Together, we’re creating research breakthroughs: A look back at 2024
By Alexandra Lapa | 15 January 2025
At Cure Cancer, we believe in the power of bold ideas and fresh perspectives. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our donors and fundraisers, 2024 has been a remarkable year of progress and innovation in cancer research.
As we prepare to announce our 2025 research cohort this World Cancer Day, we’re proud to reflect on some of the life-changing research you’ve helped make possible. These achievements are a testament to your incredible support and the power of investing in brilliant early-career researchers.
Empowering immune cells to treat cancer
Dr Zhian (Anthony) Chen, an immunotherapy and lung cancer researcher, has made exciting progress in developing a dual-action antibody that strengthens the immune system’s natural defences against cancer.
"We’ve pinpointed genes that could significantly enhance immune cell functions," Anthony explains. "These findings offer new ways to strengthen the body’s fight against cancer." His team has scaled up production of this novel antibody and will begin testing in early 2025.
Anthony’s success has earned him a nomination for the prestigious UQ Foundation of Research Excellence Award and a major collaboration with Sanofi to advance his research. His research impact is evident through a co-first author manuscript under revision at Nature. He has also been invited to speak at Queensland's biggest immunology conferences, the Brisbane Immunology Group and Queensland Immunology Research Centre annual retreats.
New hope for high-risk neuroblastoma
A/Prof Orazio Vittorio’s innovative work could improve survival rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma from 10% to 50%. His research repurposes a drug that redistributes copper within tumours, empowering immune cells to fight back.
"This drug acts like a Robin Hood—taking copper from the tumour and giving it back to immune cells," Orazio explains. His groundbreaking study, supported by Cure Cancer, was published in Nature Communications.
Game-changing techniques for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)
Dr Kellie Mouchemore is advancing precision treatment for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive cancer that disproportionately affects younger women. Her research aims to identify biomarkers that predict which patients will respond to immunotherapy, reducing side effects and improving survival rates.
"Precision in treatment is key," Kellie notes. "By understanding why some therapies fail, we can offer better, targeted options."
Our September 2024 breast cancer campaign helped fund Dr Kellie Mouchemore’s groundbreaking work.
Innovative solutions for liver cancer
Dr Jennifer Currenti is paving the way for a blood test to personalise treatment for liver cancer, one of the deadliest yet underfunded cancers. Their work could transform post-surgery care by guiding doctors toward better treatment plans, thanks to funding raised by fitness events like City2Surf and Bridge to Brisbane.
Immunotherapy gel for childhood sarcoma
BarbeCURE® fundraisers helped support Dr Ben Wylie, who is developing a novel immunotherapy gel to boost recovery after surgery for children with sarcoma. This gel activates the immune system to eliminate remaining cancer cells, offering new hope to young patients and their families.
AI is helping revolutionise cancer care through spatial mapping
A/Prof Arutha Kulasinghe, recognised as one of The Australian’s Top 100 Innovators of 2024, is using cutting-edge spatial mapping technology to better understand how patients respond to cancer treatment. His groundbreaking work could transform personalised care across multiple cancer types.
Milestone achievements for research careers
Dr Mohamed Saad secured a $1.05 million NHMRC grant to further his work on non-small cell lung cancer, which has a five-year survival rate of just 5-10%. His success reflects the power of early-career funding in building a strong research track record.
Meanwhile, Dr Chen Li, now a Lab Head at Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, credits the foundational support of a Cure Cancer grant for helping him secure ARC and NHMRC funding. His pioneering research on triple-negative breast cancer through the applicatoin of multi-omic techniques is advancing how we study and treat this aggressive disease, and other cancers.
Looking ahead to 2025
None of this progress would be possible without our community of donors, fundraisers, partners, volunteers, institutes, and researchers. Every dollar raised, every fundraiser organised, and every shared belief in a better future fuels discovery that will save lives.
We look forward to announcing our 2025 research cohort this World Cancer Day—stay tuned for more exciting breakthroughs on the horizon. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey!
