SVI researcher awarded major international grant to advance cancer immunotherapy

Associate Professor Mark Chong, Head of RNA and T Cell Biology, has been awarded a prestigious Technology Impact Award from the Cancer Research Institute in the United States.

The funding will support the lab’s initiative to improve immunotherapy by helping immune cells respond more effectively to cancer, making the treatment work for a broader range of patients.

The team is developing nanoparticles that can carry special molecules made from RNA. These particles are designed to deliver those molecules directly to the body’s immune cells. The molecules, called microRNA inhibitors, can help control how immune cells behave. By using them, the team hopes to boost the body’s natural ability to fight cancer.

“This is a really exciting opportunity,” said Mark. “Our approach could help overcome one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment, making immunotherapies work for more people.”

Immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer care in recent years, but not all patients benefit equally. The lab’s research could pave the way for therapies that fine-tune the immune system with greater precision, leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects.

The Technology Impact Award supports research with strong potential to transform cancer treatment. The award is highly competitive and given only to projects that could lead to meaningful advances in the field. The proposal stood out for its innovative strategy and potential clinical impact.

“This funding is a great endorsement of the work we’re doing at SVI,” said Mark. “It will allow us to take our research to the next stage and bring us closer to real-world applications.”