Breast cancer treatment pioneer wins Premier's award
Professor Robert Sutherland has been awarded the prestigious Premier's Award for Outstanding Cancer Researcher 2010.
"New South Wales is leading the world in cancer research. Our
researchers are among the best; it is their research that is
leading to improved cancer detection, treatment and care here and
internationally," said Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer
Institute NSW, Professor David Currow.
"Professor Sutherland is internationally recognised for his
research into cancers that are dependent on hormones for their
development and progression - including breast, prostate and ovary.
He is a pioneer in the development of anti-breast cancer
agents.
"Hormone-dependent cancers account for around a third of all
newly diagnosed cancers in Western societies but Professor
Sutherland's research has led to significant breakthroughs in
treatment, and therefore survival."
Professor Currow said Professor Sutherland's honour recognises
his research; research that has changed cancer treatment and
improved the survival chances of patients internationally and will
continue to do so.
"Professor Sutherland's honour is recognition of his
achievements in taking research from the laboratory to the bedside,
where it benefits patients most.
"Despite the significant progress made in the past decade,
cancer remains the biggest single cause of premature death in NSW,
with one in two men and one in three women likely to be diagnosed
with cancer in their lifetime. Professor Sutherland's research has
the potential to play a key role in changing this factor over the
coming decades."
A Premier's honour also went to the Outstanding Cancer Research
Fellow, Dr Claire Vajdic, whose research focuses on the cancer risk
in immunodeficient people (such as organ transplant recipients and
people with HIV/AIDS).
Ms Elizabeth Tindall, of the University of New South Wales and
Children's Cancer Institute Australia, received the Premier's Award
for Outstanding Cancer Research Scholar for her research into the
genetics of prostatic inflammation and their relationship with
prostate cancer.
South West Sydney Cancer Services Research Group won the
Innovation in Cancer Clinical Trials Award for their commitment to
providing access to clinical trials to every patient.
A Premier's honour went to the University of New South Wales,
led by Professor Levon Khachigian, for Excellence in Translational
Cancer Research for their groundbreaking research into alternative
therapies for skin cancer, the most costly cancer across our
community.
These cancer researchers are providing the evidence that will
drive rapid improvement in cancer prevention, treatment and the
subsequent improvements in survival and quality of life of cancer
patients.
"The Premier's Awards recognise the achievements of researchers
in NSW; taking research from the laboratory to the bedside, where
it benefits patients most," said Professor David Currow.
"The long-term ramifications of Professor Sutherland's research
are profound. Breast cancer currently affects one in nine women and
prostate one in four men in NSW. Professor Sutherland's research
will be an essential part of changing this factor and in improving
cancer treatments over the coming decades.
"Even the smallest advances in cancer research have a huge
impact on the lives of those touched by cancer."
For more information about Professor Sutherland's research and
other Award winners, please visit www.cancerinstitute.org.au.
About the NSW Premier's Awards for Outstanding Cancer
Research
The NSW Premier's Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research were
established in 2006 to recognise outstanding scientists whose
commitment and talent has had a significant impact on cancer
treatment, clinical trials, prevention and research. An independent
panel evaluates the nominees and determines who receives a grant of
$50,000 - awarded to the Outstanding Cancer Researcher; $20,000 -
awarded to the Outstanding Cancer Research Fellow; and $10,000 -
awarded to the Outstanding Cancer Research Scholar; $20,000 -
awarded for Innovation in Cancer Clinical Trials; and $20,000 -
awarded for Excellence in Translational Cancer Research.
Previous winners of the Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the
Year include Professor Philip Hogg (2009), Professor Simon Chapman
(2008), Professor Robyn Ward (2007) and Professor Bruce Armstrong
(2006).
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