“If someone can do it, you can do it.” These were the poignant words spoken by science technician Kin San Lee two decades ago, words that sparked a relentless pursuit of a cancer cure by his colleagues, Dr. Himanshu Brahmbhatt and Dr. Jennifer MacDiarmid. Their journey, marked by innovation and resistance, is now the subject of a new two-part SBS documentary, The Cancer Killers.
In their Sydney laboratory, Brahmbhatt and MacDiarmid have developed the EnGenIC Dream Vector (EDV), a revolutionary microscopic “Trojan Horse” designed to target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. This breakthrough was first highlighted in a 2011 episode of ABC’s Australian Story. The documentary delves into their challenging journey against the disease and the hurdles posed by the medical and business establishments.
The Genesis of a Breakthrough
Reflecting on the impact of Lee’s final words, Brahmbhatt shared, “Kin San Lee was an amazing scientist. [His words] spun me around 1000 times. After that, I just sat in the Sydney University well into the night and kept on studying.” This dedication led to the development of a nano-cell technology capable of inducing complete remission, even in late-stage cancer patients.
Despite their progress, the path to making EDV widely available remains fraught with challenges. “We get asked by patients, ‘Why can’t I get the treatment now?’” Brahmbhatt explained. “The problem is that there are a lot of people who, in the interest of making money, try to push products onto the market. And hence, regulatory bodies have become very strict.”
Challenges and Cultural Perceptions
In their quest for patents and funding, the scientists traveled to the United States. Brahmbhatt recounted a particularly shocking encounter with a wealthy potential investor, who asked, “This cancer thing – is it painful?” This highlighted a broader issue: the perception that significant medical breakthroughs are primarily American.
“There’s even a cultural cringe here,” MacDiarmid noted. “When we had our first patent, the Australian patent office was the first to review it. And their actual comment was, ‘Surely this would have been done in America?’”
The Documentary’s Insight
Filmmaker Judy Rymer, who has chronicled the pair’s journey over 15 years, provides a unique perspective on their struggles. “We all faced problems with funding, and with shocking timelines,” she said. “They’re very selective about how they want to expose themselves to the public because of somebody trying to copycat it.”
Rymer’s work sheds light on the often-overlooked biotech industry in Australia, which she believes deserves more recognition.
Personal and Professional Bonds
Each day for Brahmbhatt and MacDiarmid begins with a breakfast debate. “We throw everything that’s in our minds on the table,” Brahmbhatt said. “By the time the breakfast is over, we have come to consensus views on several issues.”
Their professional relationship is complemented by a deep personal bond. “We get on famously,” MacDiarmid said. “I think he’s brilliant. I’m more focused and can reel him in, but we work off each other very well.”
Tragedy struck recently when they lost a colleague to cancer, a poignant reminder of the urgency of their work. “We were gutted that [due to protocol], we couldn’t get the EDV into someone who worked on it,” MacDiarmid shared.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Brahmbhatt and MacDiarmid remain hopeful. “Even when you think that there’s nothing to be done, we can do something and have done something. We’re on your side,” MacDiarmid emphasized.
The Cancer Killers premieres at 9.30 pm on Tuesday, November 4, on SBS, offering viewers a chance to witness the dedication and innovation driving these scientists’ quest for a cancer cure.
