A new centre focusing on precision cancer treatments has been officially launched at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI).
The ACRF Centre of Precision Medicine includes infrastructure provided by the National Imaging Facility (NIF) under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The centre was established with a $2.1 million grant from Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) in 2022.
The Centre will enhance collaborations between researchers in molecular imaging of cancer, radiochemistry, cancer biology and drug development. This will enable transformative research and accelerate translation of discoveries into the clinic.
Precision oncology can benefit up to 50% of cancer patients by tailoring treatment based on their cancer’s profile, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Centre will use a theranostic approach which combines advanced imaging with targeted treatment using radioisotopes to detect and treat tumours. This strategy will integrate imaging and treatment with new drugs, aim to enhance therapeutic responses, exploit new technologies for tumour treatment, and expand treatment options.
Centre Director and NIF Node Director of La Trobe University – ONJCRI Professor Andrew Scott AM said, “The ACRF Centre for Precision Medicine is a unique and exciting capability for translation of discoveries into the clinic and provides a key technology for theranostics for multi-centre clinical trials across Australia.”