Overview
Background
Professor Andreas Obermair is a gynaecological oncologist in public and private practice in Brisbane, Australia. He graduated from the University of Vienna, Austria (1990) and then went on to complete his specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology (1999). He enrolled in gynaecological oncology sub-speciality training in 2000 (Brisbane and Perth) and since 2003 has been a part time staff specialist in gynaecological oncology at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Professor Obermair is a NHMRC Investigator Fellow with the University of Queensland and is also the Director of Research in the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer where he drives a program of investigator-initiated surgical clinical trials. His mission is to make surgical treatments more humane, kinder and at the same time more effective.
His main research interests include clinical trials and hereditary (familial) gynaecological cancer. His main effort focusses on assembling a world-class team to conduct clinical trials that change the treatment of women affected by gynaecological cancer for the better. He authored more than 220 original articles in peer reviewed journals, teaches at the national and international level and maintains his international contacts at conferences. Professor Obermair conducts his private practice from Spring Hill in Brisbane, and on the Sunshine Coast.
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
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.
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
2003
Journal Article
Thrombocytosis and anaemia in women with recurrent ovarian cancer prior to a second-line chemotherapy
Nather, A, Mayerhofer, K., Grimm, C., Hefler, L., Leodolter, S., Obermair, A. and Joura, E.A. (2003). Thrombocytosis and anaemia in women with recurrent ovarian cancer prior to a second-line chemotherapy. Anticancer Research, 23 (3), 2991-2994.
2003
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
Dittrich, C, Sevelda, P, Salzer, H, Obermair, A, Speiser, P, Breitenecker, G, Schemper, M, Kaider, A and Austrian Ovarian Canc Study Grp (2003). 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. European Journal of Cancer, 39 (8), 1129-1140. doi: 10.1016/S0959-8049(03)00152-7
2002
Journal Article
Impact of multiple HPV infection on response to treatment and survival in patients receiving radical radiotherapy for cervical cancer
Bachtiary, B, Obermair, A, Dreier, B, Birner, P, Breitenecker, G, Knocke, TH, Selzer, E and Potter, R (2002). Impact of multiple HPV infection on response to treatment and survival in patients receiving radical radiotherapy for cervical cancer. International Journal of Cancer, 102 (3), 237-243. doi: 10.1002/ijc.10708
2002
Journal Article
Prognostic value of Laminin-5 in serous adenocarcinomas of the ovary
Kohlberger, P, Muller-Klingspor, V, Heinzl, A, Obermair, A, Breitenecker, G and Leodolter, S (2002). Prognostic value of Laminin-5 in serous adenocarcinomas of the ovary. Anticancer Research, 22 (6B), 3541-3544.
2002
Journal Article
The urethra during pelvic floor contraction: Observations on three-dimensional ultrasound
Umek, WH, Laml, T, Stutterecker, D, Obermair, A, Leodolter, S and Hanzal, E (2002). The urethra during pelvic floor contraction: Observations on three-dimensional ultrasound. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 100 (4), 796-800. doi: 10.1016/S0029-7844(02)02146-4
2002
Journal Article
Histopathologic correlation of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of human cervical tissue samples at 3 tesla - Validation of a technique
Csapo, B, Szeles, J, Helbich, TH, Klarhofer, M, Balassy, C, Pammer, J and Obermair, A (2002). Histopathologic correlation of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of human cervical tissue samples at 3 tesla - Validation of a technique. Investigative Radiology, 37 (7), 381-385. doi: 10.1097/00004424-200207000-00004
2002
Journal Article
Vascular endothelial growth factor splice variants and their prognostic value in breast and ovarian cancer
Stimpfl, M, Tong, D, Fasching, B, Schuster, E, Obermair, A, Leodolter, S and Zeillinger, R (2002). Vascular endothelial growth factor splice variants and their prognostic value in breast and ovarian cancer. Clinical Cancer Research, 8 (7), 2253-2259.
2002
Journal Article
Impact of videotaped information on frequency and confidence of breast self-examination
Janda, M, Stanek, C, Newman, B, Obermair, A and Trimmel, M (2002). Impact of videotaped information on frequency and confidence of breast self-examination. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 73 (1), 37-43. doi: 10.1023/A:1015264103561
2002
Journal Article
Serum VEGF levels in patients undergoing primary radiotherapy for cervical cancer: impact on progression-free survival
Bachtiary, B, Selzer, E, Knocke, TH, Potter, R and Obermair, A (2002). Serum VEGF levels in patients undergoing primary radiotherapy for cervical cancer: impact on progression-free survival. Cancer Letters, 179 (2), 197-203. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3835(01)00872-2
2002
Journal Article
Expression of MUC1 splice variants in benign and malignant ovarian tumours
Obermair, A., Schmid, B. C., Packer, L. M., Leodolter, S., Birner, P., Ward, B. G., Crandon, A. J., McGuckin, M. A. and Zeillinger, R. (2002). Expression of MUC1 splice variants in benign and malignant ovarian tumours. International Journal of Cancer, 100 (2), 166-171. doi: 10.1002/ijc.10456
2002
Journal Article
The Western Australian experience of the use of en bloc resection of ovarian cancer with concomitant rectosigmoid colectomy
Clayton, RD, Obermair, A, Hammond, IG, Leung, YC and McCartney, AJ (2002). The Western Australian experience of the use of en bloc resection of ovarian cancer with concomitant rectosigmoid colectomy. Gynecologic Oncology, 84 (1), 53-57. doi: 10.1006/gyno.2001.6469
2002
Journal Article
The impact of positive peritoneal washings and serosal and adnexal involvement on survival in patients with stage IIIA uterine cancer
Preyer, O., Obermair, A., Formann, E., Schmid, W., Perrin, L. C., Ward, B. G., Crandon, A. J. and Nicklin, J. L. (2002). The impact of positive peritoneal washings and serosal and adnexal involvement on survival in patients with stage IIIA uterine cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 86 (3), 269-273. doi: 10.1006/gyno.2002.6744
2001
Journal Article
Analysis of the human progesterone receptor gene polymorphism progins in Austrian ovarian carcinoma patients
Tong, D, Fabjani, G, Heinze, G, Obermair, A, Leodolter, S and Zeillinger, R (2001). Analysis of the human progesterone receptor gene polymorphism progins in Austrian ovarian carcinoma patients. International Journal of Cancer, 95 (6), 394-397. doi: 10.1002/1097-0215(20011120)95:63.0.CO;2-X
2001
Journal Article
Novel MUCI splice variants are expressed in cervical carcinoma
Schmidt, B. C., Obermair, A., Stimpfl, M., Fasching, B., Preyer, O., Leodolter, S., Crandon, A. J. and Zeillinger, R. (2001). Novel MUCI splice variants are expressed in cervical carcinoma. Gynecologic Oncology, 83 (2), 343-347. doi: 10.1006/gyno.2001.6396
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Andreas Obermair is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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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
Improving Quality of Survival for Women with Gynaecological Cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eva Baxter
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Doctor Philosophy
Improving care models for gynaecological cancer survivors
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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Master Philosophy
Patterns of care in endometrial cancer management in Queensland: a retrospective analysis.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eva Baxter
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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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Diet quality, lifestyle, and metabolic profiles in women with endometrial cancer and their impact on health-related outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Monika Janda
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Biology of CA125 in ovarian cancer biology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Michael McGuckin
Media
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