- About
- People
- Projects
- Clinical Trials
- Funding
- Collaborations
The Surgical Science Research Group is led by Professor Guy Maddern, the RP Jepson Professor of Surgery at the University of Adelaide and the Director of Research at the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research (BHI), The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH).
Our group are always looking for enthusiastic students who wish to challenge themselves and further their education through our Honours or higher degrees programs.
Researchers
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Professor Guy Maddern
Position: Director
Phone: +61 8 8222 6756
Email: guy.maddern@adelaide.edu.au
Profile: View profile
UofA: Guy Maddern
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Dr Alex Karatassas
Position: Consultant Surgeon
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Dr Kevin Fenix
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Phone: +61 8 8222 6524
Email: kevin.fenix@adelaide.edu.au
Profile: View profile
UoA: Kevin Fenix
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Jessie Clarke
Position: Research Officer
Phone: +61 8 8222 6759
Email: jessie.clarke@sa.gov.au
Profile: View profile
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Deanna Mazzarolo
Position: Research Officer
Phone: +61 8 8222 8013
Email: deanna.mazzarolo@sa.gov.au
Profile: View profile
Students
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Dr Paul Patiniott
Position: Student
Phone: (08) 8222 6000
Email: paul.patiniott@sa.gov.au
Profile: View profile
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Tanja Klotz
Position: Student
Email: tanja.klotz@adelaide.edu.au
Profile: View profile
UoA: Tanja Klotz
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Student Alumni (since 2016)
| Name | Degree | Year Awarded | Thesis title | Supervisors | Scholarship |
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| Dr Roy (Li Long) Ong | MPhil (Surgery), The University of Adelaide. Dean's Commendation for Master by Research Thesis Excellence. | 2021 | Factors affecting surgical mortality of oral squamous cell carcinoma resection | Maddern GJ, Sambrook P | |
| Joshua Kavoor | First Class Honours, The University of Adelaide | 2020 | Dilemmas for Surgery during COVID-19: A Global Lesson | Maddern GJ, Gladman M, Jones K, Tivey D, Babidge W | |
| Dr Claire Stevens | MPhil (Surgery), The University of Adelaide | 2020 | An analysis of the trends and variability of hepatic and pancreatic surgery in Australia | Maddern GJ, Trochsler M | |
| Zein Amro | Honours, The University of Adelaide | 2019 | Evaluating novel antibacterial treatments targeting bacterial water channels | Dr Kati Richter, Professor Andrea Yool | The Hospital Research Foundation Honours Scholarship |
| Man Ying (Celine) Li | First Class Honours, The University of Adelaide | 2019 | Nano-formulation of Curcumin as novel oral treatment for colorectal liver metastases | Dr Kevin Fenix, Professor Xin-Fu Zhou | The Hospital Research Foundation Honours Scholarship |
| Dr Justin Chan | MPhil (Surgery), The University of Adelaide | 2019 | Mortality and Morbidity in Cardiothoracic Surgery in Australia | Maddern GJ, Worthington M | |
| Dr Hannah Gostlow | MPhil (Surgery), The University of Adelaide | 2018 | Simulation in surgical education: lessons learned from a multi-site randomised cohort study | Maddern GJ, Babidge W | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Scholarship |
| Joseph Smith | PhD, The University of Adelaide | 2018 | Surgery and climate change: The scientific and public policy implications | Maddern GJ, Hewett P | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Scholarship |
| Helen Palethorpe | PhD, The University of Adelaide | 2018, Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence | Fibroblasts, Androgen Signalling and Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma | Drew P & Smith E | Faculty of Health Sciences divisional scholarship, University of Adelaide |
| Kean Kuan | MResearch, The University of Adelaide | 2016 | Factors influencing transplant surgery: ex vivo porcine pancreas normothermic perfusion | Maddern G, Trochsler M & Chung W |
Professor Guy Maddern: Student Research Projects for 2021
Further information about the following research projects can be found on Professor Guy Maddern's University of Adelaide Researcher Profile.
