This year marks the second awarding of the Inspirational Research Grants, funded entirely by generous philanthropic donations to increase research into prevention, treatment, or improved lives of those living with thoracic cancers.
Focus on Microbiome Research in Thoracic Cancers
We received a multitude of high-quality applications, and the chosen projects hold immense potential to benefit the thoracic research community.
The two recipients for the 2025 Inspirational Research Grants are in the field of lung cancer microbiome research.
Dr. Mark Adams has been awarded a grant for his project titled: ‘Pioneering Lung Cancer Microbiome Research in Australia: Standardising Sequencing, Bioinformatic Analysis and Clinical Associations Between Interstate Institutions.’
This research will focus on metagenomic sequencing to accurately map the lung microbiome’s taxonomic and functional makeup. This microbial profile will then be examined in relation to treatment responses, assessing whether the lung microbiome contributes to treatment outcomes.
Dr. Sagun Parakh will explore the impact of the lung microbiome on immunotherapy efficacy and toxicity in his project ‘Evaluating the Impact of the Lung Microbiome on the Efficacy and Toxicity of Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer Patients.’
This research delves into the taxonomic and functional composition of the lung microbiome to understand the correlation with the development of immune-mediated adverse events. This will determine if the lung microbiome plays a role in development of toxicity to immunotherapy treatment.
ALK Positive Australia and TOGA Collaboration
In addition to the general research grants, TOGA is proud to announce a collaborative grant with ALK Positive Australia. This grant specifically supports research dedicated to ALK+ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).
A/Prof Venessa Chin has been selected for her project ‘Unravelling Genomic Diversity in ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Insights from Paired RNA/DNA Sequencing of Circulating Tumour Cells.’
This project employs a novel, new and ultrasensitive method to examine cell clones that may be present at diagnosis of ALK+ metastatic NSCLC.
A Crucial Step in Optimising Immunotherapy
When lung cancer research receives less than 6% of cancer research funding, TOGA recognises the importance of grants such as the Inspirational Research Grant in fighting against lung cancer.
“We’re pleased to fund two high-caliber grant applications exploring how the microbiome influences the clinical efficacy and toxicity response to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy has revolutionised lung cancer treatment, but some patients still experience relapse, non-response, or severe side effects. Research like this is critical for optimising immunotherapy outcomes and improving the lives of lung cancer patients.” – Dr Megan Sanders, CEO of TOGA
Supporting Thoracic Cancer Research: Your Contribution Matters
The Inspirational Research Grant program relies entirely on the generosity of donors. To continue this program and fuel further innovation in thoracic cancer research, we encourage everyone to consider donating.
Your contribution, especially during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, can make a real difference in the lives of patients and their families.
