Published Wednesday, 18 June, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BLIGH GOVERNMENT FUNDS CRITICAL CANCER RESEARCH
SAN DIEGO: The Queensland Government announced today a grant of more than
$1 million into funding critical research into head and neck cancers that severely affect people in developing nations.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, speaking at BIO 2008 in San Diego, said the Head and Neck Cancer Centre of Excellence for Asia Pacific at the Princess Alexandra Hospital would receive a $1,250,000 Smart State Innovation Project Funds grant.
Ms Bligh said the research project had a total value in excess of $11 million and partners included the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and international organisation Atlantic Philanthropies.
It will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC).
“These are terribly cruel conditions that impact on basic survival functions like breathing and swallowing,” Ms Bligh said.
“They are particularly prevalent in countries like Vietnam, China and India but also pose a significant social and health threat in Queensland.
“The project involves the development of molecular profile markers to track the progression of these insidious diseases and development of effective drugs to replace or supplement the presently available invasive surgery and radiation treatments.
“A major benefit of the project will be the reduced suffering of victims, particularly through the avoidance of reconstructive surgery.”
The Premier said that educational and training programs for head and neck cancer treatment would also be part of the project.
“Head and neck cancers are the second to third most common cancers in Vietnam and Vietnamese clinicians will provide in-country clinical input to the project,” Ms Bligh said.
The Innovation Projects Fund is part of the Queensland Government’s $300 million Smart State Innovation Funding program, which aims to build world-class research facilities, attract top-quality scientists to Queensland and stimulate cutting-edge research projects.
Ms Bligh is currently in San Diego leading a Queensland biotechnology delegation to BIO 2008, the world’s largest biotechnology convention.
BIO 2008 runs from 17-20 June and attracts about 20,000 international delegates.
18 June 2008
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Contact for Princess Alexandra Hospital: Professor William Colman, 3839 6411
$1 million into funding critical research into head and neck cancers that severely affect people in developing nations.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, speaking at BIO 2008 in San Diego, said the Head and Neck Cancer Centre of Excellence for Asia Pacific at the Princess Alexandra Hospital would receive a $1,250,000 Smart State Innovation Project Funds grant.
Ms Bligh said the research project had a total value in excess of $11 million and partners included the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and international organisation Atlantic Philanthropies.
It will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC).
“These are terribly cruel conditions that impact on basic survival functions like breathing and swallowing,” Ms Bligh said.
“They are particularly prevalent in countries like Vietnam, China and India but also pose a significant social and health threat in Queensland.
“The project involves the development of molecular profile markers to track the progression of these insidious diseases and development of effective drugs to replace or supplement the presently available invasive surgery and radiation treatments.
“A major benefit of the project will be the reduced suffering of victims, particularly through the avoidance of reconstructive surgery.”
The Premier said that educational and training programs for head and neck cancer treatment would also be part of the project.
“Head and neck cancers are the second to third most common cancers in Vietnam and Vietnamese clinicians will provide in-country clinical input to the project,” Ms Bligh said.
The Innovation Projects Fund is part of the Queensland Government’s $300 million Smart State Innovation Funding program, which aims to build world-class research facilities, attract top-quality scientists to Queensland and stimulate cutting-edge research projects.
Ms Bligh is currently in San Diego leading a Queensland biotechnology delegation to BIO 2008, the world’s largest biotechnology convention.
BIO 2008 runs from 17-20 June and attracts about 20,000 international delegates.
18 June 2008
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Contact for Princess Alexandra Hospital: Professor William Colman, 3839 6411