FECRI releases renal research

RESEARCHERS from the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute have released findings into a study on the use of personalised treatment for renal cancer patients.

Titled Precision Medicine: An Optimal Approach to Patient Care in Renal Cell Carcinoma, the paper was developed by institute director Professor George Kannourakis, PhD candidate Revati Sharma, Dr Prashanth Pritviraj and Professor Nuzhat Ahmed.

Ms Sharma said the study highlights the possibilities of direct and individualised care for renal cancer patients.

“Precision medicine offers more specific and individualised treatments for patients and this work shows the importance of precision medicine in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma patients,” she said.

With renal cancer initially spreading from the kidneys, the research highlights the use of individualised medical practices informed by a person’s characteristics, genetic makeup and lifestyle habits.

Over 3000 Australians are diagnosed with renal cancer each year, with the illness being the ninth most common cancer diagnosis for men.

Professor Kannourakis said the study showcased the work going on at FECRI.

“This publication is a great example of the relevant and ground-breaking work that the team here at the institute are doing into the immunology of cancer,” he said.

“Our program is building great momentum and will continue to produce outcomes.”

Five PhD students and 15 staff members make up FECRI’s research team, which is an independently funded institute.

The renal cancer work was supported through FECRI’s John Turner Cancer Research Fund and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research via the State Government’s Operational Infrastructure Support program.