Hudson Institute Sarcoma Accelerator Programme

As the sun sets on #Global Sarcoma Awareness Month, we take this moment to recognise the hope that research brings to the fight against this formidable cancer.

Today, we are delighted to announce funding, and the subsequent commencement of the Sarcoma Accelerator Programme through the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne.

Under the expert supervision of Professor Ron Firestein and Associate Professor Jason Cain, this initiative will create a comprehensive collection of tumour samples from sarcoma patients.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), these samples will be studied in intricate detail. The  Programme will provide a comprehensive collection of tumour samples from sarcoma patients and grown as avatar/cell-line models. These models will be studied in detail using cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI). This approach aims to discover new, more effective treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific type of sarcoma. By understanding the unique characteristics of each tumour, we can develop targeted therapies that are more likely to be effective.

The cell line models will be comprehensively profiled in three dimensions (genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic) to provide both gene-specific and pathway-level analyses of sarcoma cancer models. The models and associated data developed through this initiative will form an invaluable resource, helping researchers identify and utilise appropriate sarcoma models for investigational research.

Significantly, data will be shared with the research community via our portal (vicpcc.org.au/dashboard). This publicly available database, already used in over 50 countries, will aid sarcoma research on a global scale.

This pioneering effort aims to discover new, more effective treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific type of sarcoma.

The Sarcoma Accelerator Programme will provide hope by focusing on personalised treatments for children with sarcoma.

We extend our deepest gratitude to thanks to the profound generosity of the Hofer Muir Philanthropic Organisation, and our individual donors whose tireless support of sarcoma in Australia support who the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation (CRBF) to have funded the first phase of the Sarcoma Accelerator Programme at the @Hudson Institute of Medical Research.

Prof Firestein and A/Prof Cain expect this new program to be a game-changer in the fight against childhood sarcoma.

Cutting-edge sarcoma research

“We will create a comprehensive collection of tumour samples from sarcoma patients and use cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to study these samples in detail,” Prof Firestein said. “This will help us discover new treatment options that are more effective and tailored to each patient's specific type of sarcoma.”

Colin Brading, A/Chair of the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation, remarked, “We are profoundly committed to advancing sarcoma research in Australia. The innovative research spearheaded by A/Prof Jason Cain is anticipated to pave the way for new, more effective treatments. The Hudson Institute, is a recognised global leader in paediatric cancer research, and as such, is the ideal partner for this crucial collaboration.

The potential of discovering answers to the complex questions that currently elude our brightest scientific minds has the potential to be a transformative breakthrough in the fight against childhood sarcomas. Such advancements could bring much-needed hope to
countless families affected by this devastating disease, fundamentally altering the landscape of paediatric sarcomas.

Collaborative sarcoma research providing hope

“By understanding the unique characteristics of each tumour, we can develop targeted therapies that are more likely to be effective. This approach has the potential to improve survival rates and quality of life for young patients living with sarcoma.” (A/Prof Cain)
As part of our collaboration with the Zero Childhood Cancer Program, samples will be collected from children’s hospitals across Australia and internationally as well. Sarcoma samples will be analysed using an innovative molecular pipeline developed at the
Hudson Institute of Medical Research, that streamlines the identification of cancer precision medicines.

This program will leverage advanced technologies and international collaborations to create a valuable resource for sarcoma research. The data and tumour models we develop will be shared with the global research community to accelerate the discovery of new treatments. Our goal is to bring hope to families affected by sarcoma and improve the outcomes for children with this challenging disease.

Hudson Institute’s sarcoma program includes both clinical and discovery research projects utilising a broad range of patient tissue, in vitro and in vivo preclinical models, and techniques.

 

The legacy of Dr Matthew Fisher

In March 2020, Dr Matthew Fisher received the devastating diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and embarked on one of the most grueling treatment regimens imaginable. Throughout this ordeal, his courage and resilience never faltered, and his selflessness remained boundless.

Matt is survived by his much-adored wife, Naomi, who stood as his unwavering rock, walking every step of this harrowing journey by his side. Despite the immense challenges, she skilfully balanced the demands of caring for their two precious daughters, Vivienne and Sylvie, who were aged four and one at the time.

This young family, whose seemingly perfect life was shattered by sarcoma, has imparted profound lessons. Their humility and grace in the face of adversity were extraordinary, embodying perseverance and determination each day, even when faced with little positive news. Their enduring love story is a testament to the strength of their bond and will forever be remembered.

