Research to develop new treatments for some of the most aggressive cancers is one of 11 projects funded through the $55 million National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grants scheme this year.
A multidisciplinary team led by Professor Hilda Pickett at the Children’s Medical Research Institute will receive $5 million to investigate cancers that activate Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT), a mechanism discovered in Australia.
ALT is only found in cancer cells, making it a promising treatment target.
Around 10–15% of cancers activate ALT, including bone and soft tissue sarcomas, some pancreatic cancers and many aggressive brain tumours.
Globally, ALT cancers claim up to 1.3 million lives every year, including 5000-7000 Australians.
This research will deepen understanding of ALT at the molecular level and pave the way for the first targeted treatments for these deadly cancers.
Other Synergy Grants announced today will support research to tackle the public health challenge of mould in homes, develop next-generation malaria control strategies, transform cancer treatment by unravelling metastasis-specific immune niches, and target neuronal vulnerabilities to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Full details of all funded projects are available on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The Albanese Government is proud to back Australia’s world-class researchers to tackle some of the toughest health challenges.
“This investment will help turn groundbreaking discoveries into real treatments that improve the health and wellbeing of Australians.
“By supporting collaboration and innovation, we’re ensuring Australians benefit from the latest advances in medical research.”
Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:
“Synergy Grants empower exceptional multidisciplinary teams to tackle significant questions in human health, and it is a true testament to the power of working together.
“This scheme fosters collaboration among diverse researchers, spanning gender, career stages, and cultural backgrounds, to solve major health challenges from discovery to translation and I can’t wait to see the outcomes.”