Liver Tumours

Unit Code

00997

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Department of Surgery
Level 8, Lance Townsend Building
Austin Hospital
Studley Road, Heidelberg
Victoria 3084 Australia

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5

Coursework Points: 12.5

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Professor Chris Christophi
Head, Dept. Surgery
Level 8, Lance Townsend Building
Austin Hospital
Studley Road, Heidelberg
Victoria 3084 Australia

tel: +61 3 9496 5466
fax: +61 39458 1650
email: surgery-armc@unimelb.edu.au

Alternative Contact:

Ms Cathy Malcontenti-Wilson
Senior Research Assistant
Department of Surgery
Level 8, Lance Townsend Building
Austin Hospital
Studley Road, Heidelberg
Victoria 3084 Australia

tel: +61 3 9496 5492
fax: +61 3 9458 1650
email: cmalc@unimelb.edu.au

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Overall Objectives

The unit has the following key objectives:

• To introduce concepts of project design, ethical considerations and application of research methods to a particular project
• To emphasise self-directed student learning and data collection
• To extend knowledge in specific areas of biology, by critical review of scientific and medical literature as well as by attending Departmental Research Seminars
• To enhance technical and problem solving skills by use of biomedical research techniques and use of computer based applications for collection, analysis and assessment of experimental data.
• To Improve communication skills through both written (abstract and thesis) and oral scientific presentations.
• To improve time management and organizational skills by completion of specific tasks.

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Content

Coursework: Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Research: The Department of Surgery at the Austin Hospital has projects that investigate the biology and treatment of liver metastases. The major focus is on tumour angiogenesis and the treatment of colorectal liver metastases by angiohibitory and vascular targeting agents. In addition, the use of minimally invasive techniques such as laser hyperthermia is being assessed. The approach of the research utilizes an established mouse model of colorectal liver metastases to investigate the disease processes and treatment.
This incorporates various techniques that include:

• Tumour volumetric analysis by digital stereology
• Histopathology with light microscopy
• Immunohistochemistry
• Interstitial Laser Thermotherapy
• Laser Doppler flowmetry for in-vivo measurement of tumour and liver blood flow, measurement of oxygen tension
• Confocal in-vivo microscopy for the assessment of tumour vasculature

Sample Research Topics:

1. Characterisation of the effect of interstitial laser thermotherapy on liver and tumour tissue
2. Identification of factors to increase tissue necrosis
3. Identification of effects of laser and hepatic resection on tumour recurrence
4. Treatment of colorectal liver metastases by Anti-Vascular and Anti-Angiogenic agents
5. The outcome of patients with liver tumours treated by resection, radiofrequency ablation and interstitial laser thermotherapy
6. Clinical anatomy of the liver, pancreas, biliary tract and spleen
7. Regulatory peptide and receptor research
8. Gastrin as a growth factor in colorectal cancer
9. Gastrin-releasing peptide as a growth factor in colorectal cancer

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 87.5 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 85%
Supervisor's Evaluation: 15%

Coursework Component: 12.5 points
Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics, assessed as per subject description

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
4