With nearly half of Australian adults expected to face a cancer diagnosis by age 85, a groundbreaking discovery by two Australian scientists promises to alter the future of cancer treatment. Captured in the new SBS documentary series The Cancer Killers, premiering on 4 November on SBS and SBS On Demand, the series follows Dr. Jennifer MacDiarmid and Dr. Himanshu Brahmbhatt on their decades-long journey to bring a revolutionary cancer therapy to the world.
The documentary offers an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs faced by the scientists as they develop the EnGeneIC Dream Vector (EDV), a microscopic “Trojan Horse” designed to penetrate cancer cells and destroy them from within, while sparing healthy cells. This innovative approach not only targets cancer cells but also activates the body’s immune system, potentially eliminating the severe side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
The Journey of Discovery and Innovation
Drs. MacDiarmid and Brahmbhatt embarked on their mission two decades ago, driven by a steadfast belief in their ability to transform cancer treatment. The series, shot over ten years, reveals the intricate relationship between science and business, highlighting the formidable obstacles in bringing a scientific breakthrough to market.
Despite relentless challenges, including financial constraints and resistance from the medical and business establishments, the scientists persevered. Their journey has been marked by significant milestones, such as the first human trials in Melbourne in 2009 and the recent fast-track approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for their latest trial.
A New Chapter: Clinical Trials in the U.S.
As of late 2025, the scientists face their most critical test yet. A six-site clinical trial is set to commence across the United States, including at Columbia University’s Irving Cancer Research Centre in New York, targeting pancreatic cancer—a disease with no known cure. The trial’s fast-track status underscores the promising early results achieved by the team.
The documentary not only delves into the scientific aspects but also portrays the deeply human story of courage, sacrifice, and determination. As Bernadine Lim, Senior SBS Commissioning Editor for Documentaries, notes,
“The Cancer Killers offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of a breakthrough cancer treatment. It captures not just the science, but the deeply human story—the hope, sacrifice, and determination to bring new life-saving treatments to those who need them most.”
The Broader Impact and Future Implications
The potential impact of the EDV technology extends far beyond Australia. If successful, this treatment could revolutionize cancer care worldwide, offering a more targeted and less debilitating alternative to chemotherapy. As Judy Rymer, Producer and Director, states,
“This inspiring series follows two visionary Australian scientists on their mission to bring a groundbreaking cancer treatment to the world, a discovery with the potential to save millions of lives.”
Screen Australia’s Head of Documentary, Richard Huddleston, emphasizes the significance of the series,
“Fifteen years in the making, The Cancer Killers gives audiences an opportunity to experience the realities of scientific discovery, from ideation to navigating the years-long challenges for the dedicated and tireless work of Dr. MacDiarmid and Dr. Brahmbhatt.”
The series will be available with subtitles in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean on SBS On Demand, making it accessible to a diverse audience. This accessibility underscores the universal relevance and potential impact of the scientists’ work.
As the world awaits the results of the upcoming clinical trials, The Cancer Killers stands as a testament to the power of scientific innovation and human perseverance. The series not only highlights a potentially life-saving treatment but also inspires hope and underscores the importance of continued research and development in the fight against cancer.
