Queenslanders diagnosed with a HPV-related cancer have new hope thanks to groundbreaking research being undertaken by Griffith University, funded by Cancer Council Queensland.
As part of the organisation’s 2015/16 research grant funding, Cancer Council will invest in the work of Professor Nigel McMillan, who is investigating novel therapeutic targets for all HPV-driven cancers.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO said the world-leading research being undertaken at the Griffith Health Institute was vital.
“It’s crucial that we fund more research to discover better treatments for Queenslanders diagnosed with HPV-related cancers,” Prof Dunn said.
“The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer, around 90 per cent of anal cancers, 35 per cent of penile cancers and 60 per cent of oropharyngeal cancers in Australia.
“This research, that has discovered a new therapy which cures all HPV-related cancer types in mice, is very promising.
“We are proud to be funding this ground-breaking research at Griffith University – we hope it will lead to a successful clinical trial and better outcomes for Queenslanders diagnosed.
“Cancer clinical trials are the single most important means of developing new and better treatments for cancer.
“Clinical trials improve health outcomes, improve cancer survival, and ultimately save money by improving the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
“Griffith Health Institute has rapidly established itself as a game changer in clinical research, securing competitive grants to undertake world-leading investigations.”
Cancer Council Queensland has funded Professor McMillan’s project at an investment of $194,000 over two years.
The organisation will also fund the work of Griffith University’s Associate Professor Helen Blanchard, targeting protein galectin-3, a protein that promotes tumour survival and metastasis in cancer patients.
The research grants are part of Cancer Council Queensland’s annual investment into Queensland research projects, which has totalled more than $4.5 million for 2015/16.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland via Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or on our website.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171