Brain cancer boost

Four of the world's best minds in brain cancer research will join UNSW's Lowy Cancer Research Centre as part of a new visiting academic program.

The first of the international collaborators, brain tumour pathologist Professor Paul Kleihues, took up his post this week from the Institute of Clinical Pathology at the University Hospital of  Zurich.

The academics each will work for six months within the Cure for Life Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Australia’s first research group solely dedicated to tackling the rising incidence of brain tumours.

“We are delighted to welcome the first of our visiting academic appointments under the UNSW Medicine Cure for Life Neuro-Oncology program,” said UNSW’s Dean of Medicine Professor Peter Smith.

The Cure for Life Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, led by brain tumour researcher Dr Kerrie McDonald,  was established in 2010 following a $2.3m donation by the Cure For Life Foundation. The Foundation has donated or pledged a total of over $4 million to brain cancer research at UNSW.

Cure For Life founder, neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo, said: “International collaboration is an invaluable way to accelerate answers to what causes brain cancer and how best to treat, manage and prevent the disease.

“As Australia’s first research facility dedicated to tackling the rising incidence of brain tumours, the team at the Cure for Life Neuro-Oncology Laboratory welcomes Professor Kleihues and we look forward to working closely with him to further our expertise and knowledge in this highly complex space.”

Media contact: Jennifer McCloy, 02 9291 3328 | jennifer.mccloy@edelman.com