Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute 106 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central, Victoria 3350

Welcome to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, located at Ballarat Central, Lydiard Street South, 106. As an establishment and point of interest, we are dedicated to making a significant impact in the field of cancer research.

One of our most highly anticipated events is the Dream Ball, which promises to be one of the most exciting parties on the Ballarat calendar. We congratulate our team of Dr Arpita Poddar, Dr Prashanth Prithviraj, Professor George Kannourakis, and Dr Aparna Jayachandran for their outstanding work in the field of cancer research.

At our institute, we focus on various types of cancer, including Glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer with a low average survival rate. Additionally, we strive to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, which claims the life of one woman every 11 hours in Australia. Approximately 1400 Australian women are diagnosed with this devastating disease each year.

We also conduct research on Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare cancer-like disease that primarily affects infants and children but can also occur in adults. Our dedicated team investigates the immunology of breast cancer, with a special focus on high-risk triple-negative breast cancer.

Cancer affects the lives of many Australians, with 396 people being diagnosed every day. Families and friends endure the heartbreak of seeing their loved ones battle this challenging illness, and unfortunately, many lives are lost. While diagnosis and treatments are improving, it is crucial that we continue to research for a cure.

Our research team is dedicated to understanding how the immune system can fight cancer, with the goal of developing alternative treatments to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Our key projects revolve around immunology, breast cancer, bowel cancer, brain cancer, ovarian cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

We take pride in our work on the immunology of cancer, and our valuable tissue bank sets us apart in our research efforts. By studying human sequential samples from patients, we aim to identify new proteins on the cell surface that enable cancer cells to evade immune detection. This knowledge will pave the way for the development of druggable antibody targets that can "lift the fog" and improve treatment outcomes.

Some recent breakthroughs include identifying proteins involved in chemo resistance in ovarian cancer, which can potentially be targeted to prevent disease progression. We have also uncovered the association of immune checkpoint mechanisms in gallbladder cancer, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for improving patient prognosis. Furthermore, we are studying the role of immune cells in the rare cancer Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

If you are considering making a tax-deductible donation to a worthy cause, we urge you to support the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. As a regional organization, we are making a world-class contribution to cancer research. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our community, as it ensures our future endeavors. Please note that we are a registered charity, and all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

On behalf of the institute, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support in our mission. As a community-funded research institute, every dollar donated has a genuine impact on the work undertaken by our dedicated colleagues. Thank you for sharing our vision, and it is through your generous support that our vital research continues.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please visit us at Ballarat Technology Park - Central Suite 23, 106-110 Lydiard St Sth, Ballarat, VIC 3350.