The Establishing Pathways to Improved Care for Cancer-related Sarcopenia (EPICCS) is a research program dedicated to improving access to quality care for low muscle mass to improve outcomes for people with cancer in rural and specialised cancer centres across Australia. EPICCS is embedded within the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin.
Our multidisciplinary team of expert researchers and healthcare professionals have expertise in diverse research methodologies and healthcare specialities. Notably, our team includes people with lived-experience of cancer and cancer-related low muscle mass, which is central to our collaborative research approach.
Cancer-related low muscle mass, sometimes referred to as sarcopenia, affects up to 50% of people with cancer, leading to reduced capacity to tolerate treatment and contributing to reduced survival rates.
Despite its significant impact on health, the condition is currently unrecognised and untreated due to the lack of a rapid and simple means of finding people at risk. We are developing and implementing a screening tool and referral pathway into to evidence-based care to ensure people at risk of cancer-related low muscle mass are treated in a timely manner, improving capacity for cancer treatment, leading to better cancer outcomes.
Our multi-phase research program focuses on improving care for people with low muscle mass as a result of cancer, working across three key areas.
We are focused on transforming care for people with cancer-related low muscle mass through early identification of those in need of further support.
Our research will ensure constrained allied health resources are directed towards people living with cancer who are most at need, improving the efficacy and equity of health service delivery, especially in rural areas.
We partner with people with cancer, health professionals, health services and policy makers for an immediate impact on practice. Our approaches ensure our research is informed by the people who will use it, leading to improved uptake and outcomes.
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Our program takes action to improve capacity for cancer treatment, leading to better cancer outcomes.
We are developing and validating a short and simple screening tool to identify people with cancer at risk of low muscle mass and referral pathways to overcome barriers to accessing timely nutrition and exercise care.
In a stepped wedge trial at 4 rural and specialist cancer centres across Australia, the screening tool and referral pathway will be embedded in clinical practice to assess the impact on access to care, the workforce, clinical outcomes and health care costs.
Our multidisciplinary team of experts including oncology, nursing and allied health professionals, experienced researchers and people with lived experience of cancer and cancer-related low muscle mass are dedicated to improving quality of care and cancer-related outcomes.
Associate Professor Nicole Kiss is an associate professor within the Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition and the lead investigator of EPICCS. Associate Professor Kiss is a clinician researcher specialising in nutrition, body composition and cancer.
Dr Annie Curtis is a postdoctoral researcher within the Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin and the project manager of EPICCS. Dr Curtis is an accredited practising dietitian whose research focuses include nutrition and cancer.
Louise Moody
Dr Sharad Sharama
Natalie Maxwell-Davis
Nicki Taylor
Paul Malouf
Kathryn Whitfield
Dr Kerrie Vaughan
Lisa Pryor
Marie Malica
Associate Professor Merran Findlay
Rebecca Nunes
Sandra Day
Our research studies are strengthened by collaborative partnerships with Australia hospitals and health services, government departments and cancer organisations, including:
Get in touch with our team to learn more about our research program or to partner with us.
+61 3 9244 5729
