TOGA welcomes $1.89bn for Medical Research Future Fund
Last week brought fantastic news for the fight against lung cancer. The Australian Government announced a record-breaking $1.89 billion investment in health and medical research, with a strong focus on improving the lives of Australians living with cancer.
TOGA is thrilled by this commitment. As the peak body for lung cancer research in Australia and New Zealand, we understand the transformative power of research funding. As Dr Megan Sanders, TOGA’s Executive Officer, points out “Investment in research has the power to change cancer from a terminal illness to a manageable chronic illness.”
Increased Funding for Lung Cancer Research
The ‘Health Research for a Future Made in Australia’ package will include $1.4 billion for new research via the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). This package will include a focus on a 10-Year Low Survival Cancers Mission and will directly address key areas that will benefit TOGA members and their crucial work.
Historically, lung cancer research has been underfunded despite claiming the most lives of all tumour types. This investment pledges more resources towards this critical area, bringing us closer to effective treatments and ultimately saving lives.
Dr Sanders reiterates that “less than 6% of cancer research funding has been allocated to lung cancer and mesothelioma research, despite lung cancer claiming the most lives of all tumour types. This investment in research, particularly clinical trials, will maximise the benefit, quality, and cost-effectiveness of new treatments and enhance survivorship and supportive care.”
Boost for Clinical Trials
A significant portion of the funding will be directed towards clinical trials. TOGA has long championed the importance of clinical trials in advancing lung cancer treatment. As Ms. Sanders highlights, “TOGA has shown the value that investment in clinical trials can bring to the lung cancer community.”
The investment will benefit clinical trials similar to the ASPiRATION substudy, a TOGA-led initiative that provided genomic testing for over 1000 Australians diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC. This groundbreaking project not only improved patient access to targeted therapies but also played a pivotal role in establishing genomic testing as a standard for lung cancer care.
“The success of the ASPiRATION study …with lung cancer now leading the genomic revolution that is making personalised medicine in cancer a reality.”
The increased focus on clinical trials will undoubtedly lead to:
- More opportunities for TOGA members to participate in leading-edge research.
- Faster development and implementation of new and effective lung cancer treatments.
- Improved patient access to potentially life-saving clinical trials.
A Streamlined National Clinical Trials System
The investment plan also includes the establishment of a National One Stop Shop for clinical trial review and approval. This long-awaited initiative will eliminate the current system’s inefficiencies and delays. As Ms. Sanders explains, “the current system introduces duplication and is inefficient, and impacts the ability to offer equitable access to trials.”
The National One Stop Shop will benefit TOGA members by “attracting international clinical trial activity, encouraging embedding of research and clinical trials into our world-class healthcare system”, says Dr Sanders.
The simplification of the process of initiating and conducting multi-centre clinical trials across Australia, along with attracting more international clinical trials to Australia, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The National One Stop Shop will ultimately strengthen the integration of research into everyday clinical practice.
A Brighter Future for Lung Cancer Research
This historic investment in health and medical research marks a significant step forward in the fight against lung cancer. TOGA is proud to have played a role in advocating for this vital funding and is optimistic about the positive impact it will have on lung cancer research in Australia.
The increased resources will empower TOGA members to continue their groundbreaking work in developing better diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure for lung cancer. This is a win for the entire lung cancer community, but most importantly, for the patients we strive to serve.
TOGA’s leading priority is to design and conduct clinical trials and to ensure that all lung cancer and mesothelioma patients receive equitable access to life-saving treatment and world-class care. To achieve their mission to prevent, treat and cure thoracic cancers through research, clinical trials, education and advocacy, TOGA works with healthcare researchers, healthcare services, government, academia, and the lung cancer community.
TOGA’s thoracic cancer education program is aimed at healthcare professionals to equip them with the necessary advances for continuing provision of quality care. TOGA offers peer- and consumer-review of developing thoracic cancer research proposals and awards annual research grants to increase the volume of high-quality thoracic cancer research.
TOGA’s leading priority is to design and conduct clinical trials and to ensure that all lung cancer and mesothelioma patients receive equitable access to life-saving treatment and world-class care. To achieve their mission to prevent, treat and cure thoracic cancers through research, clinical trials, education and advocacy, TOGA works with healthcare researchers, healthcare services, government, academia and the lung cancer community. TOGA’s thoracic cancer education program is aimed at healthcare professionals to equip them with the necessary advances for continuing provision of quality care. TOGA offers peer- and consumer-review of developing thoracic cancer research proposals and awards annual research grants to increase the volume of high-quality thoracic cancer research.
