Supporting the Fight Against Breast Cancer
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. In 2019, it was estimated that 19,535 Australians were diagnosed with breast cancer.
Due to critical medical research and best practice medical care including regular mammograms and improved treatment outcomes, Australia has one of the best breast cancer survival rates in the world. Our five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is now 90.1%. While these statistics show great progress, there is still much that can be done to improve these figures.
To help in the fight against breast cancer the AMA Queensland Foundation has made a commitment to support the breast cancer research being undertaken by Professor Sunil Lakhani at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) and Herston Research Imaging Facility (RBWH).
Professor Lakhani and his team led by Dr Jodi Saunus are seeking to improve treatments for brain metastases through a Phase-0 brain imaging trial called “BoNSaI”. Approximately 10-15% of women with Stage IV breast cancer develop brain metastases. The development of brain metastases is a serious complication in breast and other cancers, associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Metastatic brain disease is around 10 times more prevalent than primary brain cancer, and the incidence is increasing. Systemic therapies have been broadly ineffective, with poor drug uptake cited as the most likely explanation.
Prof Lakhani’s team is working on clinical imaging surveys of drug uptake in human brain metastases. The project aims to successfully image 20 patients and is an important benchmark on which to base the development of improved treatments.
The Foundation is providing funding for five patients (at approximately $3,500 each) to undertake the required imaging and data analysis. We are proud to provide support to this ground breaking research in the hope of further increasing the survival rate of those diagnosed with breast cancer.
As part of our end of financial year appeal, we urge you to please help us support those families fighting breast cancer by making a tax deductable donation to the AMA Queensland Foundation. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.