The Victorian government has announced $20 million over four years for the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) alliance to deliver new clinical trials for cancer patients, as well as an additional $12.2 million to support cancer research projects.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said the new funding boost will ensure more cancer patients can take part in the trials, including those living in rural and regional Victoria.
The VCCC alliance brings together the work of 10 leading Melbourne-based institutions to accelerate the control and cure of cancer.
The latest grants include new projects focusing on lung cancer, ovarian and other rare cancers, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, triple negative breast cancer, colorectal and pancreatic cancer, advanced melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and acute myeloid leukaemia.
It also includes the first ever Allied Health and Nursing Clinical Research Fellowship that will see a new project investigating how exercise can improve quality of life for lung cancer survivors.
“We’re putting cancer patients first and investing in world leading cancer research and clinical trials that have the power to save lives and one day find a cure," said Ms Hennessy.
“Our globally-renowned cancer experts are at the forefront of life-changing discoveries that will see more cancer patients beat the deadly disease.”
“Victorian Cancer Agency grants rapidly turn around breakthroughs in cancer research into clinical practice, ensuring patients can get new treatments sooner.”