Inspirational riders helping to fight cancer

Dr Kerrie McDonald, the head of the Cure For Life Neuro-oncology Group at the  Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW), held a morning tea and lab tour to say thank you to a riders and staff from Tour de Cure, a cycling community that raises funds for cancer.

“Watching footage of your tour, meeting the riders and understanding  what you have all sacrificed to raise money for cancer has been an inspiration to my research team” said Kerrie.

The three pieces of much needed equipment will provided benefits not only the lab but to all cancer researchers within the Lowy Cancer Research Centre and across UNSW. The $170,000 donation was used to purchase equipment which will help researchers understand cancer cells,  their mechanisms of invasion and assist with the development of personalised treatments  .

The Cure for Life Neuro-Oncology Laboratory at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW is Australia's first research group dedicated to tackling the rising incidence of brain tumours. The research facility uses multi-dimensional analyses to identify biomarkers which can select which patients likely to benefit from a treatment. Researchers are also progressing in their investigation of ways to stop brain cancer cells from migrating from the original tumour site and re-establishing in another part of the brain - cited as the major reason why surgery and radiotherapy have limited effectiveness. The laboratory was established in 2010, thanks to a $2.3m donation by the Cure For Life Foundation. Established in 2003 by world-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr Charlie Teo, the Cure for Life Foundation helps fund advancements in the treatment of brain cancer.

Visit the Cure for Life Neuro Oncology website

Visit the Tour de Cure website

Visit the Cure for Life Foundation website