Latest news
Carousel content with 6 slides.
![](/images/DSC00271.jpg#joomlaImage://local-images/DSC00271.jpg?width=&height=)
New patient wellbeing programs launched alongside Patient Parliament
![](/images/Karen_Thrussell.png#joomlaImage://local-images/Karen_Thrussell.png?width=776&height=472)
Shedding light on the complexity of sarcoma
![](/images/Sustainability3.png#joomlaImage://local-images/Sustainability3.png?width=909&height=715)
Peter Mac launches Environmental Sustainability Strategy
![](/images/Discovery_no_logo_resize_2.png#joomlaImage://local-images/Discovery_no_logo_resize_2.png?width=800&height=449)
Two clinical researchers awarded 2024 Discovery Partner Fellowships
![](/images/AI_surgery.png#joomlaImage://local-images/AI_surgery.png?width=1110&height=554)
Peter Mac gets $3 million boost for research preventing surgery complications
![](/images/Lev_Katz.jpg#joomlaImage://local-images/Lev_Katz.jpg?width=&height=)
US award for Peter Mac researcher
Professor Mark Dawson, Head of Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at Peter Mac has been awarded a Translational Research Program (TRP) grant worth USD $750,000 to further his research to help overcome acquired resistance to anti-cancer cellular immunotherapies, such as CAR T-cell therapy.
The prestigious TRP grant is an international collaboration with funding from the US Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Snowdome Foundation and the Leukaemia Foundation. The grant is designed to fund innovative research projects that propose novel approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of blood cancers and which show high promise for translating basic biomedical knowledge to clinical application.
Professor Dawson said this team has developed cutting-edge, pre-clinical models that simulate resistance to CAR T-cell therapy.
“By harnessing the power of the models, we aim to uncover the intrinsic properties of cancer cells that enable them to evade new cellular therapies, paving the way for the design and development of novel therapeutic approaches,” he said.
“We are thrilled for Professor Dawson, whose submission has been internationally recognised as one of the top global blood cancer research projects of 2023,” said Snowdome Foundation Chief Executive, Kirstee Macbeth.
“His research investigating immune evasion of CAR T-cells, has the potential to further enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, now recognised as a key pillar of cancer treatment and one that can benefit Australian blood cancer patients.”
More than 135,000 Australians are living with a blood cancer, myeloma, leukaemia or lymphoma today and the incidence is rising. The research conducted by Professor Dawson and his team will hopefully help find a cure.
If you would like to donate to fund more research please visit the Peter Mac Foundation.
Related pages
![](/images/staff/DJ3_8954_MRV2_FS_BrAf-590x620.jpg)
First steps to navigating Peter Mac
Getting started Peter Mac locations Visitor information Accessing telehealth Important contacts Patient and carer support![Image alt text](/images/Peter Mac building and cafes/DJ3_7004_V2_BrAf_FS.jpg)
We offer care that goes beyond treatment
Peter Mac has a wellbeing approach to care. We base this on a fundamental belief that the best cancer care treats the person and the disease. The Wellbeing Centre is a sanctuary for patients, their families and carers. It is a gathering place that is open, accepting and welcoming for all.
Cancer can be hard to deal with and we know that getting treatment is only part of it. You might have other challenges and need help with them. We offer many kinds of help for you, your loved ones, and your carers. Each resource can help you deal with how cancer affects your body, emotions and money.
The Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service is a team of health and other professionals who specialise in the care of young people aged 15 to 25. We work with you and your healthcare team to support you at all stages of the cancer journey, anywhere in Victoria.
You are a carer if you’re taking care of someone with cancer. You might be a family member, friend or neighbour. Our wonderful volunteer service is here to help to make things a little easier for you and the person you’re caring for. They offer a range of support, resources, and items to help you.
The Psychosocial Oncology Program is a multidisciplinary team. This includes clinical psychologists, social workers, PCLNs, and psychiatrists/psychiatric registrars. They assess patients at risk of mental health problems. They will also assess and treat those with current mental health problems.
![Image alt text](/images/Peter Mac building and cafes/DJ3_7004_V2_BrAf_FS.jpg)