Unlocking the tragedy of brain cancer

UNSW and the Cure for Life Foundation are tackling the rising incidence of brain cancer by establishing a research facility in neuro-oncology.

Two million dollars will be spent over the next five years in establishing a Chair in neuro-oncology and strengthening research in the field at the new Lowy Cancer Research Centre at UNSW.

"It's important for Australians because unfortunately brain cancer incidence is increasing here as well as in developing countries. We have an opportunity to 'nip it in the bud' so to speak before it becomes an even greater health issue," says renowned neuro-surgeon and the founder of the Cure Brain for Life Foundation, Dr Charles Teo.

"This is an important initiative because historically a lot of ground breaking research has come from centres of excellence. This happens because these centres enable many great minds to gather in one place and create a 'think tank' where resources that are essential to scientific research can be maximized," says Dr Teo, who is also a conjoint senior lecturer at UNSW.

"We are proud that the Cure for Life Foundation will become an integral part of the research team here at UNSW," says Professor Peter Smith, Dean of UNSW's Faculty of Medicine. "Initially the research will focus on brain tumour causes and treatment, with a particular emphasis on Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), one of the most aggressive brain tumour cancers."

The Lowy Cancer Research Centre will be an Australian first, bringing together childhood and adult cancer research at one site. Housing up to 400 researchers from UNSW and the Children's Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA), the Centre will be one of the largest dedicated cancer research centres in the Southern Hemisphere.

Construction of the $100 million-plus facility is now underway, with the Centre to be completed by late 2009.

The story also appeared in the Sun Herald.