News

November 2007

• New project aims to reduce the rate of bone infections

  Research to reduce the rate of infections resulting from orthopaedic implants is the focus of a new research project funded by The Wesley Research Institute.

  Bacterial bone infections are currently the most common complication in the treatment of bone fractures. These infections result in serious consequences for the patient and cause very high healthcare and socioeconomic costs.

  Chief investigator of the project, Professor Michael Schuetz, said that the study had the potential to dramatically reduce the rate of bacterial bone infections and increase the quality of life for patients.

  “The frequency of infections in complex open fractures is as high as 33 per cent,” Professor Schuetz said.

  “If this project is successful it will help reduce complications and therefore the demand on the healthcare system. This is a very positive outcome for patients, hospitals and the community.”

  The main goal of the project is to determine whether antibiotics incorporated into a thin coating and applied to the surface of orthopaedic and trauma implants can effectively prevent post-surgical bone infections. The thin coating is biodegradable and has been developed to for the controlled release of antibiotics thereby preventing or treating any infection in the region around the implant.

  The concentration of the antibiotics around the implant is much higher than can be achieved by systemic, oral or intravenous application of these drugs, which is essential for preventing the bacteria from developing resistance against the antibiotics used.

  If this project demonstrates that these surface coatings successfully prevent bone infection it will be an important step towards clinical studies and the introduction of these methods into clinical practice.

  Project partners also include Queensland University of Technology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the Technical University of Munich, Germany.

  The Wesley Research Institute is a leading medical research institute with a commitment to patient care, ethical conduct and quality research that aims for immediate improvements to quality of life through better diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

• We’re looking for a way to help prevent Cervical Cancer. Can you help?

  The Wesley Research Institute is currently involved in a trial to develop a new vaccine to help prevent infection with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that is often undiagnosed. By helping prevent infection with HPV, the risk of developing cervical cancer may be reduced.

  If you are a healthy young female aged between 18 to 26 years and interested in taking part in this trial or finding out more information, please call The Wesley Research Institute Clinical Trials Centre on 07 3232 7920 or register via our website at www.wesleyresearch.org.au and click ‘take part in a clinical trial’.

  Participants will be financially reimbursed for their time and inconvenience.

  Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide with more than 470,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

October 2007

• Announcing the establishment of Hannah's Chance Foundation

  The Wesley Research Institute is assisting the family of Hannah Ciobo to turn Hannah’s dream of establishing a foundation for cancer research into a reality.

  Hannah’s family announced this foundation is to be called ‘Hannah’s Chance Foundation’, which is line with Hannah’s wishes.

  Hannah lost her long battle with a rare form of cancer on Tuesday shortly after marrying her “soulmate”, fellow cancer sufferer Tom O’Driscoll, at a moving ceremony before she passed away. Hannah is the daughter of swimming legend Tracey Wickham.

  The Chance Foundation takes its name from Hannah’s wish for cancer sufferers to be given a second chance.

  The Wesley Research Institute has been asked by Hannah’s family to establish the foundation in her memory to fund future research projects into her rare cancer, synovial sarcoma.

  Donations to Hannah’s Chance Foundation can be made through a link on the Institute’s homepage at www.wesleyresearch.org.au or by contacting 07 3232 7264 during business hours.

  Hannah’s funeral will be on Sunday 7 October at All Hallows Chapel in Brisbane and the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hannah’s Chance Foundation.

  The Wesley Research Institute is a leading medical research institute with a commitment to patient care, ethical conduct and quality research that aims for immediate improvements to quality of life through better diagnosis and treatment.

  The Wesley Research Institute would like to express its profound sympathy and condolences to Hannah’s family.

• Tracey Wickham to inspire researchers for cure

  Specialists from around Australia will gather at The Wesley Research Institute in Brisbane this weekend at a conference aimed at improving the outcomes for sufferers of rare cancers known as sarcomas.

  A feature of the conference will be an address by Australian swimming great Tracey Wickham whose daughter, Hannah, recently passed away from synovial sarcoma.

  The Wesley Research Institute was asked by Hannah’s family to establish, in her memory, the Hannah’s Chance Foundation to fund future research projects into her rare cancer.

  This conference, held by the Australian Sarcoma Group, will bring together leading surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists from Australia and overseas with the objective to better diagnose, treat and manage sarcomas. Through the exchange of ideas at the conference, the clinicians also hope to achieve greater advances in sarcoma research.

