Associate Professor Susan Harden and her team at Monash University are leading vital research to improve the quality of care and access to the best possible treatments for people affected by mesothelioma.
Commonly referred to as ‘asbestos cancer’, mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive disease that claimed the lives of 151 Victorians in 2023 and has a five-year survival rate of just 7.5 per cent.
While new immunotherapy treatments are helping to extend survival, they can come with serious side effects. That’s why Susan and her team are focused on a patient-centred approach, working to better understand patient needs, improve outcomes, and enhance quality of life.
This important work is made possible by the Lyall Watts Mesothelioma Research Fund, established in 2016 thanks to the incredible generosity of the late Lyall Watts and his family.
Lyall was passionate about supporting research that could stop mesothelioma in its tracks and help others diagnosed with the disease.
During this project, Susan and her team established the Victorian Mesothelioma Outcomes Registry, which now includes over 300 participants. Susan’s team is gaining critical insights directly from patients which is helping to identify gaps in care and guide future improvements. This data will help better inform researchers and health professionals both in Australia and throughout the world.
“I believe that everyone diagnosed with cancer should have access to the best available treatments and care,” said Susan.
“With this information, we can ensure mesothelioma patients [can] continue making progress toward better quality of life.”
For Lyall’s loved ones, this research is a powerful part of his legacy, creating lasting impact and hope for future generations affected by mesothelioma.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can leave a lasting impact to future generations, contact our Gifts in Wills team at: giftsinwills@cancervic.org.au or call 9514 6598.
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