ACRF awards $2.1 million to Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute

$2.1 million has been awarded to establish the ACRF Centre for Precision Medicine at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI).

We are honoured to share the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) has awarded a $2.1 million grant to establish a state-of-the-art ACRF Centre for Precision Medicine at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.

An ACRF grant is provided only to progressive projects that will take us forward in our shared mission to reach a world without cancer. We believe this year’s award to Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute will help achieve this mission.

The ACRF Centre for Precision Medicine will utilise a “theranostic” approach of combined imaging and treatment with novel drugs to enhance therapeutic responses and exploit new technology for tumour treatment. Theranostics is an exciting area of cancer treatment – a form of precision medicine in which radioisotopes are combined to diagnose and treat a tumour.

The radiochemistry lab at the heart of the ACRF Centre for Precision Medicine will support the supply of radiopharmaceuticals for theranostic trials – meaning Australian cancer patients can access new therapies as they’re developed.

Precision oncology can benefit up to 50% of cancer patients by determining the most effective treatment based on their cancer’s profile, rather than a one size fits all approach.

“ACRF is proud to enable transformative research that will be conducted at the ACRF Centre for Precision Medicine, accelerating translation of discoveries into the clinic to ensure optimal outcomes for cancer patients.” Kerry Strydom, ACRF CEO.