FECRI seeks EOFY backing

AS the end of this financial year approaches, scientists at Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute are encouraging community members to financially support their work.

FECRI head, Professor George Kannourakis, said tax deductible donations to the lab help support ground-breaking research into cancers and potential treatment options right in the heart of Ballarat.

“The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute is a regional organisation, making a world-class contribution to cancer research,” he said.

“The appeal will support the research team to continue to learn how the immune system can fight cancer, with this approach becoming the future treatment alternative to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“Our key projects are in immunology, breast cancer, bowel cancer, brain cancer, renal cancer, ovarian cancer, leukaemia and histiocytosis.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the community to ensure our future as we look toward better treatment outcomes for those challenged by cancer.”

Late last month, Professor Kannourakis, Dr Revati Sharma, Ali Raza, Dr Ruth Escalona, Dr Prashanth Prithviraj, and Professor Nuzhat Ahmed, published their latest progressive research into renal, or kidney cancer from the FECRI lab.

This disease is the 10th most common cancer throughout the world.

“Using clinical patient data, our research group has shown the development of a multi-marker diagnostic test which can identify high-risk patients whose cancer can spread rapidly to other organs,” Dr Sharma said.

“Patients that have this test, can access more targeted, individualised therapies. This leading to better outcomes for patients.”

For more information or to make a donation visit fecri.org.au.