Innovative new research projects targeting improved lung cancer outcomes have now been given the green light through joint Lung Foundation Australia and Cancer Australia funding.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said grant recipients Dr Hilary Byrne and Dr Nicholas Hindley would lead two new projects, funded under the 2023 Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme (PdCCRS).
“I am so pleased the funding collaboration between Lung Foundation Australia’s Hope Research Fund and Cancer Australia has resulted in these two vital new research projects being able to get off the ground,” Mr Brooke said.
The Hope Research Fund is Lung Foundation Australia’s powerful pledge to raise $50 million by 2030 to fund life-changing advancements in lung disease and lung cancer research.
Mr Brooke said the grants came at a pivotal time for lung cancer investment and research in Australia, with the recently released Australian Cancer Plan and imminent start of a National Lung Cancer Screening program both monumental steps toward more equitable outcomes for cancer diagnoses and treatments across the country.
“These outcomes are a culmination of years of listening, consultation and taking on feedback from thousands of knowledgeable Australians; from the general public to the health sector, by Australian Government agency Cancer Australia and Lung Foundation Australia,” he said.
Commencing in mid-2024 the two funded projects will target lung cancer patient outcomes, with one aiming to reduce radiation side effects for lung cancer patients and increase eligibility for lifesaving immunotherapy by delivering daily imaging of lung function, tracking changes over the weeks of treatment and sparing healthy lung sections.
The second harnesses Einstein’s theory of relativity to develop a method of tracking tumours and organs as they move during radiation therapy, enabling precision targeting of radiation beams which avoids damaging healthy tissue.
Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe said: “We are pleased to co-fund these successful research projects for the 2023 Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme (PdCCRS) alongside Lung Foundation Australia, marking a significant milestone in our shared commitment to advancing cancer research and ultimately improving outcomes for patients affected by lung cancer.
“This collaboration aligns with the broader vision outlined in the Australian Cancer Plan, designed to improve cancer outcomes for all Australians, and particularly for groups whose health outcomes are poorer. Together, we are working towards a future where equitable access to innovative treatments and personalised care is a reality for every person affected by cancer.”
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