Funding critical for ground-breaking cancer research

Coinciding with World Cancer Research Day on September 24, the NSW Government announced $2.1M to support research work and clinical trials including participation on the Central Coast.

The funding will cover research work by world renowned professors Georgina Long and Paul Timpson as well as a project to increase trial sites and education and training to boost clinical trial participation.

Co-Australian of the Year Professor Long and the team at Melanoma Institute Australia and the University of Sydney have been awarded almost $700,000 for an imaging system that will allow researchers to better visualise and understand tumour cell interactions across various cancer types, via the Cancer Institute NSW funding.

It is hoped an improved understanding of the tumour micro-environment will assist with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Three clinical trials grants, valued at $250,000 each, have also been funded to support projects focused on improving access to cancer clinical trials.

The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, is one of the largest funders of cancer research in the state, having invested more than $470M in the past 20 years across nearly 100 competitive research awards and grants.

Member for Wyong and Minister for Medical Research David Harris said targeted research was vital to delivering better treatments and interventions that reduced the impact of cancer and ultimately saved lives.

“Our researchers strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world, and we’re proud to invest in them to continue their work and help improve cancer outcomes for all,” he said.

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien said while significant progress had been made in understanding and treating cancer, it remained the leading cause of death in NSW with sadly one in two people set to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.

“Investing in and accelerating research and innovation is key to improving our understanding of a disease that continues to devastate communities across NSW,” she said.

Professor Georgina Long said technologies that provided a clear large-scale and detailed view of tumours and enabled researchers to see how cells interacted with each other, critical in moving the cancer field forward.

“The imaging system, called the Phenolmager HT 2.0, which we have been able to purchase through the research equipment grant, provides the ability to better understand tumour cell interactions,” she said.

“This will enable researchers at Melanoma Institute Australia and the University of Sydney to bridge cancer research to clinical use and ultimately deliver more effective cancer treatments.”