Revolutionising cancer care: Precision medicine takes centre stage at Cabrini
12/09/2024
In a significant leap forward for cancer treatment, Victorians are set to benefit from state-of-the-art precision therapies, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between Cabrini and Monash University. This partnership is fuelled by a substantial $10 million donation from the PMF Foundation, inspired by a late patient’s life-extending experience under the care of Professor Gary Richardson OAM, Group Director of Cabrini Research and medical oncologist.
With his extensive experience in oncology and genomic research, Professor Richardson is leading a program that promises to transform the landscape of cancer care in Victoria and beyond. “Through comprehensive genomic testing, we can now pinpoint the unique genetic drivers of each patient’s cancer,” explains Professor Richardson. “This level of precision is crucial for delivering the most effective, tailored care.”
The impact of this approach is already evident in the lives of patients like Becky, who was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive endometrial cancer that had spread to her lungs. Through genomic sequencing at Cabrini, doctors discovered her tumours were HER2-positive, leading to a tailored treatment plan that combined standard chemotherapy with targeted therapy. Becky’s story highlights the life-changing potential of precision medicine.
Currently, whole genomic testing can be a lengthy and expensive process, with wait times up to six months and costs reaching $4,000 per patient. The new program aims to drastically reduce these barriers, potentially cutting wait times to just weeks and making the service more accessible to a broader range of Victorians, including public patients.
The donation will support Cabrini’s appointment of a Monash University affiliated Chair of Genomics and the creation of a dedicated genomics laboratory. This will empower Cabrini Research to expand its precision cancer treatment clinical trials.
Professor Richardson highlights the potential impact on challenging cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer and High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma. “The insights we gain could unlock a deeper understanding of complex signalling pathways, potentially leading to new targeted therapies for these aggressive forms of cancer,” he notes.
As the program gears up to begin treating patients in 2025, it represents more than just an advancement in medical technology. It’s a glimmer of hope for cancer patients across Victoria and beyond, promising a future where treatment is not just more effective, but also more personalised and accessible.
The collaboration between Cabrini and Monash University, enhanced by the generous donation from the PMF Foundation, stands as a testament to the innovation that can be achieved when medical expertise, academic research, and philanthropic support align. As Professor Richardson aptly puts it, “This represents a significant step forward in the fight against cancer.”