Victoria leading the fight against childhood cancer
Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll
Monash University is among Victorian institutions involved in the new world-class Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium Limited (VPCC Ltd), which will lead the fight against childhood cancer.
The consortium is one step closer to making lifesaving breakthroughs to fight, treat and cure childhood cancer, cementing Victoria’s reputation as a global leader in paediatric cancer research.
Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll today announced the VPCC’s establishment, made possible by a $35 million investment from the Government and $10 million from the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
The Consortium will be led by the inaugural CEO Dr Udani Reets and its new Board of Directors. As a former executive of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Dr Reets brings a wealth of experience to her role and will be joined by former Federal Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy AC as Chair.
Six other industry leaders make up the Board, which includes representation of lived experience of childhood cancer.
Professor Katrina Williams, from the Department of Paediatrics at Monash University said the Department of Paediatrics at Monash University welcomed the VPCC.
“This state-wide consortium will train the next generation of paediatric cancer clinician scientists to ensure current and future breakthroughs, so every child receives excellent care and the chance of a bright future,” Professor Williams said.
Every year, more than 1,000 children in Australia are diagnosed with cancer, and more than 100 children sadly lose the battle. The science community is working overtime on life-saving technologies, treatments and therapies in the fight against cancer, however too many children are still having their lives cut short by this dreadful disease.
Since 2021, the Consortium has brought together the best and brightest minds from leading children’s hospitals, research institutes and universities to undertake cutting-edge research to tackle childhood cancer.
These partners include the Hudson Institute, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Monash Children’s Hospital, the Royal Children’s Hospital, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
Professor John Heath, Director of the Children’s Cancer Centre at Monash Children’s Hospital, said, "We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners in advancing research and care for childhood cancer as part of the VPCC.
“Together, we can reimagine the future of paediatric oncology and use our expertise and resources to deliver the best outcomes for young patients and their families,” Professor Heath said.
Professor Ron Firestein, from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, said, “We are grateful for the VPCC’s continuous commitment and investment in the Next Generation Precision Medicine Program and the living biobank at the Hudson Institute.”
“By leveraging advanced research capabilities, we are enabling critical discoveries in personalised therapies that can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer. This investment strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, targeted treatments to the children who need them most,” Professor Firestein said.
VPCC Ltd will build on this work to develop safer paediatric cancer therapies, treatments and clinical trial programs, with a focus on enhancing collaboration. It will also deliver a childhood cancer survivorship program and paediatric cancer physician training – giving more children the chance to grow up healthy and cancer-free.
Victoria is leading the way when it comes to cancer research, with the new $152 million Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre recently opening at Alfred Health, while the Brain Cancer Centre’s Brain Perioperative Clinical Trial Program is boosting critical trial options for brain cancer patients across the state.
These world-class cancer research centres are part of the Victorian Government’s record investment of more than $1 billion in medical research over the last decade – establishing Victoria as a global hub for medical research, with a workforce of more than 30,000 driving incredible breakthroughs in treatment and patient care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll
“Kids should be enjoying their childhood, not confined to a hospital bed – this new Consortium will revolutionise cancer research and treatment to give them the best chance to grow up happy, healthy and cancer-free.”
“We’re leading the way in paediatric cancer research – this investment will ensure our world-class researchers can deliver lifesaving treatments and potentially cures to improve the lives of children around the world.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium CEO Dr Udani Reets
"By driving advancements in care, we will not only position Victoria as a global powerhouse in paediatric oncology, but also improve outcomes for children affected by cancer worldwide."
Quote attributable to Children Cancer Foundation CEO Ms Margaret Fitzherbert
“This is a very special moment for us, as parents and supporters of people impacted by childhood cancer. We are humbled by the extraordinary leaders and scientists that have joined us in the quest for better, kinder treatments and by the generous support of the Victorian Government.”