Cancer is now the leading cause of death in Australia.

Lyall Watts lost his life to a deadly cancer called mesothelioma. Lyall was just 63 years old when he died. There is currently no cure for mesothelioma and the progression of the disease is often rapid. Lyall desperately wanted researchers to find a cure and his one wish was more money for research.

Asbestoswise Cheque Presentation 3 CROPPED

Donors and researchers team up against deadly disease

Mesothelioma is cancer caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. It’s a deadly disease and there has been no treatment breakthrough in 14 years. But thanks to generous philanthropic grant funding, promising research at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) may offer new treatment options.

More about Lyall Watts and mesothelioma research
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Breakthrough research is happening right here at the ONJ Centre

Researchers have discovered a way to use antibody therapy to target a protein found very commonly in mesothelioma cells. "So far, this treatment in mice is proving to be very effective. If a tumour expresses this protein and it's treated with this targeted antibody therapy, then the tumours shrink away." Associate Professor Tom John

More about antibody therapy

You can help change the numbers.

Cancer is now the leading cause of death in Australia.

Our researchers and scientists are working tirelessly on breakthroughs in lung, brain and breast cancers, but these research programs can only continue with support from people like you.

 

 

Together we discover cures and save lives.

Perhaps like Lyall, you or your family have felt the fear, uncertainty and sadness of cancer. Working together we'll help people to live longer and not suffer like Lyall did.

Donate today