Banking on a cure: Two biobanks receive funding boost to accelerate childhood cancer research
Every childhood cancer sample tells a story - one that could unlock new treatments, reveal hidden vulnerabilities in tumours, or guide personalised therapy for the next child diagnosed. Now, two biobanking initiatives promising to transform the study and treatment of rare childhood cancers have received a combined $770,000 in funding from Children's Cancer CoLab.
Biobanks are specialised repositories that collect, process, store and distribute biological samples, such as tumour tissue, blood and bone marrow, alongside clinical data. They serve as vital research infrastructure, providing scientists with the high-quality materials needed to study disease, test new discoveries, guide treatments for current patients, and advance precision medicine.
Monash Children's Cancer Centre: Supporting worldwide research
Established in 2011, the Monash Children's Cancer Biobank (MCCB) collects and stores samples from children with cancer for local and international research and to enhance the standard of care at Monash Health's Children's Cancer Centre. The biobank has experienced exponential growth, housing blood, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissue samples, and anticipates enrolling up to 200 new patients over the next two years.
A/Prof Peter Downie AM, Monash Children's Cancer Biobank Clinical Head, explains:
“Whilst also supporting researchers across the country, our biobank ensures that our patients can access precision medicine programs and clinical trials, while also contributing to research in Australia and internationally.”
Hudson Institute: Building living models of childhood cancer
The Hudson Institute of Medical Research Living Biobank is addressing a critical bottleneck in paediatric cancer research: the scarcity of accurate preclinical models that scientists can study in the laboratory.
A/Prof Jason Cain, the Living Biobank’s Lead Investigator, explains:
"Many childhood cancers are so rare that researchers simply don't have precise models to study them. Renewable patient-derived tumour models change that. They allow research teams around the world to test new therapies on a variety of childhood cancers, paving the way for more effective, targeted and less toxic treatments."
Using state-of-the-art technology, the Living Biobank creates these renewable models paired with clinical data, helping to accelerate the discovery of safer therapies that improve survival rates and enhance the quality and years of life for children diagnosed with cancer.
Funding to accelerate research, innovation and collaboration
CEO of Children's Cancer CoLab, Dr Udani Reets, said the two biobanks received funding through CoLab's Innovation Accelerators Impact Program, which supports streamlined technology platforms that foster multidisciplinary approaches for childhood cancer research.
“Funding these biobanks transforms precious samples donated by children and families into accessible resources for discovery. They will accelerate the pace of research, fulfilling the hopes of those families to help future generations of children not only survive cancer but thrive.”
Together, these biobanks represent a powerful investment in the future of childhood cancer care, where every sample preserved today could become tomorrow's breakthrough treatment.
Children's Cancer CoLab Impact Program grants are funded through a $35 million investment from the Victorian Government and a $10 million commitment from the Children's Cancer Foundation.
Learn more about the Hudson Institute Living Biobank, which has received a $410,162 CoLab grant.
Learn more about the Monash Children's Cancer Biobank, which has received a $360,000 CoLab grant.
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Your support drives critical research and innovation that will change lives. By supporting Children's Cancer CoLab, you become part of a community working to ensure every young patient with cancer survives and thrives. Our approach unites top researchers across disciplines and institutions, breaking traditional barriers to accelerate discoveries from the lab to clinic, creating real impact for young cancer patients and their families.
