Australian Cancer Research Foundation 2024 Grant Awards
Transforming Cancer Research for 40 Years
For 40 years, Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) has been at the forefront of transformative cancer research. The $204 million invested to date has multiplied into significant outcomes with ongoing impact.
The 2024 Grant Awards support some of the most innovative projects in Australia, as assessed by our Medical Research Advisory Committee. Research with the potential of breakthroughs to dramatically improve outcomes for those affected by cancer. When armed with cutting-edge technology, researchers are able to unlock new possibilities and make discoveries. These programs demonstrate the impact of supporting brilliant minds with essential funding.
The 2024 Grant Awards support some of the most innovative projects in Australia
ACRF Centre of Advanced Imaging-Guided Cancer Therapeutics
World-first total-body PET/CT scanning technology to transform targeted cancer treatments.
$10 million awarded to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC
The ACRF Childhood Cancer Early Detection, Prevention and Treatment Program
Reducing childhood cancer deaths through early detection, prevention and new solutions for previously untreatable cancers.
$5 million awarded to Children’s Cancer Institute, NSW
The ACRF Centre for Dynamic Immuno-Oncology
Tracking, predicting and personalising immunotherapies to improve safety and effectiveness.
$2 million awarded to Alfred Health and Monash University, VIC
ACRF Centre for Cellular Imaging of Precision Immunotherapy
Cracking the immunotherapy effectiveness code for those who currently have a poor response.
$3 million awarded to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC
ACRF Centre of Advanced Imaging-Guided Cancer Therapeutics
The Centre will install a world-first total-body PET/CT scanner - an ultrasensitive and ultrafast molecular scanning device that enables cancer to be pinpointed and targeted with unmatched precision.
Such high-performance imaging will allow researchers to better validate the effectiveness of treatments, monitor
immune system responses and interactions, and track the behaviour of cells in the body.
The new scans and knowledge will pave the way, not only for early detection, but for the development of targeted treatments for all types of cancer.
The ACRF Childhood Cancer Early Detection, Prevention and Treatment Program
Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for Australian children, with ~1,000 new cases per year, and three children dying every week.
Building on the Zero Childhood Cancer Program, this Centre will focus on:
• Diagnosing cancer predisposition, preventing early disease progression and recurrence.
• Advancing safer and more effective treatments.
• Developing targeted therapies for previously untreatable cancers.
Ultimately this research will lead to faster discoveries, more successful treatments, and a broader global shift towards personalised, precise, and preventative cancer care, improving outcomes for all children with cancer in the future, worldwide.
The ACRF Centre for Dynamic Immuno-Oncology
This innovative research initiative aims to address key challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Tapping into the power of advanced immune-monitoring technologies, the team will track the immune responses in patients, improving the safety and effectiveness of current and future immune-based cancer treatments.
The core goals of the program are to:
• Track how a person’s immune system responds to immunotherapy in real-time.
• Predict potential toxicities by identifying early signs of adverse effects or neurotoxicity.
• Personalise the patient’s treatment through tailored immunotherapy approaches.
ACRF Centre for Cellular Imaging of Precision Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy stands as the single most exciting development in cancer treatment of this century. However, for up to 80% of patients there is no significant therapeutic benefit.
The Centre will aim to unlock the power of immunotherapy for more people with cancer by discovering causes of resistance and predicting individual benefit. The innovative technology, new in Australia, will allow real-time, state-of-the-art imaging of the cellular and tissue microenvironment interactions.
The outcome of these findings could uncover opportunities for precision cancer immunotherapy, extending the success of this personalised cancer treatment.
