University of Newcastle Professor Nikki Verrills has been awarded a prestigious Cancer Institute NSW Research Equipment Grant, part of a $600,000 funding initiative aimed at enhancing cancer care. The grant will enable the purchase of a CellenONE, a cutting-edge tool designed to capture subtle differences in individual cells, significantly advancing cancer research.
The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the NSW Government to bolster cancer research capabilities. Professor Verrills and her team will use the CellenONE to identify various types of cancer cells within a tumor, focusing on blood cancer, breast cancer, and brain tumors. This research aims to understand why some cells resist therapy, leading to relapse or treatment resistance, and ultimately to prevent these occurrences.
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
The CellenONE device represents a significant leap forward in cancer research. By allowing researchers to study cancer cells at an individual level, it promises to transform the way treatments are developed. Professor Verrills, part of the HMRI’s Precision Medicine Research Program, highlighted the limitations of past approaches.
“In the past, we lacked the tools to study cancer cells individually, which meant most treatments were designed to target the bulk of the tumor,” said Professor Verrills. “Unfortunately, this approach can leave behind cells that resist therapy and allow the cancer to return.”
With the new equipment, her team can delve deeper into the cellular makeup of tumors, potentially leading to breakthroughs in precision therapies tailored to the unique characteristics of each cancer.
Statewide Impact and Collaboration
NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW CEO, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, praised the initiative, acknowledging the ongoing battle against cancer in the region. Cancer remains the leading cause of death in NSW, affecting countless lives.
“Significant progress has been made in understanding and treating cancer,” she stated. “However, it remains the leading cause of death in NSW… and a disease few people are not touched by in some way.”
Professor Verrills is joined by two other grant recipients, Professor Hilda Pickett and Associate Professor Emily Blyth from the University of Sydney, who were also awarded $600,000 each. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of targeted research in the fight against cancer.
Government Support and Future Prospects
The NSW Government’s support for cancer research is part of a larger strategy to improve health outcomes across the state. Minister for Medical Research David Harris emphasized the critical role of research in developing better treatments.
“Targeted research is vital to delivering better treatments and interventions that reduce the impact of cancer and ultimately save lives,” said Minister Harris. “Our talented and committed researchers, such as Professor Verrills, strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world.”
This funding initiative reflects a commitment to investing in research that has the potential to transform cancer care not only in NSW but globally. As researchers like Professor Verrills continue their work, the hope is that these efforts will lead to significant advancements in preventing and treating cancer, offering new hope to patients and their families.
Meanwhile, the research community and the public eagerly anticipate the outcomes of these projects, which could redefine cancer treatment paradigms and offer new pathways for combating one of the most challenging diseases of our time.
