Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

🧬 World-First Breakthrough! Peter Mac scientists have used CRISPR* to silence cancer-causing gene mutations like KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF, which drive aggressive #cancer such as pancreatic, colorectal, and lung. This innovative method targets faulty #RNA while sparing healthy #genes, offering new hope for precise, personalised cancer treatments. 💡 “This work demonstrates the incredible potential of CRISPR-Cas13 to act as a precise, mutation-specific drug,” says Dr Mohamed Fareh, who led this work along with Dr Carolyn Shembrey at Peter Mac. Read more about this groundbreaking work published today in Science Advances: https://lnkd.in/g_gY9AUB *CRISPR is a powerful tool scientists use to cut or edit specific parts of a cell’s genetic material, like scissors for DNA or RNA. It can precisely target problem areas, such as mutations, making it a game-changer for treating diseases like cancer. ✂️ #CancerResearch #CRISPR #PeterMac #Innovation

🚴♀️✨ Driving Progress in Cancer Prevention & Detection Peter Mac is proud to receive four Tour de Cure Australia grants, including funding for the PRevention and Early DetectIon of Cancer neTwork (PREDICT), founded by Associate Professor Kara Britt. PREDICT is a collaborative network bringing together experts from Peter Mac, University of Melbourne, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research), The Royal Women's Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and more to improve cancer prevention and early detection. This grant will help: ✅ Develop a website to share the latest research and connect experts ✅ Host an annual symposium and quarterly meetings to foster collaboration ✅ Advance studies across various cancers with input from diverse health professionals and consumers We’re also thrilled to see funding for: 🔬 Prof. Sherene Loi & A/Prof. Heather Thorne: Research into genetic causes of breast & ovarian cancer 🔬 Dr. Laura Forrest: PERSONA study to personalise cancer risk assessments 🔬 Dr. Aaron Wong: Trial optimising opioid use for cancer pain with precision medicine Thank you, Tour de Cure, for supporting these groundbreaking projects! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gqrqJPDk #CancerResearch #TourDeCure #Prevention #EarlyDetection #PeterMac

More patients with aggressive blood cancers can now access subsidised CAR T-cell therapy thanks to a change to eligibility criteria nationally, and Peter Mac patients are among the first to benefit. Read more about this important development: https://lnkd.in/gqVGXM32 #bloodcancer #cancer #cancertreatment #immunotherapy

In some very exciting news that's hot off the press, Peter Mac has secured over $13 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding for 11 innovative research projects! From improving CAR T-cell therapy to tackling cachexia and discovering new approaches to immunotherapy, these projects showcase our commitment to advancing cancer research and improving outcomes for patients. “This is an incredible result for Peter Mac to have 11 exciting projects being funded for an amount of $13.5 million across laboratory and clinical research," Professor Mark Dawson, Acting Executive Director Cancer Research, says. “This result will enable Peter Mac to continue our world-class, innovative research.” 🔬 Learn more about the projects here: https://lnkd.in/geV72hVw #CancerResearch #NHMRCFunding

Exciting results from a large international study involving Peter Mac have the potential to change the way specific types of #breastcancer are treated. Results from the PATINA trial showed that adding the drug palbociclib to the standard treatment for certain types of advanced breast cancer slowed disease progression by 15 months. This trial focussed on patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-positive breast cancer, often referred to as double-positive or triple-positive breast cancer, and all patients involved in the trial had seen their cancer spread to other parts of the body. Peter Mac Associate Professor Shom Goel, who is a co-senior author of the study alongside researchers from Dana Farber and University of North Carolina, said the trial results are likely to change practice in the future. Read more 👇

How often are people recording their healthcare professionals in Australia, and how are they using their recordings? Check out the article Megan Prictor, PhD and I wrote in the Conversation which has all the answers!

It's #NursePractitionerWeek and we're excited to add two brand new Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to Peter Mac's arsenal of highly-skilled, highly specialised nurses.    Nicole O’Leary and Trish Joyce were recently endorsed as NPs by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia after many years of study and professional practice, enabling them to take on roles that extend beyond traditional nursing responsibilities.   They will work in NP roles in CAR T-cell Therapy and Multiple Myeloma, enhancing care for patients with complex needs.   Nicole and Trish bring years of experience and a shared passion for improving patient outcomes and we congratulate them on this incredible achievement.

Peter Mac clinical haematologist and researcher Dr Adrian Minson has received the ASH-HSANZ Abstract Achievement Award at the American Society of Hematology congress in San Diego this week. His research demonstrated that the addition of a new treatment called glofitimab, could improve response rates without additional toxicity in younger patients with high-burden, high-risk large B-cell lymphoma. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g3yWJUd6

Peter Mac researchers have unveiled MisMatchFinder, a blood test that profiles cancer by analysing DNA changes, helping to personalise treatment faster and without invasive biopsies. Published in Nature Communications, this research is led by Prof Sarah-Jane Dawson and Dr Dineika Chandrananda. This research is the first paper published by researchers at the new Collaborative Centre for Genomic Cancer Medicine, a joint venture between Peter Mac and the University of Melbourne. Read about this breakthrough in today's Herald Sun or find out more here: https://lnkd.in/g5FHR8kg

Family violence is a health issue that demands a collective response. This week, the Parkville precinct came together to take a stand against family violence as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Together, we are committed to empowering those impacted by family violence by providing the care and resources they need. Through education, support services, and collaboration, our precinct is driving change and standing in solidarity with those who need it most. 💛 Everyone deserves to feel safe, equal, and respected. 📞 For 24/7 confidential support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Let’s continue to raise our voices and take action against family violence—because everyone deserves a life free from violence. #16Days #16DaysOfActivism #EndFamilyViolence