Overview
Background
Professor Obermair is the Director of Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research (QCGC Research). He is a Professor of Gynaecological Oncology since 2007, a Senior Medical Officer at Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital and a Visiting Medical Officer at St Andrews War Memorial Hospital and Buderim Private Hospital. He holds an Honorary title of Professor at UQ since 2006.
Professor Obermair is an internationally recognised leader in gynaecological oncology research and treatment and has lead the research team at QCGC Research since establishing it in 2003.
Availability
- Professor Andreas Obermair is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctoral Diploma of Medicine, International University Vienna
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Research interests
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Clinical Trials
Decisions on cancer management ideally are based on the results of high-level evidence, obtained through clinical trials whenever possible. As a principle, a new (proposed better) intervention should be compared to the current standard treatment before being made available generally. Outside a clinical trial new treatments should not become available until evidence has become available to demonstrate superiority over the current standard treatment. Retrospective studies harbour the risk that biases influenced outcomes. At QCGC Research we engage in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. In large phase trials, patients are allocated randomly to one of two or more interventions in order to minimise the risk of bias. Generally, patients treated within clinical trials have a better outcome compared to patients who are not treated in clinical trials. As the Director of Research Gynaecological Oncology I am currently involved in developing and managing clinical trials in gynaecological cancers.
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Translational Research
The focus of QCGC Research's translational research program is the application of new technology (molecular, biochemical, imaging and surgical) to prevention, detection and therapy for gynaecological cancers.
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Quality of Life Research
Cancer specialists are aware that not only the survival time but also the quality of life is a key factor in cancer treatment. This is especially important when two treatments are equally effective but cause different side-effects. My Quality-of-Life research focuses on ovarian, endometrial, cervical and vulval cancer. I wish to provide the best, most effective and modern treatment to my patients with least possible detriments to quality of life.
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Minimally Invasive Surgery
In Australia, around 30,000 hysterectomies are conducted annually to treat uterine cancer and various benign gynaecological conditions. While open abdominal surgery may be necessary in around 10% of cases, evidence shows that less-invasive approaches, such as total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) can achieve better outcomes for women at a lower overall cost to the health system. Yet, in Queensland, four of ten hysterectomies are still conducted by open abdominal surgery. Our own research has shown that many Australian surgeons are keen to adopt new techniques such as TLH, but that the lack of systematic training and mentoring opportunities is the main impediment to practice-change. Together with gynaecological surgical teams at hospitals and industry support we developed a prototype for system-level transformative practice change in gynaecological surgery.
Research impacts
Professor Obermair is an innovative and skilled gynaecologic oncologist, surgical teacher and consumer advocate. His international leadership and research impact was acknowledged in 2020 by the Australian community, when he was awarded an NHMRC Investigator Fellowship Level 2 (2021-25). The national impact of his research was recognised in 2017, when he was awarded Cancer Australia’s Jeannie Ferris Recognition Award (2017), for outstanding achievements in clinical practice and research. He is deeply engaged in consumer involvement and co-founded and serves on the Board of the Cherish Foundation, a consumer-focussed organisation that funds clinical research in better treatments for women with gynaecological cancers.
Works
Search Professor Andreas Obermair’s works on UQ eSpace
2008
Journal Article
Elderly patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer: should they receive standard care?