The extended family also played crucial roles, each member stepping up to envelop Matt, Naomi, and the children in a shroud of love and care.  We learned much from witnessing the humility and grace with which Matt, Naomi, and their extended families, including his parents and sister in the UK, faced immense challenges.

Matt, a softly spoken and modest man, demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience throughout one of the most brutal treatment regimens. During his treatment in 2020, Matt continued his work as a chemical patent examiner, researching the patents on his chemotherapy drugs and sharing his findings with his oncologist, who believed one of the drugs to be an Australian invention.

Matt’s oncologist, Associate Professor Paul Craft, is renowned for his exceptional care, compassion, and expertise. Always willing to explore all treatment options and think innovatively, Professor Craft ensured Matt’s needs were heard and promptly addressed. Matt received the highest standard of care from a clinician with both exceptional skill and a profound sense of empathy.

Professor Craft’s Nurse Coordinator, Amber, played an integral role in the outstanding Canberra team. This often-overlooked role is crucial, alleviating much of the burden from the patient and family.

The importance of early diagnosis for sarcoma patients is globally recognised and can significantly impact the disease’s trajectory. A special doctor at the Canberra Hospital emergency department, “Dr. Nick,” was unsatisfied with the initial scan results and promptly referred Matt to the sarcoma specialist multi-disciplinary team. This pivotal decision, made by a young doctor encountering a rare cancer, was crucial.

Given Matt’s scientific background, he wished to support the critical research needed to change the current trajectory for sarcoma patients. 100% of this research fund were directed to the IL-23 sarcoma sub-study at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. This pioneering study, open to all sarcoma sub-types has provided valuable steps forward to unlocking the secrets of sarcoma.

Matt’s legacy has raised in excess of $100,000 for the IL-23 study, a truly remarkable testament to his enduring impact, generosity and his profound concern for those who would walk this road behind him.

 

9 years strong. Brendon’s fight against sarcoma

Introducing Brendon Onorato, a husband and father of two, in the fight against myxoid liposarcoma.

Diagnosed in 2015, Brendon has faced immense challenges over the past nine years with unwavering resilience and hope. Despite the rigours of living with this relentless cancer, he continues to be immersed in his young family, maintain a positive attitude, and explore new avenues in integrative oncology after his terminal diagnosis.

Join us as Brendon candidly shares his powerful story, inspiring us all with his courage and determination.

Meet the remarkable Anne Pantazis

Imagine at the age of  53, relishing that special time in your life when your children have spread their wings and the countless plans you have to enjoy with your life partner. Then, those dreams and more come crumbling down with the diagnosis of myxofibrosarcoma.

Over the past four and a half years, Anne Pantazis (@anne__bionica) has faced immense challenges with unwavering resilience, incredible strength, and unyielding hope. In the next 30 minutes of this interview, Anne inspires, shocks, and delights with a roller coaster of raw honesty, served with a side dish of hope and the desire to evoke change.

 

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month


July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. While sarcoma awareness is a continuous effort, this month, the message is heightened globally.

Sarcomas are rare and aggressive cancers that can arise in the bone and soft tissue, affecting any area of the body and all age groups. These cancers are often misdiagnosed and present significant treatment challenges.

This month, we are focusing our attention on those aged 30 and above. Each of these individuals faces unique challenges related to their age and the time of their life when sarcoma entered their lives completely unannounced.

We are privileged to have many remarkable individuals whose lives have been affected by sarcoma share their stories, highlighting the unique struggles faced by those in this age group.

Today, we kick off Sarcoma Awareness Month featuring “teasers” from three remarkable women – Naomi, Kaela, and Anne, whose lives have each been changed irreversibly by a sarcoma diagnosis. The long versions of their interviews will feature throughout July, along with the stories of several men who have also lived with this cancer and have generously agreed to be interviewed.

The destructive nature of sarcomas is matched only by the frustration of those fighting them. With limited research and awareness, sarcoma remains a formidable adversary. By sharing these courageous stories, we hope to build greater awareness around this devastating cancer.

If you or a loved one suspect a sarcoma, please contact your doctor immediately to discuss.  A comprehensive list of all verified sarcoma specialists in Australia, may be obtained by going to https://www.crbf.org.au/sarcoma-multi-disciplinary-teams/ or by contacting the Australia New Zealand Sarcoma Association https://sarcoma.org.au/.

Our thanks to Mitch and Steph from  for once more going over and beyond with their work and creative direction behind the camera, and the microphone.

Special thanks to the fabulous Michael “Wippa” Wipfli” for his voiceover, and for the incredible support he provides to sarcoma in Australia.