We’ve awarded $5.8m to fund 13 world-class new research projects

Cancer Council NSW is excited to announce over $5.8 million in funding for new cancer research.  

Thanks to the unwavering support of the community, we’re able to award funding to 13 world-class cancer research projects and the Sally Crossing AM Award for an outstanding outcome in cancer research helping to ease the burden of cancer in our community.  

“These projects represent cutting edge cancer research with the potential to have a significantly positive impact on people affected by cancer,” says Associate Professor Andreas Behren, Director of Research Strategy and Operations at Cancer Council NSW. 

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. 

These distinguished and up-and-coming cancer researchers are tackling cancer by improving diagnostic tests and innovative therapies, across a range of cancers, including common cancers like lung and breast. 

Funding is awarded through an independent review process, with projects assessed on their scientific merit and potential impact for the community. The funded projects include: 

1. Improved MRI-guided radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer enabled by robust artificial intelligence, Dr David Waddington at Image X Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 

2. A new targeted therapy for resistant HER2+ breast cancers, Professor Hubert Hondermarck at University of Newcastle, NSW 

3. 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 

4. A dual targeting novel combination therapy for childhood brain tumours, Associate Professor Belamy Cheung at Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW, NSW 

5. Priming with Belinostat to chemo-sensitise high-risk neuroblastoma, Associate Professor David Croucher, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW, NSW

6. Universal therapy: Harnessing novel immune cells as the next frontier to fight solid tumours, Dr Hui-Fern Koay, University of Melbourne, VIC 

7. Uncovering the biology of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia to identify prognostic and treatment opportunities, Professor John Pimanda, UNSW, NSW 

8. Exploring copper chelation as a novel epigenetic therapeutic strategy for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, Associate Professor Orazio Vittorio, UNSW, NSW 

9. A targeted therapy to enhance treatment efficacy and neuroprotection in glioblastoma, Professor Hubert Hondermarck, University of Newcastle, NSW 

10. Doubling access while halving toxicity with adaptive lung cancer radiotherapy, Dr Nicholas Hindley, University of Sydney, NSW 

11. Precision Targeting of Treg cells to Fight Solid Tumours, Dr Charis Teh, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, VIC

12. Advancing telomerase inhibitors as potential cancer therapeutic, Dr Scott Cohen, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 

13. Selective targeting of CDK4 to improve breast and prostate cancer treatment, Professor Luke Selth, 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 from Image X Institute, University of Sydney, NSW for improvements made in radiotherapy benefitting 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 recognize cancer breakthroughs and consumer involvement in research.   

Cancer Council NSW and Cancer Voices NSW acknowledge the extraordinary support of the Belalberi Foundation and the Crossing family in conferring this award.

Founded in 2000, Cancer Voices NSW is a community advocacy organisation with a purpose of providing a voice for people affected by cancer.  For over 20 years, Cancer Voices NSW has been working with Cancer Council NSW, training people with a lived experience of cancer to partner on research projects and to be part of the consumer grant review panel. We celebrate and acknowledge this valuable partnership which helps ensure the life-saving research we are funding is conducted with the community we serve.

“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,” adds A/Prof Behren, “This funding is a testament to the power of community support and the relentless pursuit of scientific excellence.” 

Funding the next cancer research breakthrough takes all of us.