
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
2005
Journal Article
The functional assessment of cancer-vulvar: reliability and validity
Janda, Monika, Obermair, Andreas, Cellad, David, Nicklin, James, Perrin, Lewis, Ward, Bruce G., Crandon, Alexander J. and Trimmel, Michael (2005). The functional assessment of cancer-vulvar: reliability and validity. Gynecologic Oncology, 97 (2), 568-575. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2005.01.047
2005
Journal Article
Vulva Keratoacanthoma: A case report
Nasicimento, M. C., Cominos, D., Davies, N. J. and Obermair, A. (2005). Vulva Keratoacanthoma: A case report. Gynecology Oncology, 97 (2), 674-676. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2004.12.033
2005
Journal Article
Postoperative analgesic requirements - total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus vaginal hysterectomy
Nascimento, Marcelo Carraro, Kelley, Andrea, Martitsch, Caroline, Weidner, Ines and Obermair, Andreas (2005). Postoperative analgesic requirements - total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus vaginal hysterectomy. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 45 (2), 140-143. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2005.00381.x
2005
Journal Article
Small-cell carcinoma of the uterus and the vagina: experience with ten patients
Petru, Edgar, Pasterk, C., Reich, O., Obermair, A., Winter, R. and Breitenecker, G. (2005). Small-cell carcinoma of the uterus and the vagina: experience with ten patients. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 271 (4), 316-319. doi: 10.1007/s00404-004-0630-1
2005
Journal Article
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy for obese women with endometrial cancer
Obermair, A., Manolitsas, T. P., Leung, Y., Hammond, I. G. and McCartney, A. J. (2005). Total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy for obese women with endometrial cancer. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 15 (2), 319-324. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2005.15223.x
2004
Journal Article
486 The Anatomy of Complications Workshop: An Educational Strategy to Improve The Training and Performance of Fellows in Gynecologic Oncology
Hammond, I.G., Taylor, J.D., Obermair, A. and McMenamin, P.G. (2004). 486 The Anatomy of Complications Workshop: An Educational Strategy to Improve The Training and Performance of Fellows in Gynecologic Oncology. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 14, 136. doi: 10.1136/ijgc-00009577-200409001-00486
2004
Journal Article
The anatomy of complications workshop: An educational strategy to improve the training and performance of fellows in gynecologic oncology
Hammond, Ian, Taylor, John, Obermair, Andreas and McMenamin, Paul (2004). The anatomy of complications workshop: An educational strategy to improve the training and performance of fellows in gynecologic oncology. Gynecologic Oncology, 94 (3), 769-773. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2004.06.022
2004
Journal Article
Vulvar cancer patients' quality of life: A qualitative assessment
Janda, M., Obermair, A., Cella, D., Crandon, A. J. and Trimmel, M. (2004). Vulvar cancer patients' quality of life: A qualitative assessment. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 14 (5), 875-881. doi: 10.1111/j.1048-891X.2004.14524.x
2004
Journal Article
The control of severe intraoperative bleeding using an overlay autogenous tissue (OAT) patch: Case reports
Hammond, Ian G., Obermair, Andreas, Taylor, John D. and Lawrence-Brown, Michael (2004). The control of severe intraoperative bleeding using an overlay autogenous tissue (OAT) patch: Case reports. Gynecologic Oncology, 94 (2), 564-566. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2004.06.007
2004
Journal Article
The overlay autogenous tissue (OAT) patch to control major intraoperative vascular injury in an ovine model
Hammond, Ian G., Obermair, Andreas, Taylor, John D. and Lawrence-Brown, Michael (2004). The overlay autogenous tissue (OAT) patch to control major intraoperative vascular injury in an ovine model. Gynecologic Oncology, 94 (2), 560-563. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2004.05.012
2004
Journal Article
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer: patterns of recurrence and survival
Obermair, A, Manolitsas, TP, Leung, Y, Hammond, IG and McCartney, AJ (2004). Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer: patterns of recurrence and survival. Gynecologic Oncology, 92 (3), 789-793. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2003.12.001
