Continuing the cancer fight
The internationally renowned work by the Institute's Division of Children's Leukaemia and Cancer Research has been recognised with three research grants from the Cancer Council of WA.
Division Head Professor Ursula Kees has been awarded $140 000 over two years to investigate the role of a growth factor called CTGF in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). This protein is a potential new target for treatments of patients with the devastating disease.
Professor Kees said the support from Cancer Council WA would allow important work to be undertaken.
"This area of work is particularly exciting as new technology allows us to develop much more targeted therapies that we hope will be more effective and less debilitating for people battling ALL," Professor Kees said.
Cancer Council CEO Susan Rooney said the Cancer Council was very proud to continue their vital investment in cancer research in WA.
"We have a serious commitment to funding high-quality cancer research in this State," Ms Rooney said. "In particular, we want to support researchers early in their career so they are encouraged to stay here and contribute to the world-class research effort in WA," she said.
Institute researchers Dr Amy Samuels and Dr Katherine Thompson were awarded Suzanne Cavanagh Early Career Investigator Grants which specifically support the work of promising young researchers in WA.
Amy will put the grant towards her research into drug resistance in certain childhood leukaemia patients, which is a major cause of some patients relapsing after treatment.
"If we can understand why these patients become resistant to drugs and how that happens, then we can identify them earlier, treat them in a different way and ultimately improve their prospects of survival," said Amy.
Katherine's research project is investigating the underlying genetics of a rare, aggressive carcinoma. "It is our hope that by gaining a better understanding of the novel fusion genes causing and driving these cancers, we can help to determine suitable treatments for patients suffering from this currently incurable disease," said Katherine.
The grants will allow Katherine and Amy to start doing their own, independent research.
"It's very difficult for young researchers like me to successfully apply for a research grant," said Amy. "So I'm very appreciative of the opportunity this grant presents."
Katherine added, "I hope this will be a launching pad into a long and successful research career."
Cancer Council Director of Education and Research Terry Slevin said the Early Career Grants were an important initiative as they supported the work of our best and brightest young cancer researchers.
"Our aim through these grants is to keep young researchers here in WA and encourage them to pursue a career in cancer research. This is, of course, of benefit to the whole community," Mr Slevin said.