SVI joins national effort to develop targeted treatments for aggressive cancers

A new national research program is working to deliver the first targeted treatments for a group of aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers.

The initiative has received $5 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grant Scheme, marking one of the largest coordinated investments yet in this area.

The program, led by Professor Hilda Pickett at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI), is administered through the University of Sydney and delivered in partnership with CMRI, SVI and the University of Wollongong.

The team is targeting treatment-resistant cancers that activate the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) mechanism and make up about 10% of all cancers. ALT-dependent cancers, such as many types of brain cancer, paediatric cancer and pancreatic cancer, are known to be fast-moving and difficult to treat.

There are currently no approved therapies designed specifically for ALT-dependent cancers. This program aims to change that by identifying new treatment targets and supporting the development of highly focused precision medicines.

SVI researchers Associate Professor Andrew Deans and Dr Sarah Henrikus are key contributors to the national team.

Associate Professor Deans brings deep expertise in DNA repair and cancer biology, helping the team understand how ALT cancers survive and evolve.

Dr Henrikus contributes advanced imaging and molecular analysis skills, enabling the group to study cancer cell behaviour in real time and support the development of more precise therapeutic approaches.

For SVI, this collaboration reflects the power of multidisciplinary science and reinforces our commitment to advancing new treatment pathways for patients facing cancers with limited options.