Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

We’re thrilled to share that Peter Mac researchers have secured $21 million in funding through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2025 Investigator Grants! 🎉 This incredible achievement reflects the depth of talent at Peter Mac and our unwavering commitment to driving breakthroughs in cancer research. Nine outstanding researchers received funding, tackling key challenges in cancer treatment, from improving immunotherapy and theranostics to advancing liquid biopsies and understanding treatment resistance. 🏆 Congratulations to our recipients: 🔬 Dr Nikki Burdett 🔬 Dr Katie Fennell 🔬 Prof Michael Hofman 🔬 Prof Sherene Loi 🔬 Prof Grant McArthur AO 🔬 Prof Kelly-Anne Phillips 🔬 Prof Danny Rischin 🔬 Prof Jeanne Tie 🔬 A/Prof Paul Beavis As Prof Ricky Johnstone, our Executive Director of Cancer Research, highlighted, these grants provide crucial support for researchers at all career stages—from emerging leaders to established experts—helping turn innovative ideas into real-world impact for people living with cancer. While we celebrate this success, we also acknowledge the many brilliant research proposals that narrowly missed out on funding. Your work remains invaluable, and we remain committed to supporting game-changing cancer research. 🔗 Read more about the funded projects and their potential impact: https://lnkd.in/gpmVM6kF #CancerResearch #NHMRC #PeterMac #FundingSuccess #MedicalResearch #Oncology

Calling all #nurses, the 2025 Nursing Event Series is back with experts from across the Parkville Precinct.

We’re #hiring a Clinical Data Manager to join our biostatistics and clinical trials team. Contribute to the development of clinical trial databases, ensuring quality management requirements are met. You’ll enjoy a range of rewarding staff benefits including a comprehensive health and wellbeing program, discounts on health insurance and eye care, five weeks annual leave and monthly ADO’s. Apply now and join us at Peter Mac: https://lnkd.in/gAeSfBcY View all available roles on our careers site: https://lnkd.in/eAQi5cFt #WorkAtPeterMac #Careers #JobsInHealth #ClinicalDataManager

Join us this Friday for the 2025 Women in Science Symposium with keynotes from Dr Niki Vincent, Victoria's Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner and clinician researcher Professor Shahneen Sandhu. Plus talks by Consumer Advocate Diane Fisher and the 2025 Lea Medallists who will be announced at the event. All welcome to attend, register to attend either online and in person: https://lnkd.in/gN-YTB-P #WomeninScience #WomeninSTEM

In a deeply moving ceremony at Peter Mac this week, Robert and Coral exchanged vows—a moment they had dreamed of but never imagined would come so soon. Their loved ones moved mountains to make their wedding happen in just a day, with Peter Mac staff helping to bring it all together. Now, as Robert prepares for major surgery, he says he feels complete knowing they are finally husband and wife. Read Robert and Coral's story: https://lnkd.in/gA2mNMHE #weddingphotography #wedding

𝗔 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻   After an incredible 36 years, Professor Michael Henderson has performed his final surgery at Peter Mac, marking the (almost!) end of a groundbreaking career in skin, soft tissue and breast cancer surgery.   From pioneering multidisciplinary care to mentoring the next generation of surgeons, Professor Henderson has shaped the way we care for patients today.   Director of Cancer Surgery Professor Sandy Heriot says, “Michael epitomises the dedication, passion, innovation, and surgical excellence that is present at Peter Mac."   While he’s stepping back from surgery, Professor Henderson isn’t slowing down just yet, continuing his vital melanoma research and seeing patients in the clinic.   Thank you, Professor Henderson, for your dedication, vision, and care.

We’re #hiring an innovative Administration Manager to lead our Cancer Imaging team. In this newly created role you’ll facilitate the daily operations of the administration team, and drive reform of our processes. You’ll enjoy a range of rewarding staff benefits including a comprehensive health and wellbeing program, discounts on health insurance and eye care, onsite eateries and relaxing rooftop garden spaces. Apply now and join us at Peter Mac! Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gf583v3C View all available roles on our careers site: https://lnkd.in/eAQi5cFt #WorkAtPeterMac #Careers #JobsInHealth #AdministrationManager

In the news today: Melanoma that's spread to the brain "now appears to be curable". Newly released long-term data from a groundbreaking clinical trial for advanced melanoma patients whose disease had spread to their brain has proven that long-term disease control has been achieved for over 50% of patients given combination immunotherapy as first line treatment. The impressive 7-year follow up results from the ABC clinical trial were published today in the high impact journal Lancet Oncology. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gTc8TYvR

Meet our Director of Commercialisation and Innovation Lucy Pearce who works with our researchers to help turn groundbreaking discoveries into real-world cancer diagnostics and treatments. “Many of our researchers are working on concepts that could one day save lives, and my role is to guide them through the process of bringing those ideas to market,” Lucy explains. From filing patents to brokering licensing deals and connecting with industry partners, Lucy plays a key role in bringing research to market. “I see commercialisation as a way of driving real-life patient health outcomes, which inspires and motivates me. “When a treatment I have worked on reaches a patient, that really is as meaningful as it can get.”

Bowel cancer rates are rising in younger adults worldwide—and Australia is among the countries most affected. On ABC's Health Report, Professor Sandy Heriot, Director of Cancer Surgery at Peter Mac, joined the discussion to explore why. 🔹 Why is early-onset bowel cancer increasing? The exact cause remains unclear, but factors like obesity, processed diets, alcohol, and smoking may contribute. Genetics also play a role, with about 20% of young patients having an inherited risk. 🔹 Should screening start earlier? While Australia lowered the national screening age from 50 to 45, Prof. Heriot explained that further lowering it may not yield significant benefits. Instead, awareness of symptoms—like changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss—is critical. 🔹 How can you reduce your risk? ✅ Eat a balanced diet, limit processed foods ✅ Maintain a healthy weight ✅ Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol ✅ Stay active 🚨 If you’re 45 or older, don’t wait—order your free bowel cancer screening kit at health.gov.au or talk to your GP. Early detection saves lives. Listen to the full clip: https://lnkd.in/gSFdm9Ay #BowelCancerAwareness #BowelCancer