2004
Journal Article
Lack of impact of platinum dose intensity on the outcome of ovarian cancer patients: 10-year results of a prospective randomised phase III study comparing carboplatin-cisplatin with cyclophosphamide-cisplatin (vol 39, pg 1129, 2003)
Dittrich, C, Sevelda, P, Salzer, H, Obermair, A, Speiser, P, Breitenecker, G, Schempf, M, Kaider, A and Austrian Ovarian Canc Study Grp (2004). Lack of impact of platinum dose intensity on the outcome of ovarian cancer patients: 10-year results of a prospective randomised phase III study comparing carboplatin-cisplatin with cyclophosphamide-cisplatin (vol 39, pg 1129, 2003). European Journal of Cancer, 40 (4), 627-627. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2003.09.001
2004
Journal Article
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with a transvaginal tube
McCartney, Anthony J. and Obermair, Andreas (2004). Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with a transvaginal tube. The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 11 (1), 79-82. doi: 10.1016/S1074-3804(05)60016-3
2004
Journal Article
Ki-67 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in uterine leiomyosarcoma
Mayerhofer, Klaus, Lozanov, Plamen, Bodner, Klaus, Bodner-Adler, Barbara, Obermair, Andreas, Oliver Kimberger and Klaus Czerwenka (2004). Ki-67 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in uterine leiomyosarcoma. Gynecologic Oncology, 92 (1), 175-179. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2003.10.028
2004
Journal Article
Impaired Quality of Life in Patients Commencing Radiotherapy for Cancer
Janda, Monika, Newman, Beth, Obermair, Andreas, Woelfl, Hedwig, Trimmel, Michael, Schroeckmayr,Heidi, Widder, Joachim and Poetter, Richard (2004). Impaired Quality of Life in Patients Commencing Radiotherapy for Cancer. Strahlentherapie und Onkologie, 180 (2), 78-83. doi: 10.1007/s00066-004-1160-2
2004
Conference Publication
Cost-effectiveness of a new laparoscopic defogger
Erian, M., Obermair, A., Ooi, K., Baartz, D. and Khalil, A. (2004). Cost-effectiveness of a new laparoscopic defogger. 13th International Congress of Laparoendoscopic Soc, New York, Sep-Oct, 2004.
2004
Journal Article
Patterns of recurrence and disease-free survival in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva
Lataifeh, Isam, Nascimento, Marcelo Carraro, Nicklin,James L., Perrin, Lewis C., Crandon, Alex J. and Obermair, Andreas (2004). Patterns of recurrence and disease-free survival in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. Gynecologic oncology, 95 (3), 701-705. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2004.08.015
2003
Journal Article
Anemia before and during concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with cervical carcinoma: Effect on progression-free survival
Obermair, A., Cheuk, R., Horwood, K., Neudorfer, M., Janda, M., Giannis, G., Nicklin, J. L., Perrin, L. C. and Crandon, A. J. (2003). Anemia before and during concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with cervical carcinoma: Effect on progression-free survival. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 13 (5), 633-639. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1438.2003.13395.x
2003
Journal Article
Feasibility and safety of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy
Obermair, A., Ginbey, P. and McCartney, A. J. (2003). Feasibility and safety of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 10 (3), 345-349. doi: 10.1016/S1074-3804(05)60259-9
2003
Journal Article
Incidence of anaemia in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy
Denison, Ursula, Baumann, Jose, Peters-Engl, Christian, Samonigg, Hellmut, Krippl, Peter, Lang, Alois, Obermair, Andreas, Wagner, Helga and Sevelda, Paul (2003). Incidence of anaemia in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Breast Cancer Research And Treatment, 79 (3), 347-353. doi: 10.1023/A:1024016508925
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Andreas Obermair is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
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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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
Advanced methods for biomarker informed endometrial cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eva Baxter, Dr Zoe West, Professor Andrew Martin
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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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