  Tracey Wickham said she felt it was important that she attend the conference to provide a mother’s perspective to those at the coalface of sarcoma treatment and research.

  “It was Hannah’s dream to establish this foundation and I know she would want us to do all we can to further this research so other young people have a second chance at life,” Ms Wickham said.

  “These doctors and researchers have the knowledge and expertise to significantly advance sarcoma treatment and research.

  “My mission now is to raise the funds these specialists need to find a cure.”

  Secretary of the Australian Sarcoma Group and Hannah’s surgeon, Dr Peter Steadman, lauded Hannah’s courage and vision and her family’s commitment to create real and continuing value from Hannah’s life and struggle with cancer.

  Encouraging everyone to contribute to the Hannah’s Chance Foundation, Dr Steadman explained:

  “Sarcoma is the most aggressive primary cancer with an overall 50 per cent mortality or survival rate at five years.

  “Sarcoma is rare by the prolific standards of the most common cancers including breast and prostate and hence has trouble attracting research funding from governments to find a cure with such small patient numbers.

  “We understand how to treat sarcoma with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which has improved survival considerably from 20 per cent to 50 per cent. However, this has not progressed over more than the last decade due to a lack of high level research. Sarcoma is still not a well understood cancer. Due to the lack of research funding significant advances in sarcoma care to improve outcome and survival are not being made.

  “There are five specialised surgical units across the country with their oncology support services. In Queensland, The Wesley Hospital is the primary centre.

  “Research into any sarcoma will benefit all sarcoma patients as there are significant similarities between all types of sarcomas.

  “The conference at The Wesley Research Institute this weekend will be attended by 50 of the most contemporary sarcoma treatment specialists from across Australia with a visiting sarcoma specialist, Dr Bob Maki, from the USA. His visit ensures Australia remains on a world platform by facilitating education and information exchange. This exchange of information and ideas improves care by international benchmarking and places a focus on research and treatment. The aim is to improve care for everyone in Hannah's position in Australia and around the world.

  “On a personal note, Hannah was a pleasure to treat and I found her exceptionally brave throughout her illness. She remained calm despite facing adversity. She was a stable influence on all around her despite her severe illness. She had always hoped to be a model and despite her progressive decline, never gave up on that dream.

  “From my experience cancer has the capacity to bring out great emotional strength in people as they face the greatest challenge of their life, certainly Hannah was no different, however exceptional in her maturity and calmness,” Dr Steadman said.

  Donations to Hannah’s Chance Foundation can be made through a link on the Institute’s homepage at www.wesleyresearch.org.au or by contacting 07 3232 7264 during business hours.

  About sarcoma

  Sarcoma is a cancer of the connective or supportive tissue, which includes bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, and soft tissue. There are currently about 250 diagnosed sarcoma cases in Queensland every year.

  Sarcomas are given a number of different names, based on the type of tissue from which they arise. For example, osteosarcoma arises from bone, chondrosarcoma from cartilage, and leiomyosarcoma from smooth muscle.

  About The Wesley Research Institute

  The Wesley Research Institute is a leading medical research institute with a unique focus on the immediate improvement in patient care, easing pain and suffering, and improving quality of life through better diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

  The Wesley Research Institute is based at The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane, which is one of the largest private hospitals in Australia. It is part of the UnitingCare and UnitingCare Health family.

  Since 1991, the Institute has also managed a foundation called the Justin Cameron Cancer Care Foundation. Justin Cameron suffered from Ewings sarcoma and passed away 13 days shy of his 17th birthday. This is the same sarcoma that Hannah’s husband, Tom O’Driscoll, suffered from. Fortunately, Tom is in remission.

• Project targets first significant osteosarcoma advance in 20 years

  The Wesley Research Institute announces the funding of a major research project aimed at developing the first significant new treatment for osteosarcoma in 20 years.

  Osteosarcoma is the second most common primary cancer of the bone and the sixth most common type of cancer in children. Most patients afflicted by this disease are only in their teens and currently about 30 per cent of these patients will not survive this aggressive cancer.

  Chief Investigator of the project, Dr Scott Sommerville, said the new research offered enormous hope to those osteosarcoma sufferers who do not respond to traditional drug therapy and have no other curative options available to them.

