Clinical research conducted by the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department at St Vincent’s Hospital is closely tied to the GIT, Liver and Microbiome Research Program, led by Associate Professor Mark Danta. This clinical research has a number of focus areas:
Gut Microbiome and FMT:
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on understanding the role of the altered gut microbiome in many conditions and diseases. Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is the process of introducing faecal material from a healthy donor into the recipient gastrointestinal tract to restore the balance of the gut microbiome. It has been used for decades in various forms. The team’s current research is looking at whether FMT capsules (a less invasive transplant option for patients) is useful for patients who have serious gastrointestinal side effects during treatment with immunotherapy.
Hear more about the Gut Microbiome from Professor Craig Haifer here
For more information, contact one of our team members at: svhns.fmttrials@svha.org.au , hiuchingletisia.sin@svha.org.au
Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
The Gastroenterology Research Group, developed in collaboration with the Garvan Institute for Medical Research, is involved in research to better understand the link between gastrointestinal inflammation, vitamin D metabolism, and bone health. It is also investigating the relationship between the gut microbiome, blood sugar responses, and intestinal inflammation.
Learn more about inflammatory bowel disease here
Clinical Hepatology:
The hepatology team is focused on research into non-invasive assessment approaches for liver disease and complications of cirrhosis. The team is also involved in clinical trials sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry, which investigate the management of conditions such as NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) PBC (primary biliary cholangitis – an autoimmune disease of the liver), and HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer).