A community of ideas and innovation
Every day, our researchers are getting one step closer to saving lives and improving the quality of life for cancer survivors. Our intent is to transform cancer as we know it by drawing on world-class research expertise and fostering collaborations with our partners across industries.
A new frontier of statistical research - whole genome risk screening
Dr Sang Hong Lee, a statistical geneticist leading a team in the Australian Centre for Precision Health, is forging a new path in biostatistics and AI driven mathematical computer applications that may soon be able to scan the entire genome to find disease risks like cancer.
Launching an immune attack on melanoma
UniSA researchers have developed a powerful new vaccine technology that could soon be used to stimulate the immune system to strike a killer blow against melanoma.
UniSA researchers have developed a powerful new vaccine technology that could soon be used to stimulate the immune system to strike a killer blow against melanoma.
Unveiling the challenges of life after cancer
Cancer care researchers at UniSA are leading Australia toward including a standard quality of life assessment in routine monitoring of cancer survivors to help them go on to live the very best lives they can after a diagnosis.
During cancer treatment there is an intense focus on survival; on beating the cancer so that life can continue. Patients are busy attending chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments, visiting specialists, and coping with the physical, emotional and practical strain of their diagnosis. Throughout this time their care is carefully managed by a dedicated health team.
When treatment ends, if no ongoing therapy is required, patients can suddenly feel cast adrift as they are expected to return to their old lives. Yet life has changed.
Fast-tracking prostate cancer breakthrough
A team of world-leading prostate cancer investigators at the UniSA Cancer Research Institute, led by Professor Doug Brooks, has tracked not only how the cancer cells talk to each other, but also how they send out beacons filled with their basic needs to aid in its spread.
Professor Brooks' team has used this knowledge to create new diagnostic tools for prostate cancer and other common cancers, as well as using this communication pathway to create targeted treatments.
New cancer drugs show great promise
CDKI-73 and MKI-18 may sound like characters from Star Wars or a Cold War spy novel, but their background is even more intriguing and their impact could be very significant. We’ve highlighted their potential to kill cancer cells without having too much impact on surrounding normal cells.
Big advances for prostate cancer diagnosis and disease prediction
New research in cell transport systems is signalling big advances and improvements for prostate cancer diagnosis and disease prediction. Professor Doug Brooks is drawing upon his understanding of the transport systems inside cells, to deliver game-changing breakthroughs for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.
Improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families
When living with cancer, a patient’s quality of life and overall wellbeing are just as important, and in some cases more important, than the treatment of disease and the physical body. Professor Ian Olver focuses his research on anticancer drug studies, symptom control and psycho-oncology, and improving cancer care in rural communities.
Safeguarding fragile bones during chemotherapy
The Bone Growth and Repair Research Lab is striving to prevent bone damage and bone growth defects for child cancer patients, a common side effect of intensive chemotherapy.
Innovation to predict best treatment for cancers
Using advanced computing simulation, UniSA’s world-leading radiation oncology and radiobiology researchers can analyse and predict the best combination of treatment for hard to beat cancers.
New hope for identifying early-stage ovarian cancer
An early detection test for ovarian cancer is under development at UniSA. The test offers a chance to improve the survival rates for the more than 1,500 women diagnosed each year in Australia.
Delivering chemotherapy directly into breast cancer cells
Using cutting-edge nanotechnology, a team of researchers at UniSA are working to target a potent cancer therapy directly into breast cells.
Lifesaving new therapies for children with leukaemia
A research team led by UniSA’s Professor Shudong Wang is fine-tuning a safer therapy for children with acute leukaemias to improve survival rates and reduce side effects.
Trading water for oil to enhance cancer treatments
New technologies created by Professor Clive Prestidge and his team are showing promising results for reformulating current cancer therapies into improved oral doses that can be taken at home.
Preventing cancer before it strikes
Professor Elina Hypönnen leads the new Australian Centre for Precision Health at UniSA and a stream of research within the Centre to find strategies to prevent cancer.
Database to improve outcomes in colorectal cancer care
Professor David Roder is the Chair of Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health at the University of South Australia. His work is part of a broader initiative to reduce bowel cancer deaths in South Australia by the year 2030 by bringing together information from radiotherapy departments, hospital records, and health insurance records to build a database which will guide further actions to cut bowel cancer deaths.
Introduction to Rural Cancer Stories
Rural cancer stories houses short videos featuring country cancer patients, survivors and carers. They share:
- stories of how they have coped and continue to cope with cancer,
- information they wish they knew earlier and
- practical tips they hope will help you.
Cancer Research at UniSA
The University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute’s Professor John Hayball and Professor Shudong Wang are working with industry to develop new anti-cancer drugs and vaccines. These research efforts will be translated into the clinic for the benefit of future patients.
Pharmaceuticals Research at UniSA
University of South Australia’s Professor Clive Prestidge is just one of our leading researchers in the area of pharmaceuticals. Professor Prestidge is focused on more effectively delivering drugs such as anti-cancer drugs, and runs a very active program to develop the research careers of PhD students.