The centre, located in Melbourne, aims to boost cancer research and clinical trials across Victoria.
Last week Monash University and The Alfred launched The Australian Cancer Research Foundation Centre for Dynamic Immuno-Oncology (CDIO).
The Centre, part of Monash’s new Department of Cancer Medicine, will serve as a catalyst for cancer research and clinical trials across Melbourne’s south-east and regional Victoria.
“The CDIO will bring together the most cutting-edge technology and the leading experts in cancer immunology to accelerate the discoveries we need to further the effectiveness of immunotherapies,” said Professor Sharon Pickering, Monash vice-chancellor and president.
“As part of Monash’s new Department of Cancer Medicine, the CDIO will be at the heart of a leading integrated ecosystem of hospital and community partners, researchers, clinicians, data scientists and clinical trials capacity, working across all stages of cancer research, translation, diagnostics and treatment.
“Together, we are driving faster and more equitable improvements in cancer care, changing and saving lives.”
One example of the cutting-edge technology referred to by Professor Pickering is The Alfred’s $24 million Quadra PET/CT scanner – which can detect very small cancers and assess the real-time response to treatment programs through faster and safer scans, allowing for quicker diagnoses and more targeted treatment approaches for patients.
“Our research is creating and catching the waves of technological innovation, cutting edge diagnostics, and new therapeutic concepts that are radically transforming cancer research. The CDIO and our other programs are well and truly riding those waves,” said Professor Mark Shackleton, Head of the new Monash Department of Cancer Medicine in the Sub-Faculty of Translational Medicine and Public Health and Director of Oncology at The Alfred.
Immunology will be another key area of focus for the CDIO.
“Immunotherapy is one of the most significant innovations in cancer treatment – ever,” said Australian Cancer Research Foundation Chief Executive Kerry Strydom.
“Tapping into the power of advanced immune-monitoring technologies, the CDIO will track immune responses in patients, improving the safety and effectiveness of current and future immune-based cancer treatments.”
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Adjunct Professor Simone Alexander, Bayside Health Alfred Care Group Chief Executive, also emphasised the potential of immunotherapy and the broader CDIO.
“The clinicians and researchers here at The Alfred are generating information and evidence that will transform cancer care for patients, with universal benefit for years to come,” they told media.
“Our collaborative work in immunotherapy will not just benefit local cancer patients, but will mean the 1.2 million people living in our Bayside Health corridor have enhanced access to breakthrough clinical trials and treatment, and ultimately, better outcomes.”
The CDIO is located at The Alfred’s Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre on St Kilda Road (co-located with Monash University’s Alfred campus) and has been funded by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (via a $2 million grant awarded in 2024), the donor community and the National Imaging Facility.
Learn more about the Monash Department of Cancer Medicine and CDIO here.