Janda, M., Youlden, D.R., Baade, P.D., Jackson, D. and Obermair, A. (2008). Elderly patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer: should they receive standard care?. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 18 (5), 896-907. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.01122.x
2008
Journal Article
Disease-free survival after vaginal vault brachytherapy versus observation for patients with node-negative intermediate-risk endometrial adenocarcinoma
Obermair, Andreas, Cheuk, Robyn, Pak, Sok Cheon, Perrin, Lewis, Nicklin, James, Crandon, Alex, Land, Russell, Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan, Srinivas, Janda, Monika and Tripcony, Lee (2008). Disease-free survival after vaginal vault brachytherapy versus observation for patients with node-negative intermediate-risk endometrial adenocarcinoma. Gynecologic Oncology, 110 (3), 280-285. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2008.05.028
2008
Journal Article
A phase III randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic or robotic radical hysterectomy with abdominal radical hysterectomy in patients with early stage cervical cancer
Obermair, A, Gebski, V, Frumovitz, M, Soliman, PT, Schmeler, KM, Levenback, C and Ramirez, PT (2008). A phase III randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic or robotic radical hysterectomy with abdominal radical hysterectomy in patients with early stage cervical cancer. JOURNAL OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGY, 15 (5), 584-588. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2008.06.013
2008
Journal Article
Re: Guidelines for the use of recombinant activated factor VII in massive obstetric haemorrhage1
Nicklin, Jim, Perrin, Lewis, Crandon, Alex, Land, Russell, Nascimento, Marcelo and Obermair, Andreas (2008). Re: Guidelines for the use of recombinant activated factor VII in massive obstetric haemorrhage1. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 48 (4), 447-447. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2008.00897.x
2008
Journal Article
Comparison of different nutritional assessments and body-composition measurements in detecting malnutrition among gynecologic cancer patients
Laky, Brenda, Janda, Monika, Cleghorn, Geoffrey J. and Obermair, Andreas (2008). Comparison of different nutritional assessments and body-composition measurements in detecting malnutrition among gynecologic cancer patients. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87 (6), 1678-1685. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/87.6.1678
2008
Journal Article
Molecular, pathologic, and clinical features of early-onset endometrial cancer: Identifying presumptive Lynch Syndrome patients
Walsh, M. D., Cummings, M. C., Buchanan, D. D., Dambacher, W. M., Arnold, S., McKeone, D., Byrnes, R., Barker, M. A., Leggett, B. A., Gattas, M., Jass, J. R., Spurdle, A. B., Young, J. and Obermair, A. (2008). Molecular, pathologic, and clinical features of early-onset endometrial cancer: Identifying presumptive Lynch Syndrome patients. Clinical Cancer Research, 14 (6), 1692-1700. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-07-1849
2007
Journal Article
Efficacy of routine follow-up in patients with recurrent uterine cancer
Smith, Christopher J., Heeren, Monique, Nicklin, James L., Perrin, Lewis C., Land, Russell, Crandon, Alex J. and Obermair, Andreas (2007). Efficacy of routine follow-up in patients with recurrent uterine cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 107 (1), 124-129. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2007.06.002
2007
Journal Article
Ovarian cancer
Obermair A. and Page S. (2007). Ovarian cancer. Australian Doctor (20/JULY), 25-32.
2007
Journal Article
Randomized trial of skin closure after laparotomy for gynaecological surgery
Obermair, Andreas, Crandon, Alex, Perrin, Lewis, Walsh, Tom, Carrazo, Marcelo and Nicklin, James (2007). Randomized trial of skin closure after laparotomy for gynaecological surgery. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 77 (6), 460-463. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04095.x
2007
Journal Article
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: The Brisbane learning curve
Garrett, A. J., Nascimento, M. C., Nicklin, J. L., Perrin, L. C. and Obermair, A. (2007). Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: The Brisbane learning curve. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 47 (1), 65-69. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2006.00682.x
2007
Journal Article
Recreational physical activity and epithelial ovarian cancer: A case-control study, systematic review, and meta-analysis
Olsen, Catherine M., Bain, Christopher J., Jordan, Susan J., Nagle, Christina M., Green, Adèle C., Whiteman, David C., Webb, Penelope M., Australian Cancer Study (Ovarian Cancer) and Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group and Obermair, Andreas (2007). Recreational physical activity and epithelial ovarian cancer: A case-control study, systematic review, and meta-analysis. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 16 (11), 2321-2330. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-07-0566
2007
Journal Article
Pap smear screening history of women with squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix
