Research by Dr Dane Cheasley at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, along with a powerful international network of researchers, clinicians and patients is opening up new possibilities to give women with the rare cancer better treatment options.
The comprehensive research program led by Dr Cheasley has also identified potential new ways to diagnose the disease, called low grade serous ovarian cancer – a slow growing tumour that is often diagnosed in the later stages when the cancer has spread and doesn’t respond to treatment.
“Standard chemotherapy works in the early stages, but unfortunately, the majority are diagnosed late stage, when it doesn't work,” Dr Cheasley said.
“Diagnostically, it looks different - it's genetically distinct from the other ovarian cancer subtypes,” he said. “It typically affects younger women, unfortunately causing a lot more years of life lost,” he said.
Through his research, which has included large-scale genetic data and pathology samples from patients internationally, collected through organised research networks and the International Consortium for Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (ICLC), Dr Cheasley has identified five distinct subtypes of low-grade serous cancer.
In addition, more than 3,500 approved drugs were rapidly screened across 2D and 3D ‘tumouroids’ - tumours grown in a dish in the lab to match the cancer - to see if existing therapies could be effective against the cancers.
Tony Burgess Medal
Dr Cheasley will be recognised for his research with the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Alliance’s Tony Burgess Medal, on Wednesday November 5. The award is named in honour of Prof Tony Burgess AC, who was instrumental in his vision and role in establishing the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and was an inaugural Board member. The award recognises outstanding postdoctoral collaborative research that will benefit patients on a large scale.
“Dr Cheasley’s work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and impact that this medal was created to celebrate,” said Prof Burgess. “His research is transforming our understanding of ovarian cancer and offering real hope for better treatments and outcomes.”
Truly collaborative
Dr Cheasley said the award reflects the teamwork behind all of his research. “It’s a truly amazing collaborative network that brings together scientists, clinicians, and advocates across Australia and around the world, who all share a common goal to find better treatments for women living with this disease.”
The research program also includes the Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics (at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre), the Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and WA Gynae Cancer Bank, University of Western Australia, University of Queensland, and University of Newcastle. Internationally, Dr Cheasley works with Prof Mark Carey, ICLC co-lead at the University of British Columbia, and A/Prof Martin Köbel at the University of Calgary, Canada, to progress the discoveries for clinical use.
About the VCCC Alliance and the VCCC Alliance Awards
The VCCC Alliance is a collective effort ensuring all Victorians who experience cancer get the best treatment, care and chances of survival.
The alliance unites 12 leading hospitals, research and academic institutions across Victoria, working together to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer. The powerful partnership leads evidence-based and consumer-informed cancer research and education with a trailblazing approach to equity of cancer care across regional, rural and priority populations.
CEO Prof Grant McArthur AO said it was more important than ever to recognise Victoria’s locally grown research excellence. “Our medical researchers in Victoria are having an impact locally, nationally and internationally by helping to solve the big problems in cancer,” he said. “Victoria is a world leader in medical innovation, and we are very pleased to be able to recognise our local talent, who make this sector so successful.”
The VCCC Alliance Awards, to be held Wednesday 5 November, also include:
Media Enquiries:
Please contact VCCC Alliance Senior Communications Manager to arrange interviews.
[email protected]
P: 0417 765 311
