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Cancer Council NSW awarded funding to 13 cutting-edge cancer research projects – Children’s Cancer Institute

Children's Cancer Institute/LinkedIn

Apr 15, 2025, 17:00

Cancer Council NSW awarded funding to 13 cutting-edge cancer research projects – Children’s Cancer Institute

Children’s Cancer Institute shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Last week, Cancer Council NSW awarded funding to 13 world-class cutting edge cancer research projects with the potential to have a significantly positive impact on people affected by cancer.

We’re thrilled that Associate Professor Belamy Cheung from Children’s Cancer Institute was among the grant recipients for her work developing a dual targeting novel combination therapy for childhood brain tumours.

Brain cancers are one of the most common causes of death in Australians aged 25 and under. There are many subtypes of brain cancer, the most common in children being medulloblastoma, whereas the most aggressive is Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) which has a 5-year survival of less than 1%. Unfortunately, there are a lack of effective drugs for childhood brain tumours and there is an urgent need to identify new therapies.

High levels of certain proteins, known as c-Myc and MYCN oncoproteins, are associated with poorer outcomes in childhood brain tumours. Associate Professor Cheung and her team are investigating a number of novel compounds that improve the efficacy of an existing type of anti-cancer drug, known as HDAC inhibitors, which target these high levels of oncoproteins. By targeting the specific drivers of childhood brain cancers, this project aims to develop a safer and more effective approach to treating these children.

This project aims to determine the efficacy of this novel treatment strategy and provide the evidence needed for a follow-on international clinical trial for childhood brain cancers. By combining this new treatment strategy with existing therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the researchers hope to improve outcomes in children living with brain cancer.

Congratulations to Associate Professor Cheung for this incredible recognition for your vital research.”

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