Pak, S. C., Martens, M., Bekkers, R., Crandon, A. J., Land, R., Nicklin, J. L., Perrin, L. C. and Obermair, A. (2007). Pap smear screening history of women with squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 47 (6), 504-507. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2007.00788.x
2007
Journal Article
Lymphedema after gynecological cancer treatment - prevalence, correlates, and supportive care needs
Beesley, Vanessa, Janda, Monika, Eakin, Elizabeth, Obermair, Andreas and Battistutta, Diana (2007). Lymphedema after gynecological cancer treatment - prevalence, correlates, and supportive care needs. Cancer, 109 (12), 2607-2614. doi: 10.1002/cncr.22684
2007
Journal Article
Preoperative serum CA125 in surgical stage 1 epithelial ovarian cancer
Obermair, A. (2007). Preoperative serum CA125 in surgical stage 1 epithelial ovarian cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 107 (2), 357-358. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2007.07.001
2007
Journal Article
A new prognostic model for FIGO stage 1 epithelial ovarian cancer
Obermair, A., Fuller, A., Lopez-Varela, E., van Gorp, T., Vergote, I., Eaton, L., Fowler, J., Quinn, M., Hammond, I., Marsden, D., Proietto, A., Carter, J., Davy, M., Tripcony, L. and Abu-Rustum, N. (2007). A new prognostic model for FIGO stage 1 epithelial ovarian cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 104 (3), 607-611. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2006.09.021
2007
Journal Article
Laparoscopy in the treatment of ovarian tumours of low malignant potential
Obermair, A. and Hiebl, S. (2007). Laparoscopy in the treatment of ovarian tumours of low malignant potential. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 47 (6), 438-444. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2007.00776.x
2006
Journal Article
Malnutrition among gynaecological cancer patients
Laky, B., Janda, M., Bauer, J., Vavra, C., Cleghorn, G. and Obermair, A. (2006). Malnutrition among gynaecological cancer patients. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61 (5), 642-646. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602540
2006
Conference Publication
DNA mismatch repair deficiency in early-onset endometrial carcinomas
Walsh, M, Young, J, Cummings, M, Buchanan, D, Barker, M, Gattas, M, Leggett, B, Jeremy, J, Spurdle, A and Obermair, A (2006). DNA mismatch repair deficiency in early-onset endometrial carcinomas. 26th International Congress of the International-Academy-of-Pathology, Montreal Canada, Sep 16-21, 2006. NEW YORK: NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP.
2006
Journal Article
Total laparoscopic versus open surgery for stage 1 endometrial cancer: The LACE randomized controlled trial
Janda, M., Gebski, V., Forder, P., Jackson, D., Williams, G. and Obermair, A. (2006). Total laparoscopic versus open surgery for stage 1 endometrial cancer: The LACE randomized controlled trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 27 (4), 353-363. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2006.03.004
2005
Journal Article
Wrigley forceps to deliver a bulky uterus following a total laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer
Neppe, C., Land, R. and Obermair, A. (2005). Wrigley forceps to deliver a bulky uterus following a total laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 45 (5), 444-445. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2005.00460.x
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Andreas Obermair is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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feMMe: Uterus-preserving treatment of endometrial cancer
In 2020 we completed the feMMe, phase 2 cliniccal trial which established anticancer activity of levonorgestrel intrauterrine device (LNG-IUD) to treat endometrial cancer. The next two steps towards estabnlioshing this treatment for larger groups of patients include:
1. To determine factors that predict response to LNG-IUD
2. To determine long-term patient outcomes including survival, fertility, and patient needs.
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Improving Quality of Survival for Women with Gynaecological Cancer
- Focus on improving quality of life, health & function during & after gynaecological cancer treatment, with a focus on biomarker research, implementation research and cancer survivorship.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Advanced methods for biomarker informed endometrial cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eva Baxter, Dr Zoe West, Professor Andrew Martin
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Master Philosophy
Patterns of care in endometrial cancer management in Queensland: a retrospective analysis.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eva Baxter
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Doctor Philosophy
Diet quality and composition in Australian women with endometrial cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Monika Janda
Completed supervision
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Hereditary endometrial cancer: Improving identification and referral of patients with suspected Lynch syndrome
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Amanda Spurdle, Associate Professor Lisa Fitzgerald
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Nutritional status of patients with gynaecological cancer -
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Cleghorn
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Media
Enquiries
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