The three projects funded each target different kinds of cancer while utilising unique approaches. 

The University of Otago’s Associate Professor Brian Cox will be working to unravel some of the causes of head and neck cancer so that in future we can do more to prevent these cancers from occurring. 

At Auckland DHB, Dr. Michelle Wilson’s research will mean New Zealand women with endometrial cancer can get involved in a groundbreaking trans-Tasman clinical trial to see whether adding immunotherapy to the current treatment offers a better quality of life and reduces the chance of the cancer recurrence. 

Canterbury DHB’s Dr. Tristan Pettit is investigating rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare cancer that is most often diagnosed in children. Dr. Pettit will lead the New Zealand arm of FaR-RMS, an international clinical trial focused on improving survival and quality of life for newly diagnosed and relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma patients.

CRTNZ General Manager Dr. Michelle Sullivan says:

“This is a great step forward in our battle against these three types of cancer. But the quality and quantity of the proposals received have shown us that there’s much more research we could be doing in New Zealand to make a difference to cancer patients now and in the future.”

This special funding round, which focused on public health and clinical trials, two fields that have been underrepresented in recent years, saw the Trust receive funding requests totalling $1.3 million, which Dr. Sullivan says illustrates the need for additional targeted funding. 

If enough donations are received, CRTNZ will be able to make this an annual feature on its funding calendar, and as such, Dr. Sullivan is on the lookout for new donors and supporters to raise the extra money needed. 

The Trust’s unique approach to supporting cancer research means that 100% of all money donated by the public supports research projects and the professional development of Kiwi researchers with significant potential. This is because all administrative costs are covered by investment income rather than donations.