1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women are affected by cancer by the age of 75. While medical research has improved the outlook for cancer patients in recent decades, cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide.
To change these stats, we are uniting against cancer. We are consolidating our research across disciplines, industries, networks and countries. And we’re building on this knowledge to improve the outcomes of every cancer patient.
Research
Our research looks at all stages of cancer: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survival. There are 4 key areas we focus on:
- Cancers with poor outcomes
We’ve seen huge leaps forward for some cancers and little to no improvement in others; these include brain, pancreas, ovary and all rare cancers. We’re making these cancers our priority. We’re finding better ways to fund, treat and manage these cancers, paying special attention to the advanced stages of disease.
Lead: Professor David Goldstein.
- Bringing ‘omics’ to clinical practice
There’s been an explosion of information on how the human genome, proteome and metabolome affect cancer. Now it’s time to translate these insights into better clinical practice. We’re linking ‘omic’ data with clinical and radiological data to better diagnose and treat cancer.
Lead: Professor David Thomas.
- Reducing variation in clinical practice
Differences in how cancer patients are cared for can be costly - to the patient and our health system. These variations are avoidable. Big data helps us understand how and why clinical variation takes place, and what the consequences are. We’re building a unique platform that collects, analyses and reports on cancer care accurately. This will ensure a consistent approach to care that reduces costly and traumatic variations in the future.
Lead: Asoociate Professor Winston Liauw.
- Living better with and after cancer
Cancer is a journey. It requires whole-of-life care from diagnosis through to treatment, recovery and survival as well as palliative care. There are hundreds of thousands of people in NSW who have had or are living with cancer. Both groups need hands-on support and care. We’re finding innovative ways to make care better, more personal and more affordable. That way, more patients can live better lives – with and after cancer.
Lead: Professor Meera Agar.
Solution
We’re building co-ordinated research teams to leverage, focus and strengthen relevant research initiatives around the world. And we’re partnering with consumers, government and non-government organisations, charities and industry, to achieve significant breakthroughs. This will ensure we quickly turn our findings into life-changing outcomes for cancer patients everywhere.
Team
The Maridulu Budyari Gumal Cancer CAG has a world-renowned team of clinicians, researchers and educators. As a collaborative, we’re able to tap into a highly skilled team. One which includes experts from basic sciences, clinical trials, implementation research, public health and health services research.
Our Lead staff are:
Professor Geoffrey Delaney
Professor Meera Agar
Assocaite Professor Winston Liauw
Professor David Thomas
Professor David Goldstein
Many of our researchers are also clinicians who work in:
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
South Western Sydney Local Health District
St Vincent's Hospital Sydney
Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick
Partnership
All our research is conducted via respected research centres, including:
The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research
The Lowy Cancer Research Centre
The Children’s Cancer Institute
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research
The Centre for Big Data Research in Health
Through these connections, we have access to whole genome sequencing, high-throughput chemical small molecule screening, advanced imaging, clinical trials, and big data support. We’re using this sophisticated equipment to turn scientific discoveries into cures faster.
