Monash University and partners boost south-east Melbourne's launchpad for cancer research and clinical trials

Monash University

Monash University and The Alfred announce the launch of The Australian Cancer Research Foundation Centre for Dynamic Immuno-Oncology (CDIO) to tackle major challenges in cancer immunotherapy by better understanding how a patient’s immune system responds to treatment. 

Headquartered at The Alfred’s Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre and co-located with Monash University’s Alfred campus, research at the CDIO will conduct real-time monitoring of a patient's response to immunotherapy to improve detection of early anti-tumour benefits and side-effects.

The CDIO is part of Monash University’s new Department of Cancer Medicine, which will advance cancer research and clinical trials in Melbourne’s south-east and regional Victoria.

Monash Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering, said the CDIO would not be possible without funding from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, its donor community, and the National Imaging Facility. 

“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,” Professor Pickering said.

“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.

“Together, we are driving faster and more equitable improvements in cancer care, changing and saving lives.”

Australian Cancer Research Foundation Chief Executive Kerry Strydom said the research is critical to understanding how best to harness the remarkable progress in cancer immunotherapy and minimise side-effects.

“Immunotherapy is one of the most significant innovations in cancer treatment – ever,” she 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.

“The Australian Cancer Research Foundation is excited to be supporting this transformative research program, which will push us even further towards our vision of transforming outcomes for people diagnosed with cancer.”

The research, funded by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and the National Imaging Facility, leverages cutting edge equipment already in place at The Alfred, including the new $24 million Quadra PET/CT scanner, one of the most advanced scanners of its kind in the world.

The total-body scanner enables earlier detection of very small cancers, faster and safer scans, and real-time assessment of treatment progress, enabling earlier diagnosis, and safer and more tailored treatments for patients, as well as enhanced research and clinical trials capacity.

Bayside Health Alfred Care Group Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Simone Alexander said the introduction of the CDIO, integrated within the suite of cutting-edge cancer trials and treatment technology at The Alfred, puts Victoria at the forefront of global immunology research.

“The clinicians and researchers here at The Alfred are generating information and evidence that will transform cancer care for patients, with universal benefit for years to come,” Associate Professor Alexander said.

“Our collaborative work in immunotherapy will not just benefit local cancer patients, but will mean the 1.2 million people living in our Bayside Health corridor have enhanced access to breakthrough clinical trials and treatment, and ultimately, better outcomes.”

Professor Mark Shackleton, Head of the new Monash Department of Cancer Medicine in the Sub-Faculty of Translational Medicine and Public Health and Director of Oncology at The Alfred, said the CDIO expands opportunities for cancer research in south-east Melbourne and across Victoria.

“Our new Department harnesses a powerful collaboration between Monash University, The Alfred, and Cabrini,” Professor Shackleton said.

“Its vision is to transform cancer care by turning scientific discovery into real‑world impact, bringing innovative cancer care to Victoria and beyond,” Professor Shackleton said.

“Our research is creating and catching the waves of technological innovation, cutting edge diagnostics, and new therapeutic concepts that are radically transforming cancer research.

“The CDIO and our other programs are well and truly riding those waves.”

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