Thanks to your support, $3 million has been allocated to 11 new world-class research projects in Victoria this year.
Each researcher is passionate about saving lives and improving the health of cancer survivors.
We only accept the best of the best applications – Cancer Council works in partnership with the National Health and Medical Research Council every year to conduct a rigorous peer-review process of all projects.
These research projects make up a fraction of over $20 million which is invested into cancer research every year because of our supporters, so thank you.
Prof Robin Anderson
Prof Robin Anderson
Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Research Institute | 2019–2021 | Breast cancer
This study aims to reduce the likelihood of breast cancer spreading to other areas of the body.
"I am in the demographic that is most likely to develop breast cancer and have friends and family living with or having died from this disease.” – Prof Anderson
Dr James Dowty
University of Melbourne | 2019–2020 | Colon cancer
This study applies a new statistical method of searching DNA ‘marks’ (currently used in breast cancer) to understand the hereditary risk of colon cancer.
“It is very morally satisfying to contribute to the global fight against cancer in a way that will benefit future cancer patients.” – Dr Dowty
Prof. Thomas Gebhardt
University of Melbourne | 2019–2021 | Skin cancer
Professor Gebhardt's study will enhance our understanding of how to harness our immune system to fight melanoma.
“I feel that we are only a very few steps away from making immunotherapies even more efficacious and safer." – Prof. Gebhardt
Dr Simon Keam
Dr Simon Keam
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre | 2019–2021 | Prostate cancer
This study on prostate cancer will improve radiation therapy by understanding why some patients develop a resistance to it.
“Eliminating the source of pain, distress, and needless loss is at the heart of why I undertake cancer research.” – Dr Keam
Prof. Matt Watt
University of Melbourne | 2019-2021 | Prostate cancer
Professor Watt is further investigating prostate cancer treatments which slow tumour progression and improve patients' prognosis.
“Given my expertise in metabolism and experience in research, I feel compelled to find ways to slow this disease.” – Prof. Watt
Prof. Louise Purton
St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research | 2019-2021 | Leukaemia
This project is an initial study of specific drugs that show promise for treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which can lead to leukaemia.
“There is a need to identify better treatments for patients with MDS to provide them with a chance for a cure.” – Prof. Purton
Prof. John Mariadason
Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Research Institute | 2019-2021 | Bowel cancer
Professor Mariadson is building on previous studies of how some bowel cancer cells grow and spread, in order to develop a new treatment.
“My motivation is to use my knowledge and experience to reduce the suffering of cancer patients by developing new, meaningful treatments.” – Prof. Mariadason
Investing in low survival cancers
Dr Lorraine O'Reilly
Dr Lorraine O’Reilly
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research | 2019-2021 | Stomach cancer
This study looks at improving a therapy for stomach cancer by addressing its severe side-effects.
“I have had many family members succumb to cancer and related diseases. Most influential was the death of my cousin at the age of 16.” – Dr O'Reilly
Prof. Andrew Scott
La Trobe University | 2019-2020 | Brain cancer
Professor Scott's project aims to adapt an existing brain cancer treatment so it will also enhance patients' immune systems.
“New therapies for brain cancer are urgently required, due to the lack of treatment options and poor outcomes for many patients.” – Prof. Scott
Prof. Neil O'Brien-Simpson
University of Melbourne | 2019-2021 | Oral and oesophageal cancers
This project aims to improve vaccines for oral and oesophageal cancers, and in the process, could further our understanding of all cancer vaccines.
“I have, like many people, had direct experiences with cancer; family members have survived, died or are currently undergoing treatment.” – Prof. O'Brien-Simpson
Dr Lev Kats
University of Melbourne | 2019-2021 | Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Dr Kats' study attempts to find more effective therapies for targeting Acute Myeloid Leukaemia by building on previous studies.
“My goal in the long term is to make significant contributions that will be of benefit to public health in Australia and worldwide.” – Dr Kats
Three additional projects have just been announced to find better treatments for lung, gastric and oesophageal cancers. The Victorian government will fund these as part of our Forgotten Cancers Program.