WA joins national push to transform lung cancer research

The Institute for Respiratory Health is proud to be part of TRACKER, a national research network that is changing the game in how lung cancer is studied, diagnosed and treated across Australia.

Working alongside Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia, the Institute is contributing to the rollout of TRACKER in Western Australia.

TRACKER recently achieved a major milestone with the collection of WA’s first lung cancer patient sample. It is a crucial step that opens the door to new discoveries that could lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatments and ultimately, save lives.

The announcement comes as the world marks World Cancer Day on 4 February, a global initiative to raise awareness and improve education around cancer. Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest cancers in Australia.

TRACKER links hospitals and research centres across the country to build a national collection of biospecimens and clinical data. It is creating a powerful research tool that will help scientists understand lung cancer at a deeper level, uncover new biomarkers and improve treatment strategies.

Dr Dhaval Thakkar, a researcher at the Institute and a respiratory physician at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, said it was a significant step forward for WA.

“TRACKER links clinical care and research in a meaningful way. By joining this network, we’re helping accelerate vital discoveries that can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for patients,” he said.

One of the major strengths of the WA site is the use of robotic bronchoscopy, a first for the state. This advanced technology allows clinicians to biopsy hard-to-reach areas of the lung more precisely, which means better-quality samples, especially from early-stage cancers.

Associate Professor Cecilia Prele, laboratory head at the Institute and site principal investigator, said the power of TRACKER lies in its national collaboration.

“This kind of cross-institutional work is essential. We’re combining expertise and resources across the country to build a unified research platform that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The Institute thanks the patients who make this research possible through their participation.

“With WA now an active TRACKER site, we’re proud to be contributing to a coast-to-coast effort focused on delivering a better future for lung cancer patients across Western Australia,” Dr Thakkar said.

Media contact:
RDM Marketing Consultants
Mobile: 0450613460