large as the Tour de France – and resulted in a $14,000 cheque from the Rotary Club of Newcastle. Entry fee is $55 plus optional donation to HMRI via online registration.

See newcastledungogbikeride.org.au for more details.

HMRI BALL

You can make a real differenceIn the spring of 2010, young mother and University of Newcastle education lecturer Wendy Miller was told she had Stage 4 bowel cancer. Try to enjoy this Christmas, her doctors said.

If that news wasn’t gut-wrenching enough, telling her two daughters was worse. The words flowed in a stream of consciousness chilling in frankness and implication.

“The statistics were really scary in terms of likely survival,” Wendy says. “But I’ve never been one to sit and watch life pass by.

“The language I’d been using was that which I’d heard – I’m dying of cancer. Somewhere I read the idea that you’re living with cancer, not dying from it, which aligned with the way I like to see the world.”

Under the care of Professor Stephen Ackland, leader of HMRI’s Cancer Research Program, Wendy began defying the predictions. Christmas came and went. Weeks rolled into months, into a year and beyond.

“The medical team have been fantastic. To me, knowing my oncologist is up to date with the latest research is really important. I also get a sense that Professor Ackland really cares.”

According to Professor Ackland, Wendy has benefitted from the translation of research and collaboration between clinicians.

“Wendy officially remains at Stage 4 and will continue on chemotherapy as required. If a trial comes along that she’s eligible for I suspect we’d have her in it tomorrow,” he says.

With a determined smile Wendy adds “Cancer is not stopping me, I’m doing what I love right now.”

You can help make life better for people like Wendy and her family. Please donate today by completing the form overleaf, or online.

Your support helps fund life-changing research!

www.hmri.com.au