- Laparoscopic Simulation Skills Program (LSSP)
- Coaching to Enhance Surgeons’ Non-Technical Skills
- Developing novel diagnostic tools and preventative therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer
- Systematic reviews of surgical topics
- Audit of surgical mortality
- Health System Research
- Health Technology Assessment
Protein biomarkers for colorectal cancer liver metastasis
Supervisors: Professor Guy Maddern and Dr Kevin Fenix
Please email kevin.fenix@adelaide.edu.au to discuss your options further.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the Western and developing countries. The incidence and mortality of CRC also increase in young adults. Metastatic dissemination from primary tumour accounts for over 90% of all colorectal cancer death. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to provide a significant improvement in patient survival, however this advantage is not available for all patients who could benefit from it due to inability of current standard method to accurately predict prognosis. Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II CRC patients is still regarded as controversial. About 25% of stage II CRC patients will develop metastasis after surgical removal of their primary tumour mainly to liver and 50 - 60% of stage III CRC patients will develop metastasis. The overall survival rate for stage II CRC patients five years after surgery is approximately 70 - 80% and that for stage III patients is 30 - 60%. Questions remaining to be answered include which patients will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy and what chemotherapy to use to give most benefit for the patients.
Classic disease staging, which is currently the key prognostic indicator for CRC, includes degree of lymph node involvement. Recovery and evaluation of lymph nodes in the resection specimen are, however, influenced by the method and quality of surgical resection, quality of pathologic evaluation, tumour related factors and patient factors. Variation in the assessment of lymph node status could lead to under-staging and as a result a falsely node-negative patient may not receive the potential benefit of adjuvant therapy. It is well recognised that staging by light microscopy alone is not sufficiently accurate to predict spread as significant variation with respect to clinical outcome exists within currently used stages. Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) has been used to predict CRC recurrence for almost 40 years. However, serum CEA has a poor diagnostic accuracy.
There is therefore urgent need for histological staging to be supported by molecular profiling of tumours to provide additional accuracy in stratifying patients for better disease management and ultimately improved survival.
We have identified protein candidates using proteomic approaches and currently collaboratively working with Callaghan Innovation New Zealand to generate a prototype diagnostic test.
Current projects for Honours degree students include evaluation of protein biomarker candidates on a larger number of clinical samples and to determine the functions of the proteins on cancer progression and development using cell culture techniques.
We have fresh frozen normal colon, colon tumour, normal liver and liver metastasis and blood of more than 500 patients and some of them were from matched patients accompanied by complete clinical parameters. In addition we also have tissue microarray of more than 250 samples. This resource is hardly found elsewhere. New projects can be discussed, designed and established to identify additional biomarkers for colorectal cancer for Higher Degree Research Student Projects.
Ameliorating liver ischaemia-reperfusion injury – the role of the innate immune response and Wnt signalling pathway.
Surgery is the best chance to cure cancers in the liver. During surgery blood vessels may be clamped to control bleeding. This can lead to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, which increases complications and mortality. There is no effective treatment.
The role of the androgen receptor and androgen responsive genes in the biology of oesophageal cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets
In Australia there has been a recent alarming increase in men of oesophageal cancer. About 50% of patients are unsuitable for surgery at the time of diagnosis, and the five year survival is less than 15%.
The role of fibroblasts in oesophageal and prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the 4th leading cause of mortality amongst Australian males. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is the most rapidly increasing cancer in Australia and has a male: female ratio of around 8:1.
Individualised risk assessment and therapeutic interventional for colorectal cancer in the South Australian population
This initiative sets out to bring together a group of experienced and practising clinicians together with an experienced translational researcher all working within the Central Adelaide Health region including the Royal Adelaide and The Queen Elizabeth Hospitals to direct research scientists working within the scope of colorectal primary and metastatic disease.
Immune Checkpoints in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Prediction and Prevention
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, accounting for over 9% of all cancer incidences. The majority of CRC related deaths are attributable to liver metastasis (LM) – the most critical prognostic factor observed in ≈50% of CRC patients.
