2024 has marked an exciting new chapter for Icon Cancer Foundation (ICF), with donor support helping drive expansion in our research program and pioneering new studies.
Since ICF’s relaunch last year, the generosity of supporters has been instrumental in funding new research and attracting top talent.
Boost to cellular therapy research
A key addition this year has been Dr Karthik Nath, a clinical haematologist who joined from New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr Nath now leads Icon’s cellular therapy strategy, focusing on innovative treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, poised to advance cancer treatment options in Australia.
Dr Nath’s research role is funded through ICF, thanks to a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
Read more Icon Cancer Foundation announces new Deputy Director of Cellular Therapy – Icon Cancer Foundation
Transformative research results
This year, the Australian-led TRANSFORM trial revealed promising outcomes. The study showed that stereotactic radiation therapy could delay the need for more toxic treatments, like hormone therapy or chemotherapy, in men with metastatic prostate cancer.
The results were published in the International Journal of Cancer and received national media coverage in The Australian, underscoring the real impact of donor-funded research. Read more Stereotactic radiation helps delay toxic prostate cancer treatments – Icon Cancer Foundation
Ongoing studies supported by Icon Cancer Foundation
In addition to new trials, ICF continues to fund important ongoing research:
- Prostate cancer registry (LIBERATE): This registry, the first of its kind in Australia, tracks outcomes for prostate cancer patients treated with low dose rate brachytherapy over five years to assess long-term quality of life and cancer control. LIBERATE’s success has led to its planned expansion to Western Australia. Read more Investigator Initiated | LIBERATE
- TREMOR study: A phase-2 trial evaluating frameless linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery for treating essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, offering potential relief for patients with limited treatment options. Read more Dr Kevin So – Icon Cancer Foundation
- ROSEND trial: A world-first trial studying radiotherapy’s impact on severe rosacea, a chronic skin condition affecting quality of life for those impacted.
Research planned for 2025
ICF’s research team is actively working to launch several groundbreaking clinical trials, set to begin in 2025. The many donations we’ve received throughout the year are making these trials possible:
- Breast cancer trial (PUMA): This trial targets early-stage breast cancer and will test a condensed one-week radiation therapy schedule. This could make treatment more accessible, particularly for patients in regional areas.
- Prostate cancer trial (POCAHONTAS): This study will examine how intense, targeted radiotherapy may extend the time it takes to become resistant to hormone therapy in men with metastatic prostate cancer, potentially increasing survival rates.
- Compression therapy study: Researchers will investigate whether compression therapy can help manage nerve pain caused by the chemotherapy drug Oxaliplatin. Read more New studies on compression therapy and osteoarthritis treatment – Icon Cancer Foundation
- Radiation therapy for osteoarthritis: This registry-based study explores radiation therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis, a condition impacting nearly one in ten Australians. Read more New studies on compression therapy and osteoarthritis treatment – Icon Cancer Foundation
With an ambitious research program and more breakthroughs on the horizon, 2024 has been a transformative year for ICF, all made possible through the generosity of our donors.