The Cancer Society is proud to be the largest private funder of cancer research in Aotearoa New Zealand, contributing more than $1.5 million to the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC) last year.
We’re committed to supporting studies on treatments, new drug developments, early detection, and ways to improve the quality of life for New Zealanders with cancer and their whānau.
The ACSRC expert researchers focus on improving cancer treatment and prevention through pioneering research and are dedicated to understanding the causes and mechanisms of cancer, leading to better clinical outcomes. Researchers at the ACSRC collaborate with national and international partners to drive innovation and enhance the well-being of New Zealanders affected by cancer.
Research objectives:
ACSRC’s mission is to improve outcomes for cancer patients in New Zealand and globally by:
- Conducting research on the mechanisms of cancer and its treatment.
- Discovering and develop new medicines to treat cancer.
- Training the next generation of cancer researchers.
Achievements to date:
The ACSRC is internationally renowned as a world-leading anti-cancer drug development laboratory, having made significant breakthroughs in the understanding of cancer and development of new treatments. To date the research centre has:
- Brought 18 drugs to clinical trial.
- Registered three drugs for clinical use.
- Published more than 2,200 scientific papers.
- Filed 140 patent applications.
A Researcher's Perspective: Advancing Cancer Care
Anastasiia, a Research Fellow at the ACSRC, exemplifies the dedication and innovation that define our mission. Originally from Ukraine, she pursued her PhD in New Zealand and now leads a groundbreaking project on endometrial cancer, supported by a Cancer Society Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
“Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer worldwide, yet current diagnostic methods are invasive. That’s why less and less women decide to go and be diagnosed and then decline the treatment.”
Anastasiia’s research focuses on developing affordable, minimally invasive tests to detect endometrial cancer early. By exploring tumour signals in blood and the potential role of uterine bacteria, her team is designing tests to improve patient outcomes.
“Our goal is to change cancer statistics for the better, by donating, you become part of the solution.”
Your support makes it possible for Anastasiia and her research colleagues to drive meaningful advancements in cancer research and help us reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand.
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