Ongoing
Studies
Study Investigates
Emotional Impact of SARS Quarantine
Date: On-going
Using an anonymous computer survey (www.sarsinput.com),
investigators at UHN and Mount Sinai Hospital hope to find out more about how
the isolation experience affected people, their psychology and their relationships
with family and friends.
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The Genetics of
Anorexia Nervosa
Date: On-going
This study is a multi-centre international research project supported by the
National Institute of Mental Health in the USA. Current research on eating
disorders has pointed to evidence that genes play a role in the development
of anorexia nervosa. We are currently looking for two members in a family,
other than parent-child dyads, who both have anorexia nervosa to participate
in our study, which will continue to 2006. Remuneration for participation is
provided.
This research study has been approved by the
Research Ethics Board at the University Health
Network. For further information please call
Adrianne Hlavenka, Project Manager 416-340-5388
or e-mail adrianne.hlavenka@uhn.on.ca.
The principal investigators are Dr. Allan Kaplan
and Dr. Blake Woodside.
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Pain Management
Study: Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Associated
with Cancer
Date: On-going
Do you have pain due to cancer or cancer treatment? The Psychosocial Oncology
and Palliative Care Program at Princess Margaret Hospital is now offering an
8-week program in Mindfulness-Based Pain Management. This program consists
of 8 weekly classes designed to provide you with training in skills for the
management of chronic pain (i.e. pain lasting more than 12 weeks) that is due
to cancer or cancer treatment. The approach utilizes meditation techniques
to reduce the intensity, unpleasantness and impact of pain.
This new pain management program is being offered
as part of a research study investigating its
effectiveness. This study has been granted ethical
approval by the UHN Research Ethics Board. If
you are interested in this pain management program
and want more information, please contact Mariam
Aziz at (416) 340-4565.
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SELECT studies
effects of supplements used to prevent/lower
risk of prostate cancer
Date: On-going
Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the cancer found most often in men.
Most men with prostate cancer do not die of this disease. Early detection increases
survival rates. However, even non-fatal prostate cancer can hurt the quality
of life. For example, prostate cancer can cause sexual problems, urinary problems,
pain in the bones and pain in the lower back during bowel movements or during
ejaculation.
The Prostate Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital
has joined an international prevention study
called SELECT. The purpose of the SELECT study
is to compare the effects of the study supplements.
The supplements are selenium (L-selenomethionine),
vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), selenium plus vitamin
E and placebo (a pill containing no active substances).
We want to see whether the supplements can prevent
or reduce the occurrence of prostate cancer.
In past studies of selenium's effects on other
cancers, possible effects on reducing prostate
cancer were found. However, a large study looking
at the effects of selenium on prostate cancer
has never been done. In past studies of vitamin
E, it has also been linked with reduced prostate
cancer. Again, a large study looking at the effects
of vitamin E on prostate cancer has never been
done. Past studies focused on effects on other
types of cancer.
No studies looking at the effect of using both
selenium and vitamin E have been done. Based
on past studies using other agents as well as
the two supplements we are testing here, we believe
men may get an added benefit from using these
two supplements together.
SELECT is sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer
Institute, a government agency. The study is
coordinated by a group of researchers known as
the Southwest Oncology Group. More that 32,000
men will take part.
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Study Tests Effects
of Respiratory Air Pump on Survival Rates
in Heart Failure Patients
Date: On-going
Location: UHN
Sleep apnea, in which breathing stops intermittently during sleep, is associated
with congestive heart failure. Headed by Dr. Douglas Bradley, a research team
from UHN's Cardio Pulmonary Sleep Disorders and Research Centre is leading
a multi-centre clinical trial testing the effects of a respiratory air pump
on survival rates in heart failure patients. The respiratory air pump known
as CPAP is a mask worn over the face during sleep through which a continuous
supply of air under pressure is transmittd to the lungs and heart by an air
pump. This study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-University
Industry Program.
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Balancing Work
and Family Study
Date: On-going
Location: Institute for Work
and Health
Feeling stressed out? Not enough time? Too many things on your plate? You're
not alone. A new study examining work-family balance has been launched by researchers
at the Institute for Work and Health in partnership with three hospitals province-wide — University
Health Network (Women's Health Program), the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital
and the Ottawa Hospital.
This study examines the impact of balancing
multiple roles on health at work and at home
in two groups of hospital employees. One group
will include pregnant employees before, during,
and after taking a maternity leave from work.
The second group will consist of employees, of
all ages, male or female, with or without children.
This study has been granted ethical approval
by the UHN Research Ethics Board. For more information,
contact Carol Fancott, Study Co-ordinator at
(416) 927-2027 ext.2190 or Dr. Renee-Louise Franche,
Principal Investigator at (416) 927-2027 ext.2222.
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