Cancer Council NSW is thrilled to announce the allocation of over $5.8 million in funding for groundbreaking cancer research.
“It is thanks to the unwavering support of our community, we are able to award funding to 13 world-class cancer research projects from all around Australia aimed at easing the burden of cancer in our community, explained Associate Professor Andreas Behren, Director of Research Strategy and Operations at Cancer Council NSW.
These distinguished and emerging cancer researchers are making strides in improving diagnostic tests and developing innovative therapies across a range of cancers, including common cancer types such as lung and breast cancer.
“These projects represent cutting-edge cancer research with the potential to have a significantly positive impact on people affected by cancer,” says A/Prof Behren. “We are proud to support these innovative projects and the brilliant researchers behind them.”
Cancer Council NSW extends a special thanks to the Box Rallies community, whose tireless fundraising efforts enabled funding of the 13 research projects in partnership with Cancer Council NSW.
Funding is awarded through an independent review process, with projects assessed on their scientific merit and potential impact on the community. The funded projects include:
- Improved MRI-guided radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer enabled by robust artificial intelligence – Dr. David Waddington at Image X Institute, University of Sydney, NSW
- A new targeted therapy for resistant HER2+ breast cancers – Professor Hubert Hondermarck at the University of Newcastle, NSW
- Advancing Liquid Biopsy Testing: Harnessing Epigenetics for Early Detection of Residual and Recurrent Breast Cancer – Associate Professor Clare Stirzaker at Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW, NSW
- A dual targeting novel combination therapy for childhood brain tumours – Associate Professor Belamy Cheung at Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW, NSW
- Priming with Belinostat to chemo-sensitise high-risk neuroblastoma – Associate Professor David Croucher at Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW, NSW
- Universal therapy: Harnessing novel immune cells as the next frontier to fight solid tumours – Dr. Hui-Fern Koay at University of Melbourne, VIC
- Uncovering the biology of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia to identify prognostic and treatment opportunities – Professor John Pimanda at UNSW, NSW
- Exploring copper chelation as a novel epigenetic therapeutic strategy for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma – Associate Professor Orazio Vittorio at UNSW, NSW
- A targeted therapy to enhance treatment efficacy and neuroprotection in glioblastoma – Professor Hubert Hondermarck at the University of Newcastle, NSW
- Doubling access while halving toxicity with adaptive lung cancer radiotherapy – Dr. Nicholas Hindley at Image X Institute, University of Sydney, NSW
- Precision Targeting of Treg cells to Fight Solid Tumours – Dr. Charis Teh at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, VIC
- Advancing telomerase inhibitors as potential cancer therapeutic – Dr. Scott Cohen at Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW.
- Selective targeting of CDK4 to improve breast and prostate cancer treatment – Professor Luke Selth at Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, SA
The Sally Crossing AM Award for outstanding outcomes in cancer research has been awarded to Professor Paul Keall, Image X Institute, University of Sydney, UNS, W for improvements made in radiotherapy, benefiting thousands of cancer patients. The award is made possible by the Crossing family and the Belalberi Foundation, whose efforts ensure that Cancer Council NSW can support and recognise cancer breakthroughs and consumer involvement in research.
“By funding these projects and awarding outcomes, we are not only advancing cancer research but also bringing hope to countless individuals and families affected by cancer,” added A/Prof Behren. “This funding is a testament to the power of community support and the relentless pursuit of scientific excellence,” he concluded.
It is thanks to the support of the community that Cancer Council NSW is able to fund research and grow the collective understanding of how to better prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.
Source: Cancer Council
