Macquarie University has officially opened the ACRF Centre for Advanced Cancer Modelling, a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to transforming cancer treatment. This landmark facility was made possible by a $2 million grant from Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) through its 2023 Grant Awards Program, marking the Foundation’s first major contribution to Macquarie University.
The ACRF Centre for Advanced Cancer Modelling is set to revolutionise the way cancer patients are treated through the development of tailored, real-time treatment approaches. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering collaboration between clinical, research, and bioengineering experts, the Centre will develop and recognise more specialised and personalised treatment options for every individual cancer patient.
The ACRF Centre for Advanced Cancer Modelling will initially focus on two key research themes:
Theme 1: Real-time selection of effective therapies using lab-grown cancer models
Scientists have successfully lab-grown cancer cells using the ACRF-funded Rastrum 3D cell printer. Scientists will now use an advanced automated system harnessing the power of AI to analyse these 3D models. This system will process images, remove background noise, and characterise cancer cell colonies, to measure how well cancer cells respond to different treatments.
The goal is to use these lab-grown models to test potential cancer treatments to help doctors quickly and more effectively select the best therapy options for their patients.
Theme 2: Examining mechanisms of treatment resistance and restoring treatment response
Using advanced technology, including the ACRF-funded Lunaphore COMET platform, researchers will examine 3D-printed tumour samples to gain a deeper understanding of treatment resistance in melanoma and how the body’s immune system remembers and responds to cancer.
With a focus on melanoma, researchers will investigate why some patients respond well to immunotherapy while others don’t, with an aim to understand immune cell behaviour and develop strategies to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness.
“This generous grant from ACRF to facilitate the opening of the Centre for Advanced Cancer Modelling is a game-changer for cancer research at Macquarie University,” said Professor Helen Rizos, Chief Investigator of the Centre and lead of the Precision Cancer Therapy research team at Macquarie University.
Macquarie Medical School Professor Helen Rizos
“The Centre will allow us to develop clinical models of treatment efficacy, while also supporting fundamental research to enhance existing therapies and develop new treatments. The ACRF Centre for Advanced Cancer Modelling will allow us to push the boundaries of personalised medicine and bring hope to countless patients facing cancer.”
Kerry Strydom, CEO at Australian Cancer Research Foundation said ACRF is thrilled to enable Macquarie University’s innovative approach to cancer research.
“This project exemplifies our commitment to backing brilliant, world-class research that has the potential to transform the detection, treatment, and prevention of cancer,” she said.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, ACRF has funded more than 90 groundbreaking research projects across Australia, totalling over $204 million awarded in grants. We are excited to see what the dedicated team behind the ACRF Centre for Advanced Cancer Modelling can achieve for all Australians impacted by cancer.”
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