Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
In recent decades, the detection and treatment of cancer have significantly improved, and this, combined with the rise in the incidence of cancer as populations age, increases the number of people who have and survive cancer. In Australia, over 1 million people (>30,000 in Tasmania) are living with or beyond cancer. Compared with the general population, cancer survivors have a 15 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, CVD-caused mortality (following major cardiovascular events) is four times higher in cancer survivors compared with siblings without cancer. Cancer and CVD have a bidirectional relationship with shared modifiable risk factors (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, obesity) and pathophysiologic mechanisms (e.g., inflammation and oxidative stress), which increase their co-existence. In addition, exposure to cardiotoxic cancer medications and radiation therapies contributes to an increased risk of developing CVD. Over the last 15 years, the rate of exposure to cardiotoxic cancer medicines in the Australian population has increased four-fold.
No study in Tasmania has examined the utilisation of cardioprotective therapies in cancer survivors. This study aims to use big data to evaluate the use of secondary CVD preventive medications in Tasmanian cancer survivors using 13 years of Tasmanian hospital data linked with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), and National Death Index (NDI) data. In particular, the study seeks to answer the following questions: In Tasmanian patients with a history of cancer, what are the trends in secondary CVD preventive medication use (following an acute cardiovascular event) compared with matched controls? Does it differ based on previous cardiotoxic cancer medication exposure? The project aims to:
(i) examine secondary CVD preventive medication use at 6 and 12 months following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admission (and associated factors) in Tasmanian cancer survivors (beyond 5 years) compared with matched controls,
(ii) compare all CVD-cause rehospitalisation and death in cancer survivors with and without CVD preventive medications through 3 years of follow-up, and
(iii) compare all CVD-cause rehospitalisation and death in cancer survivors with and without a history of cardiotoxic medication exposure through 3 years of follow-up.
In addition, the student will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis and design additional related studies using the following databases: National Health Data Hub (NHDH), MedicineInsight, and The Chronic Conditions Umbrella Program Linkage (CUPL).
- The NHDH dataset contains linked person-level national data from 2010 to 2022. The NHDH includes data from the National Hospitals Data Collection, National Aged Care Data Clearinghouse, PBS, MBS, and NDI.
- This team also has access to the Medicineinsight dataset and CUPL, which is 45 and UP Study data linked with hospital and death records, PBS and MBS. These two datasets will also be used for this project.
o MedicineInisght is an Australian-wide general practice dataset that gives several options for designing related PhD projects focused on quality medication use and medication-related harm in cancer patients.
o The 45 and UP Study is 'the largest ongoing study of health and aging in Australia'. The PhD student needs to have sound data management and analysis skills. This includes Structured Query Language (SQL) to curate and manipulate data and basic SAS programming and analysis. The PhD student will be supported in developing advanced data management and analysis skills.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- Sound knowledge in Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Data management and analysis skills
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Corinne Mirkazemi to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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