Illawarra community backs local cancer research

Thanks to the efforts of local charity the Illawarra Cancer Carers and the generosity of the Illawarra community, a unique Wollongong-based research project is being given a major boost to help reach its goal of making an improved anticancer drug available to cancer patients.

The donation of $75,000, which brings the total amount raised by the Cancer Carers for local cancer research to an incredible $401,000 since 2006, is being handed over to the research group working on the project at a special event on 23 September at the University of Wollongong.

The project being supported by the donation is focused on the development of anticancer drugs that are more effective and less toxic than those currently available and forms part of the ‘Cancer Continuum’ research theme of the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), a joint initiative of the University of Wollongong and the Area Health Service.

“This project has the potential to make a real difference to people receiving chemotherapy for cancers like bowel and breast cancer, and the fantastic support of the Cancer Carers moves us that much closer to our goal ” said cancer specialist Professor Phil Clingan, clinical partner in the project and Medical Director of IHMRI’s Cancer Continuum research theme.

“The new formulation not only has a strong anticancer effect, but also drastically reduces treatment side effects. As soon as we have enough funds, we will be able to get it into clinical trials and then on to the market and available for cancer patients.”

The team working on the project is interdisciplinary and collaborative, and is made up of university researchers and health service clinicians.

“This project shows exactly what the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute is all about,” said Professor Don Iverson, IHMRI Executive Director.

“Clinicians and academic researchers are working together to create something really worthwhile, to significantly improve the lives of people in the community.”

Event details:

10.30am, Wednesday 23 September

Vice-Chancellor’s Dining Room, Level 2, Building 67, University of Wollongong

For media interviews:
Professor Don Iverson, IHMRI Executive Director, Phone 4221 4677, Mobile 0413 685 214
Professor Phil Clingan, Clinical Oncologist, Phone 4227 3733, Mobile 0418 473485
Sue Maidman, Illawarra Cancer Carers, Phone 4261 6381

Sent by:
Jane Lewis, Communications Coordinator, IHMRI, Phone 4252 8945
Bernie Goldie, Media Manager, University of Wollongong, Phone 4221 5942

Last reviewed: 22 September, 2009