Researchers are able to subject cancerous tumours to more detailed scrutiny and improve patient outcomes thanks to a world-class $2-million cancer imaging centre at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI).
Established through a grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), the ACRF Centre for Translational Cancer Therapeutics and Imaging is celebrating its third anniversary as the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere to house state-of-the-art PET/MRI and SPECT/CT molecular imaging equipment. The Centre promotes internationally-competitive research to develop new insights into cancer biology, techniques to improve early cancer diagnoses, and the development of new cancer therapies.
The Centre has brought together researchers from the ONJCRI, the University of Melbourne, Austin Health the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and the Melbourne Brain Centre in a multi-disciplinary approach. Accessible also to academic researchers from off campus, collaborators from La Trobe University, Baker IDI and Monash University have also utilised the Centre for preclinical imaging studies.
ACRF Centre Director and ONJCRI clinician researcher Professor Andrew Scott said “the ACRF Centre is at the cutting edge of translational cancer research, aiding trials of novel therapies under development and enhancing the prospects for cancer patients not only in Australia but worldwide.”
“Dramatic advances in research technologies over the last few years have allowed us to strive further for a future that gives patients and their families more sophisticated treatment options with fewer side effects.”
Grants from the ACRF support leading Australian initiatives, and help ensure our scientists remain at the forefront of global cancer research for the benefit of patients.
Potential new users are required to submit an application for use of the imaging equipment and review the Standard Operating Procedures. If you require an application form please send an email to the ACRF Centre Project Manager indicating which equipment you are considering for your research.