Our Research 

Blood cancers, also known as haematological cancers, arise from abnormal growth of cells in the bone marrow, blood, or lymphatic system. The most common types include leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Together, these diseases affect more than 19,000 Australians each year and are a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and young adults.

Our dedicated blood cancer laboratories are focused on understanding how these cancers develop and progress. By uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving disease, our researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets, improve diagnostic tools, and develop more effective and less toxic treatments to improve outcomes for people living with blood cancer.

Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) in the world, with over 16,000 people diagnosed each year. While it is most common in people over 50, rates of early-onset bowel cancer, diagnosed in people under 50, are rising at an alarming rate. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia, yet when detected early, over 90% of cases are treatable and potentially curable.

Our researchers are working to improve early detection through the development of more accurate screening tools and biomarkers, and to develop new treatment strategies for advanced and treatment-resistant disease. By investigating the biology of bowel cancer across age groups, we aim to improve outcomes for all people affected by this increasingly common cancer.

Brain cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, causing more deaths in Australians under 40 than any other cancer, and more deaths in children than any other disease. Each year, around 1,900 Australians are diagnosed with brain cancer, yet survival rates remain tragically low and have improved little over the past three decades.

Our brain cancer research focuses on understanding the complex biology of brain tumours, identifying new therapeutic targets, and developing more effective, personalised medicine approaches. Through cutting-edge science and strong clinical collaboration, we are working to give hope to patients and families affected by this devastating disease.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, with approximately 20,000 people diagnosed each year. It is estimated to affect 1 in 15 Australians under the age of 85. While survival rates have improved, challenges remain, particularly for those with aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative or metastatic breast cancer.

Our breast cancer research laboratories are focused on understanding the drivers of breast cancer progression, resistance to therapy, and recurrence. By identifying new molecular targets and developing more personalised treatment strategies, we aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for all people affected by breast cancer.

Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive disease, often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its vague symptoms and lack of early detection tools. It is more common in women and in regions with higher rates of gallstones or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder. While it accounts for a small percentage of gastrointestinal cancers in Australia, its prognosis remains poor, with limited treatment options available.

Our researchers are working to uncover the molecular drivers of gallbladder cancer and identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration with clinical experts, we aim to improve early detection and develop more effective, tailored treatments for this under-researched cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia and worldwide, responsible for over one million deaths globally each year, including around 9,000 Australians. Despite advances in cancer care, lung cancer survival remains low, with only one in five people surviving five years after diagnosis. This is largely due to late detection and limited treatment options for advanced disease.

Our lung cancer research is focused on improving early detection and uncovering the biological mechanisms that drive tumour growth, resistance, and treatment-related side effects. By identifying new biomarkers and developing more targeted, personalised therapies, we aim to improve outcomes and offer renewed hope to people affected by this devastating disease.

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive disease often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making effective treatment challenging. Survival rates have remained persistently low over the past 40 years, reflecting the urgent need for new therapies.

Our researchers are focused on understanding how pancreatic cancer cells develop resistance to existing treatments. By uncovering these mechanisms, we aim to identify novel targets and develop more effective therapies to improve survival and quality of life for people affected by pancreatic cancer.

Despite advances in cancer care, stomach cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers globally, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Its subtle early symptoms often lead to late diagnoses when treatment options are limited and less effective.

Our focus is on unravelling the complex biology of stomach cancer to discover biomarkers for earlier detection and to develop innovative therapies. By addressing these challenges, we strive to transform patient outcomes and provide new avenues of hope for those affected.

Rare cancers are often underfunded and under-researched, which means patients frequently face limited treatment options and poorer outcomes than those with more common cancer types. Because each rare cancer affects relatively few people, they can be difficult to diagnose and study, and progress has historically been slow.

Our researchers are working to change this by developing and testing novel drugs for brain and other rare cancers, moving the most promising therapies rapidly from the laboratory into the clinic. By deepening our understanding of the biology behind these tumours and identifying specific vulnerabilities, we aim to create more effective, targeted treatments and improve survival for patients who have been overlooked for too long.