Anti-adhesion work
An estimated 9 million abdominal surgeries occur each year, with up to a staggering 95% of these resulting in the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions. The presence of adhesions may go unnoticed until clinical manifestations arise such as pain, reduced gastrointestinal function or bowel obstruction leading to the need for repeat surgical intervention.
Various Sponsored Clinical Trials
Development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for screening and early detection of metastatic colorectal cancer.
HREC reference number: HREC/14/TQEHLMH/164
For more information please contact: Dr Kevin Fenix
| Chief Investigators | Granting body | Project Title | Type of Grant | Total Grant Amount | Funding Period |
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| Maddern G, Inacio M, Visvanathan R, Karnon J | Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) | Mobile X-ray services provided within residential aged care facilities | MRFF Targeted Health System and Community Organisation Research Project | $1,970,000 | 2020-2022 |
| Richter K | NHMRC #1163634 | Maximising the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments for infection control after surgery | NHMRC CJ Martin Biomedical Early Career Fellowship | $417,192 | 2019 - 2022 |
| Maddern G, Fenix K | Cancer Council | Construction of the South Australian Liver Tissue Biobank (SALT) for discovery and development of prognostic biomarkers of colorectal cancer liver metastasis | Beat Cancer Infrastructure Grant | $100,000 | 2019 - 2020 |
| Fenix K, Maddern G | The Hospital Research Foundation | Construction of the South Australian Liver Tissue Biobank (SALT) for discovery and development of prognostic biomarkers of colorectal cancer liver metastasis | Matched funding | $100,000 | 2019 - 2020 |
| Karatassas A | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Foundation for Surgery | Developing a hernia mesh tissue integrated index | Small Project Grant | $10,000 | 2019 |
| Maddern G, Granchi N | Avant Foundation | A comprehensive video based coaching program for continuing surgical services improvement - design, efficacy, assessment and clinical implementation | Project Grant | $100,000 | 2019 |
| Maddern G | The Hospital Research Foundation | A comprehensive video based coaching program for continuing surgical services improvement - design, efficacy, assessment and clinical implementation | Project Grant | $84,000 | 2019 - 2020 |
| Fenix K | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | Using tissue-resident T cells to develop new prognostics and treatments against bowel cancer | THRF Early Career Fellowship | $240,000 | 2018 - 2020 |
| Wormald PJ, Maddern G, Vreugde S | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | A novel medicated resorbable adhesion barrier device for use in abdominal surgery | Development Grant | $75,000 | 2018 - 2020 |
| Dhakal B | Schlumberger Foundation | The immune cell compartment in colorectal liver metastasis | Faculty for the Future Fellowship (International PhD Scholarship) | US$150,000 | 2018 - 2020 |
| Richter K | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | Improving effectiveness of infection control after surgery | THRF Early Career Fellowship | $240,000 | 2018 - 2020 |
| Maddern G, Price T, Young J, Hewett P, Hardingham J, Worthley D, White D, Mulligan D | SAHMRI/BEAT Cancer/The Hospital Research Foundation | Individualised risk assessment and therapeutic interventional for colorectal cancer in the South Australian population | Project Grant | $750,000 | 2014 - 2019 |
| Maddern G, Trochsler M, Tivey D, Vreugdeburg T | Federal Office of Public Health, Health and Accident Insurance, Benefits, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Switzerland | Health Technology Assessment Framework Agreement | Project Grant | $2,800,000 | 2018 - 2019 |
| Ma L, Liang Q, Hauben E, Fenix K | Flinders Innovation Partnership Seed Grants Scheme | Study of bioactivity of Hengshan Astragalus Shiitake as biological response modifiers in cancer therapy | Seed Grant | $125,000 | 2018 - 2019 |
| Richter K | The University of Adelaide | Ironing out superbugs - validation and translation of a novel treatment that kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria by targeting iron metabolism | Early Career Research Fellowship | $120,000 | 2018 |
