Cancer Council NSW is thrilled to announce the allocation of over $6 million in funding for groundbreaking cancer research performed by some of the brightest researchers from around Australia this year. The announcement comes as Cancer Council NSW begins its bold new Cancer Research Strategy, Seeds of Change, with over $40 million committed to cancer research over the next three years through extramural grants, internal research investments and current research partnerships.
"Our goal is clear. We want a future where cancer no longer defines lives. Together, we can make that future possible," explains Professor Andreas Behren, Director of Research Strategy & Operations at Cancer Council NSW. "It is thanks to the unwavering support of our community that we are able to award funding to 10 world-class cancer research projects from all around Australia aimed at easing the burden of cancer."
These distinguished and emerging cancer researchers are making strides in improving diagnostic tests and developing innovative therapies across a range of cancers and cancer care.
"These projects showcase cutting-edge cancer research with the potential to make a meaningful and lasting difference for people affected by cancer," says Prof Behren. "We are proud to support these innovative projects and the brilliant researchers behind them. Tackling cancer takes all of us and these grants demonstrate the power of community in making a real difference"
Cancer Council NSW extends a special thanks to the Box Rallies community whose tireless fundraising efforts enabled funding of the 10 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:
- Understanding naevus pigmentation and evolution into melanomas - Professor Pablo Fernández-Peñas at University of Sydney, NSW
- Precision Immune-Targeted Gene Silencing to Combat Neuroblastoma Dependency - Professor Maria Kavallaris at Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW, NSW
- Evaluating new immunotherapies targeting the FAT1 cadherin in high risk leukaemia - Associate Professor Charles de Bock at Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW, NSW
- Targeting RNA to stop severe inflammation in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and its progression to cancer - Dr. Justin Wong at University of Sydney, NSW
- Overcoming resistance to treat metastatic ER+ breast cancer - Associate Professor Liz Caldon at UNSW, NSW
- Targeting obesity-related factors to enhance liver cancer therapies - Associate Professor Frances Byrne at UNSW, NSW
- Developing a clinic-ready nanomedicine for RNA therapy for pancreatic and lung cancers - Professor Phoebe Phillips at UNSW, NSW
- Targeting TOPORS E3 Ligase to Overcome Resistance to Hypomethylating Therapy in AML - Professor John Pimanda at UNSW, NSW
- Developing Better Targeted Treatments for Adults with Hard-to-Treat Blood Cancer (B -ALL) - Dr. Donia Moujalled at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, VIC
- Targeting lipid metabolism in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to improve chemotherapy efficacy - Dr. Sarah Hancock at Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, UNSW, NSW
The Sally Crossing AM Award for outstanding outcomes in cancer research has been awarded to Professor Roger Reddel at Children's Medical Research Institute for translating protein science into clinical care.
Professor Reddel and the team will analyse the proteins in a person's cancer to help doctors choose the most effective treatment for each patient. These protein tests can be used as part of routine medical care, alongside genetic testing, to support better and more personalised cancer treatment decisions.
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 lived experience 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 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.
To learn more about Cancer Council NSW's Research Strategy and funded projects visit,
www.cancercouncil.com.au/research/
