Big boost for cancer research funding in WA

March 10, 2009

Cancer researchers in WA will benefit with the announcement today of more than $1.4 million in new grants from Cancer Council Western Australia.

In total, the Cancer Council will provide more than $2.1 million in funding this year to support WA cancer research, including two research fellowships.

Some of the key projects to be funded in 2009 include:
•    A project investigating how melanoma cells switch to dangerous metastatic cells to cause secondary tumours.
•    A project aiming to uncover more targeted treatment options for leukaemia patients through examining the role enzymes play in tumour development.
•    Research into why people with the blood disorder haemochromatosis are at higher risk of bowel cancer.

As a Cancer Council Research Fellow, Dr Evan Ingley at the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research will receive $400,000 for his work into how different proteins relate to the development of leukaemia.

Along with the other 2009 Cancer Council Research Fellow, Dr Bernard Callus, at the University of Western Australia, Dr Ingley aims to develop more targeted treatments for cancer.

The grants awarded by the Cancer Council today include close to $200,000 for Early Career Investigator Grants, an important initiative designed to support cancer researchers starting off in their careers.

Cancer Council Director of Education and Research Terry Slevin said funding high quality research was a priority for the Cancer Council.

“It also helps provide us with a strong evidence base for the important education and prevention work we undertake throughout the State,” said Mr Slevin. 

The research grants will be announced today at a special lunch sponsored by the Parmelia Hilton Perth.