  “This project may lead to the first new treatment for osteosarcoma since the development of adjuvant chemotherapy. It is a tremendous step forward and, clinically, very important,” Dr Sommerville said.

  “The primary cause of death is metastasis, or spread of the cancer. This project aims to treat osteosarcoma patients before cancer spreads to other parts of the body.”

  The Wesley Research Institute previously provided seed funding for the researchers to perform a comprehensive genetic analysis of a number of patient tumours.

  They identified a gene that was expressed, to different degrees, in patients’ tumours when they were first diagnosed.

  The level of expression allowed the researchers to predict, with 93 per cent accuracy, those patients whose primary cancer would subsequently spread. Significantly, their preliminary data also indicated that this gene is likely to be actively involved in regulating cancer spread.

  The current project will determine whether the protein product of this gene is responsible for metastasis of the cancer. If positive, it will represent a viable therapeutic target to treat osteosarcoma patients before cancer spreads to other parts of the body and may also be applicable to other types of sarcoma.

  Hannah Ciobo, daughter of Australian swimming great Tracey Wickham, recently passed away from an aggressive sarcoma at 19 years of age.

  The Wesley Research Institute was asked by Hannah’s family to establish, in her memory, the Hannah’s Chance Foundation to fund future research projects into her rare cancer.

  Donations to Hannah’s Chance Foundation can be made through a link on the Institute’s homepage at www.wesleyresearch.org.au or by contacting 07 3232 7264 during business hours.

  The Wesley Research Institute is a leading medical research facility with a unique focus on the immediate improvement in patient care, easing pain and suffering and quality research that aims to improve quality of life through better diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

September 2007

• The Wesley Research Institute launches new Community Service Announcement

  The Wesley Research Institute’s new Community Service Announcement (CSA), proudly supported by 7 News, was launched at a special function held at the Institute on 13 September 2007.

  Titled ‘Time’, the CSA is designed to help communicate the Institute’s unique mission of making a difference today to people’s lives through medical research.

  Professor Julie Campbell AO, Director of The Wesley Research Institute, said the CSA would be an excellent awareness tool to help promote the Institute’s important research and raise valuable funds.

  “The Institute is expanding extremely rapidly in terms of its physical infrastructure and number of research projects and clinical trials,” she said.

  “The release of this CSA is very timely to help us on this important journey and we are very grateful to all the talented companies and individuals who helped create the advertisement for their expertise and community mindedness.”

  The CSA was made with the generous support of Mitchell and Partners, Cummins and Partners, and Brendan Williams Films who all donated their time and skills to produce the advertisement.

  The CSA features a voiceover from the Institute’s Ambassador, Rod Young from 7 News, and is being screened on Channel 7.

  Please click here to see the CSA.

• Rod Young from 7 News appointed Ambassador of The Wesley Research Institute

  7 News presenter Rod Young was today appointed the official Ambassador of The Wesley Research Institute.

  The position has been created for Rod to recognise the outstanding work that he has done and continues to undertake on behalf of the Institute.

  The Ambassadorship was bestowed on Rod at a special ceremony held at the Institute in Auchenflower today.

  Presenting Rod with the official Ambassador credentials, Professor Julie Campbell AO, Director of The Wesley Research Institute, said: “Rod has constantly promoted the unique mission of the Institute to improve patient care through practical medical research that helps people now.”

  “He has shown that he is completely committed to the Institute’s motto of ‘Making a difference today’.”

  On accepting the award Rod said today; “I have been hugely impressed with the increasing benefits that The Wesley Research Institute’s research is bringing to ordinary people, easing pain and suffering, getting people back to their families and communities as soon as possible, and improving their quality of life and helping them to live normally again.”

  “This is very practical, down-to-earth medical research that really works.

  “This is why I’m very proud to accept the position of Ambassador and I will do all I can to make sure people are aware of the Institute and its important work,” he said.

  Rod Young’s appointment as Ambassador coincided with the launch of the Institute’s new community service announcement (CSA), which is proudly sponsored by Channel 7.

  The CSA features a voiceover from Rod and was made with the generous support of Mitchell and Partners, Cummins and Partners and Brendan Williams Films who all donated their time and expertise to produce the advertisement.

  The first scheduled screening of the CSA will be on Thursday evening exclusively on Channel 7.

