Brain cancer researchers strive for a breakthrough
The University of Newcastle team dedicated to developing breakthrough treatments for the most lethal form of childhood cancer, Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), is forging ahead with its mission to give hope to Australian children and their families in desperate need of treatment.
Lead investigator, alumnus Professor Matt Dun and his team have been working tirelessly for many years to develop treatment strategies for this aggressive type of childhood cancer that forms in the brainstem and currently has no cure.
Using technologies and expertise spanning biomedical science, chemistry, immunology, AI and clinical practice, the team is focussed on understanding what drives this cancer, particularly the genes and proteins that control tumour cell growth, and its response (or resistance) to novel treatments and drug combinations.
The priority is to identify the most effective, life-sustaining treatments for children and develop a multi-modal treatment strategy.
“Tragically, children diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG – also known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma or DIPG) have an average survival of less than a year. Unlike other high-risk cancers, there are currently no effective treatment strategies. However, our understanding of DMG is continually advancing. We are determined to break the cycle of past failures by delivering sequential treatments that target tumour-specific vulnerabilities, with the ultimate goal of significantly increasing survival for all children facing this devastating diagnosis and offering hope to families,” says Professor Dun.
Generous support from donors has allowed the team to take crucial steps towards new and better treatments, precision medicine approaches and improved understanding of what makes these tumours initiate and grow.
DMG research milestones
- Over $10M raised in philanthropic support
- 62 collaborating partners (collaborative agreements with external institutions, industry collaborators and biotech partners)
- 2 drugs have moved from lab to international clinical trial within 3 years (this is ten years shorter than the industry average, open in 6 countries and recruiting > 160 patients to-date)
Sourced June 2024
Burges family legacy for medical research
The drive to support our researchers to challenge conventional thinking and break new ground is a quality shared by many people in our community.
Through their enduring commitment to medical research, the Burges family is dedicated to ensuring our researchers have the support they need to pursue critical breakthroughs, develop cutting edge technologies and pioneer new treatments.
Bill Burges and his brother, Emeritus Professor Steve Burges, both alumni of the University of Newcastle, established the Bill and Iris Burges Trust in 2003 to honour their parents' legacy, and their interest in medical sciences and the value of higher education.
Since then, the Burges family have donated over $5.4 million toward the Trust which now sits at more than $7.6 million and continues to grow – ensuring critical support for health and medical research continues.
Bill & Iris Burges Professorial Chair in the Medical Sciences
To support the University’s collective efforts to lead, innovate and advance excellence in all facets of medical research, Professor Matt Dun has been appointed as the Bill & Iris Burges Professorial Chair in the Medical Sciences.
The position holds special responsibility to provide leadership and foster excellence in research, teaching, professional activities and policy development in the medical sciences within the University and wider community.
Alongside the Burges Trust, this position was created with generous funding from the estate of the late John Lee. A passionate Novocastrian, John designated his gift to further research that would benefit society.
I am confident that both Mum and Dad would be proud of what Stephen and I have accomplished and continue to achieve in their honour. Groundbreaking discoveries that benefit humanity are made possible through medical research. By committing to long-term funding, we ensure that researchers have the time and resources to explore innovative ideas, develop new technologies and ultimately improve health outcomes for future generations.
We are very happy to support Professor Matt Dun's ongoing work as Chair in this critical area. Matt and his team have made significant progress and brought hope to many Australian children and their families.”
Bill Burges
Bachelor of Science,1965
Diploma in Education, 1968
Philanthropic funding is critical to our progress, and I am grateful to the Burges family for their visionary commitment to supporting medical research through the Bill and Iris Burges Trust. It is an honour to be appointed as the Bill & Iris Burges Professorial Chair in the Medical Sciences as I continue our mission towards new hope and improved outcomes for children diagnosed with DMG.”
Professor Matt Dun
Bill & Iris Burges Professorial Chair in the Medical Sciences
Group Leader – Cancer Signalling Research Group, Professor of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Research
Doctor of Philosophy, 2012
Your support is improving lives
Thank you to everyone who supports Professor Dun's DMG research.
RUN DIPG, Little Legs Foundation, Charlie Teo Foundation, The Cure Starts Now Inc, Kinghorn Foundation, Graham and Ann Burns, The Kids' Cancer Project, The Blackjack Foundation, Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, Tour de Cure, Mark Hughes Foundation, Maitland Cancer Appeal Committee, McDonald Jones Charitable Foundation, The ChadTough Foundation, Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation, Strategic Group Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation (via the Pacific Pediatric Neuro Oncology Consortium Foundation) and many generous donors from the community.
If you would like to support vital research to save and improve the lives of children with Diffuse Midline Glioma, please visit newcastle.edu.au/donate
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