‘Bold’ new cancer projects win funds

Cancer research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has received a $350,000 boost from the Li Family Trust.

The University’s Te Aka Mātauranga Matepukupuku – Centre for Cancer Research has selected seven projects that will receive $50,000 grants.

Centre co-director Professor Andrew Shelling says the projects chosen are “bold and important” and will help to reduce inequities in cancer care.

“These projects have the potential to offer valuable scientific insights and could lead to better treatments for cancer patients in the future,” says Shelling.

New Zealand’s first lung cancer organoid biobank

Dr Hossein Jahedi is creating Aotearoa’s first lung cancer organoid biobank.

“We will collect tumour samples from patients with advanced lung cancer and grow them into organoids that mimic the original tumour.

“These organoids can be used to test how well different treatments work, potentially predicting which medicines will be most effective for individual patients,” says Jahedi.

The project could help doctors make more informed treatment decisions, reducing unnecessary treatments and side effects for patients, he says.

The organoids can also be used to test new treatments.

“Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in New Zealand – that’s why I wanted to look at lung cancer.

“Māori and Pacific people are three times more likely to die of lung cancer than people of other ethnicities in New Zealand.”

He aims to grow 10 to 20 lung cancer organoids over the next 18 months.

Eventually, a bigger lung cancer organoid biobank could be used by doctors and researchers throughout New Zealand.

New device could provide cancer treatment at home

Dr James McKeage is testing a device that patients could use to receive cancer treatments in their own homes.

A multi-jet injection device has been developed that could deliver large-volume cancer therapies under the skin, potentially replacing intravenous methods, which need to be carried out in a hospital or clinic.

“The study aims to improve access to treatment, especially for rural and Māori communities and could offer significant savings for the health system,” says McKeage.

Lung cancer in never-smokers on the rise

Dr Laird Cameron and Dr Daisy Mak are studying lung cancer in patients who have never smoked.

“While lung cancer in never-smokers is often perceived as less aggressive than in smokers, these cases are frequently picked up at advanced stages when they are incurable.

“It’s the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

“Lung cancer screening programmes need to be adapted to detect these cancers in never-smokers at an earlier stage, when they are still potentially curable,” Cameron says.

The number of people with lung cancer who have never smoked is rising, but the reason remains unclear, says Mak.

“Lung cancer can affect people who are young and were previously healthy.

These patients are also more likely to be women,” she says.

Māori and Pacific people are more likely than Europeans to carry some of the gene mutations that cause lung cancer in non-smokers, says Cameron.

The team wants to understand the environment in which cancer cells live and is focusing on early-stage disease, before the cancer spreads.

First step for cell-based treatment platform

Dr Alicia Didsbury plans to launch New Zealand’s first facility manufacturing a T-cell treatment for patients with lowered immunity.

Virus-specific T-cells (VSTs) work by harnessing the body's own immune system to fight viral infections.

They are used to treat infections in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or transplants.

“Virus-specific T-cells are not manufactured in New Zealand currently, so only a few patients are able to access the treatment.

“Setting up VST production in Auckland will ensure more patients have access to this critical therapy.

“For some people undergoing transplants, this could be lifesaving,” says Didsbury.

The project will develop expertise and lay the groundwork for a new platform to be launched in New Zealand, offering cell and gene therapy for cancer in the future.

AI for speedy breast cancer diagnosis

Dr Thiranja Prasad Babarenda Gamage is developing an AI tool that can analyse MRI scans for rapid breast cancer diagnosis.

The project aims to reduce delays and improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnoses.

“The AI software quickly analyses breast MRI scans, identifying and measuring potential tumours in less than 30 seconds.

“By reducing the time from scan to diagnosis, patients can begin life-saving treatment sooner,” says Prasad.

Tackling neuroendocrine cancers

Dr Susan Richter and Associate Professor Marianne Elston are investigating ethnic disparities in neuroendocrine cancers, and potential treatments.

A type of neuroendocrine cancer, called phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL), forms in the adrenal glands or in related tissues all over the body and can be deadly if the cancer spreads.

“PPGL often runs in whānau due to an inherited gene variant, which appears to be more common in Māori.

“We need more research to understand the prevalence of this cancer in different ethnic groups. New treatments are also desperately needed as there is no cure available,” says Richter.

Helping children cope with cancer treatment

Dr Annie Jones is developing visual resources to support children with cancer who are going through radiotherapy.

She will collaborate with tamariki and rangatahi who have experienced radiotherapy, their whānau and health professionals to co-design new visual resources.

Animations and other resources will provide information for children and families to improve their understanding and reduce anxiety about the illness and treatment.

The project will start at Starship Hospital in Auckland, with the aim of expanding into a larger national study.