Cancer research and clinical trials at the core of new centre

The ACRF (Australian Cancer Research Foundation) Centre for Dynamic Immuno-Oncology (CDIO) has been launched by Monash University and The Alfred. Headquartered at The Alfred’s Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, it is co-located with Monash University’s Alfred campus (part of Monash University’s new Department of Cancer Medicine).

The CDIO is intended to advance cancer research and clinical trials in Melbourne’s south-east and regional Victoria — conducting real-time monitoring of a patient’s response to immunotherapy to improve detection of early anti-tumour benefits and side-effects.

“The CDIO will bring together the most cutting-edge technology and the leading experts in cancer immunology to accelerate the discoveries we need to further the effectiveness of immunotherapies,” said Monash’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering.

ACRF Centre for Dynamic Immuno-Oncology & Department of Cancer Medicine launch. Source: Monash University

“As part of Monash’s new Department of Cancer Medicine, the CDIO will be at the heart of a leading integrated ecosystem of hospital and community partners, researchers, clinicians, data scientists and clinical trials capacity, working across all stages of cancer research, translation, diagnostics and treatment.”

Funded by the ACRF and the National Imaging Facility, the research seeks to leverage cutting-edge equipment already in place at The Alfred, equipment that includes the new $24 million Quadra PET/CT scanner — one of the most advanced scanners of its kind in the world.

Enabling earlier detection of very small cancers, faster and safer scans, and real-time assessment of treatment progress, the total-body scanner promises earlier diagnosis, and safer and more tailored treatments for patients, as well as enhanced research and clinical trials capacity, Monash University said.

“Immunotherapy is one of the most significant innovations in cancer treatment — ever,” ACRF CEO Kerry Strydom said. “Tapping into the power of advanced immune-monitoring technologies, the CDIO will track immune responses in patients, improving the safety and effectiveness of current and future immune-based cancer treatments.”

Top image: Professor Meng Law (Program Director, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Alfred Health) and Professor Mark Shackleton (Head of the new Monash Department of Cancer Medicine, Translational Medicine and Public Health, and Director of Oncology at The Alfred). Credit: Monash University