Breast cancer treatment pioneer wins Premier’s award
Professor Robert Sutherland has been awarded the prestigious Premier's Award for Outstanding Cancer Researcher 2010.
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Professor Rob Sutherland with NSW Premier Kristina Keneally
“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).