| Richter K | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | Ironing out superbugs - validation and translation of a novel treatment that kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria by targeting iron metabolism | Leverage Funding - Early Career Research Fellowship | $25,000 | 2018 |
| Maddern G | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | A comprehensive video-based coaching program for continuing surgical improvement - design, efficacy assessment and clinical implementation | Project Grant | $84,000 | 2018 |
| Eldredge TA | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) | Bile reflux post-bariatric surgery - a cohort study | RP Jepson Scholarship | $66,000 | 2018 |
| Ludbrook G, Walsh R, Story D, Maddern G | Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) | Extended post-anaesthesia care - a feasibility study | Elaine Lillian Kluver ANZCA Research Award | $69,994 | 2018 |
| Kopecki Z, Grubor-Bauk B, Wijesundara D, Fenix K | University of South Australia | Identify a diagnostic marker for psoriasis | New Adventures Fund | $18,193 | 2018 |
| Gowans E, Wijesundara D, Maddern G | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | The protective efficacy of cytolytic DNA vaccine for HCV in marmosets: a step forward towards human clinical trials | Development Grant | $200,000 | 2017 - 2018 |
| Hauben E, Voelcker N, Maddern G | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | Development of targeted nanoparticles as preventative therapy for liver metastasis | Project Grant | $125,000 | 2017 - 2018 |
| Maddern G, Hauben H, Ngo D, Beltrame J | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | The nexus between visceral adiposity, associated liver composition, and metastatic progression in colorectal cancer patients | Project Grant | $75,000 | 2016 |
| Hauben E, Gowans E, Vreugde S, Evdokiou A, Maddern G | ARC Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) grant | Miltenyi AutoMACS Pro | Equipment grant | $30,000 | 2016 |
| Maddern GJ, Roberts M, Crawford D | NHMRC | Advanced imaging to define hepatic and intestinal drug disposition in aging and liver disease | Project Grant | $735,820 | 2013 - 2015 |
| Maddern GJ, Runciman W, Mandel C, Schultz T, Munn Z | HCF Health and Medical Research Foundation | Use of surgical and radiology checklists in Australian hospitals: uptake, barriers and enablers | $311,195 | 2013 - 2015 | |
| Maddern GJ, Wormald PJ, S Moratti S, Robinson B, Robinson S | NHMRC | In vivo evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a novel chitosan gel in the reduction of adhesions following abdominal surgery in both animal and human models | Project Grant | $514,975 | 2013 - 2015 |
| Rogers WA, Johnson AJ, Townley C, Sheridan J, Ballantyune A, Lotz M, Meyerson D, Tomosey GF, Eyers AA, Maddern GJ, Thomson CJ | ARC | On the cutting edge: promoting best practice in surgical innovation | Linkage Grant | $255,000 | 2011 - 2014 |
| Maddern GJ, Fitridge R, Boult M, Golledge J, Thompson M, Barnes M | NHMRC | Prospective evaluation of a model to predict outcomes following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair | Project Grant | $1,036,925 | 2009 - 2013 |
| Maddern GJ, Wormald PJ, Jamieson G, Fitridge R, Hewett P | The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) | Development and assessment of novel surgical technologies and their introduction into the Australian healthcare system | Program Grant | $1,250,000 | 2009 - 2013 |
| Collaborator | Institution | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Truitt | Lubris Pty Ltd | USA | |
| Ashley Dennison and Wen Chung | University Hospitals of Leicester | Leicester | United Kingdom |
| Richard Stubbs | The Wakefield Clinic | Wellington | New Zealand |
| Jonathan Karnon | Flinders University | Adelaide | Australia |
| Susan Woods | SAHMRI | Adelaide | Australia |
| Andrew Zannettino, Andrea Yool and John Bruning | The University of Adelaide | Adelaide | Australia |
| Bernd Klosterhalfen | Hospital of Dueren | Dueren | Germany |
| Regine Suess | Albert-Ludwigs-University | Freiburg | Germany |
| Tom Coenye | Ghent University | Ghent | Belgium |
| Simon Swift | University of Auckland | Auckland | New Zealand |
