GLSE Talks: One-minute Video Competition Winners

Saba SadeghiLimited Ultrasound for Appendicitis
By: Saba Sadeghi, Nutritional Sciences and Human Biology (4th year undergraduate)

Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix - the little worm-like structure attached to the large intestine. If appendicitis is not treated within 24-72 hours, the appendix can burst, leading to serious complications. To diagnose appendicitis, most hospitals use an US protocol that images the entire abdomen - this process can take long and delay treatment.  Our research aims to investigate whether we can safely recommend the use of a limited US protocol. This protocol only images the appendix and nearby regions, and is therefore simpler and faster. To recommend the use of a limited US in patients with suspected appendicitis, we must first ask ourselves: Will a limited US miss tumors or other findings in the abdomen that require immediate management?  If the # of these findings is low, then a limited US protocol could potentially be used. The findings of this research may ultimately change how these patients are managed in emergency departments.

 

 

 


Marina NikolopoulosDesigning tools to predict tumour progression in glioblastoma
By: Marina Nikolopoulos, Institute of Medical Science (1st year MSc)

Glioblastoma is a rare form of brain cancer. Even with a variety of treatment options consisting of: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the average survival following diagnosis is 15 months. This type of brain cancer is challenging to treat because the tumours are so different both BETWEEN people, and WITHIN people. The tumours of some people will grow faster than others, making them EARLY PROGRESSORS, whereas a small number of people survive longer and are considered LATE PROGRESSORS. So, how can we predict who will be an early or late progressor? To help answer this question, my project will compare the brains of people with glioblastoma using a special type of MRI, called CEST, that can distinguish between these two groups. Previously, our team has successfully done this in a small group of 20 patients, and we are now testing this in a larger group of 100 patients. I will also be comparing the DNA and RNA of these tumours to see if there are any molecular differences in these tumours.
This research will help us develop more targeted therapies for people with glioblastoma and better understand tumour progression in cancer.