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Friday Sep 06, 2024

Day 03: Driving cancer research on Road to the Max: Australia

Connecting with the Heroes Pioneering New Frontiers in Cancer Research

Day 03 saw our crew ready to dive deep into Melbourne’s rich legacy of healthcare innovation as we embarked on a journey through some of the most cutting-edge research and compassionate care in the country. Our first stop was the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre at Melbourne’s historic Austin Hospital. A true healthcare pioneer, it was here, in the 1920s, that trials in x-ray cancer treatment were pioneered. Today, the Research Centre continues this legacy, with more than 140 research studies underway and up to 200 ongoing clinical trials at any given time. We had the privilege of meeting with the research team, gaining insight into their work across a broad spectrum of cancer mechanisms and types.

Wheels on the Pavement to the Roundtable

Next, we hit the road to Rowville for a roundtable discussion with the team at Accelagen, offering a deep dive into the complexities of trial management and the role Accelagen plays in advancing clinical research. We rounded off the day with a heartfelt meeting with Peter Robinson, Founder of the Superheroes Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals afflicted with brain cancer, a powerful reminder of the work yet to be done in combating cancer. With our engines roaring and hearts full, today was a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and compassion in the face of one of humanity’s greatest challenges. Stay with us as we continue to explore the frontiers of healthcare and beyond.

Sanisure
Prolytix
Praxis
ONJ Cancer Research
NAS
Minafin
Kincell
Infinity
GBI Bio
FAB Pharma
Experic
CircNova
Alloy Therapeutics
Accelagen
Wheeler Bio
Up Close and Personal with Scientists on the Cutting Edge of Melanoma Research

In this engaging interview from the iconic Interceptor, Nigel Walker speaks with Dr. Jessica Duarte, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute’s Tumor Immunology Laboratory. With nearly a decade at ONJ, Dr. Duarte shares her journey from developing a breakthrough technology for detecting cancer cell products in blood to her ongoing work on early diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools for melanoma. Dive into this conversation to learn how Dr. Duarte and her team are advancing innovative approaches to cancer research and treatment.

Understanding the Challenges in Tackling Melanoma and Other Forms of Cancer

Doug Fairlie, Associate Professor and Head of the Cell Death and Survival Lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute has nearly a decade of experience as a lab head at ONJCRI. Doug shares his insights into the institute’s evolution and its pioneering research into chemical-based treatments for melanoma and skin cancer and his team’s focus on understanding cancer’s mechanisms of treatment resistance, providing a deeper understanding of the innovative approaches being developed to improve cancer therapies.

Celebrating a Decade of Oncology Innovation at ONJ

In this interview, Nigel Walker speaks with Natalia Vukelic, Clinical Trials Blood Processing Researcher at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI). Natalia offers a tour of the lab, which is uniquely positioned adjacent to the hospital ward for cancer patients. This close proximity allows researchers immediate access to clinical samples, enabling seamless translation of research findings directly to patient care. Natalia shares how this setup enhances the speed and impact of the research conducted at ONJCRI, bridging the gap between the lab and real-world treatment.

The Groundbreaking Potential of CRISPR Gene Editing

In this insightful interview, Dr. Conor Kearney, Head of the Molecular Immunology Laboratory at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), delves into the future of pharma and biotech. Dr. Kearney discusses the groundbreaking potential of CRISPR gene editing technology, which his team at ONJCRI is using to repair faulty genes that cause genetic disorders. He also highlights the exciting possibilities CRISPR holds for improving immune cell function in oncology, offering a glimpse into the future of precision medicine and targeted cancer therapies.

The Partnerships Powering Next-Gen Oncology Care

In this interview, Erinna Lee, Visiting Scientist and Laboratory Head at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI),discusses ONJCRI’s collaborative partnership model. Erinna highlights how partnerships with leading institutions like La Trobe University are advancing cancer care, making treatments more accessible for patients worldwide. She also shares exciting developments in biosensor technology, which are poised to make cancer treatments faster, more precise, and more effective, helping revolutionize the future of oncology.

More Efficient and Cost-Effective Clinical Trials Down Under

Louise Christian, General Manager, Commercial, Virginia Papandreou, Project Director, and the Accelagen team discuss the unique advantages of conducting clinical trials in Australia. Louise and company highlight how Australia, especially Melbourne, offers sponsors a significant edge with faster trial start times, high-quality research, and cost-effective solutions—allowing trials to begin in as little as 30 days, making it an attractive destination for global drug development.

It sort of ruins the illusion of excitement when you see it from this angle.
Phill Neill's holding up the wall.
Nigel getting the scoop on ONJ's protocols from the Lab Head, Doug.
The ONJ lab team. These folks are doing some incredible work in cancer research.
Conor Kearney from the lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
Belinda De Rango, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre's Philanthropy Manager.
Another Interceptor! This one looks a bit worse for wear than ours.
Natalia Vukelic from the lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
Erinna Lee from the lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
Jessica Duarte, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
Doug Fairlie from the lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
The ladies of Accelagen taking a closer look at what's under the Interceptor's hood.
Phill, Nigel, Rocco, Adama, and Lucas looking gritty with the Interceptor.
The Accelagen team following their roundtable interview.
Gowned up and ready to explore the lab.
Who photographs the photographer?
Mark is letting Lucas do all the hard work today.
The Road Warriors en route to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.