August 2007

• Scouting a better future

  In a special announcement today by Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, The Wesley Research Institute was declared the recipient of a major fundraising project by Scouts Queensland to celebrate 100 years of Scouting in Queensland and Australia in 2008.

  Chief Commissioner of Scouts Queensland, Mr Maurice Law AM, said the project would allow Scouts all over Queensland to make a positive and lasting difference to their local, state, national and international community.

  “All Scouts promise to do their best to serve the community and what better way for Queensland Scouts to celebrate their centenary year than by supporting Queensland based medical research,” Mr Law said.

  The Wesley Research Institute conducts research that focuses on immediate improvements to patient care and quality of life. The Institute’s clinical and applied research aims to discover, test and refine new techniques for better diagnosis and treatment of illness and disease.

  The Institute’s researchers are doctors, nurses and health professionals throughout Queensland who work directly with patients to help alleviate pain and suffering, while making a lasting difference to health care practices for future generations.

  Professor Julie Campbell AO, FAA, Director of The Wesley Research Institute, said the funds raised by the Scouts will improve the lives of thousands of people across Australia and around the world.

  “The Wesley Research Institute is extremely grateful to Scouts Queensland for their generous support,” Professor Campbell said.

  “Scouts Queensland joins us in our mission to make a real and immediate difference to the those affected by illness and disease.

  “Without support from insightful organisations like Scouts Queensland, the next breakthrough is further away.”

  Next year marks the centenary of Australian Scouting, and to commemorate this wonderful accomplishment the Federal Government has announced that 2008 will officially be “The Year of the Scout”.

  Mr Law said that all Queensland Scouts would be issued a challenge of raising $100 each towards the Centenary Project over the course of next year.

  “If we meet this target we can raise well in excess of $1million for a very worthwhile cause and through our support we will have done something in our centenary year that has the potential to last forever,” Mr Law said.

  2007 has marked a centenary of world Scouting, and a parade and activity day will be held in the City and South Bank this Saturday 4 August 2007 to celebrate this milestone.

  Over 5000 Scouts from all over Queensland will take part in the parade and activities. For more information call 07 3870 7000.

  The Wesley Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation located in the grounds of The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane.

July 2007

• Institute funds two new research projects

  The Institute is pleased to announce the recent funding of two new research projects:

  • Dr Scott Sommerville - Preventing the spread of bone cancer.
    
    This project may lead to the first new treatment for osteosarcoma since the development of adjuvant chemotherapy. Osteosarcoma is the second most common primary cancer of the bone.
  
  
  

  • Professor Michael Schuetz - Prevention of bacterial bone infections
    
    Bacterial bone infections are a major complication in the treatment of bone fractures. This project aims to demonstrate that novel antibiotic coatings on the surface of orthopaedic implants will dramatically reduce the rate of infection following surgery.

  In addition to these recently funded projects, there are a further nine projects under consideration.

• A Lasting Legacy

  Peter Vamvakaris, well-known Sunnybank Hills based Property Consultant and Celebrity Auctioneer, has focused his support on breast cancer research at The Wesley Research Institute in memory of his late wife Nina.

  The Wesley Research Institute, in gratitude for Peter and Nina’s long-term support, dedicated part of its premises to Nina’s memory earlier this month.

  “I was extremely surprised and grateful to receive this wonderful honour,” Peter said.

  “Nina didn’t make it, but through medical research we can make a huge difference to the lives of so many people. This is why I am so passionately committed.”

  “I am extremely pleased that I am able to make a difference to the lives of many other breast cancer sufferers by supporting research which focuses on faster, more accurate diagnosis and better quality of life.”

  Professor Julie Campbell AO, Director of The Wesley Research Institute, said that a plaque at the Institute will ensure that Nina’s memory lives on.

  “The Institute is distinguished by its emphasis on improving the lives of patients in the here and now, so people like Peter can make an enormous and immediate difference to the lives of so many.”

  Peter is widely recognised for his charitable celebrity auctioneering in Brisbane, as well as his tireless fundraising efforts with a group of dedicated volunteers called Heartbeats.

  The Wesley Research Institute is a leading medical research facility with a commitment to patient care, ethical conduct and quality research that aims to improve quality of life through better diagnosis and treatment.

June 2007

• Leader in cancer treatment awarded for outstanding contribution to nutrition and dietetics

  Dr Judy Bauer AdvAPD, a researcher from Auchenflower’s Wesley Research Institute, has been awarded an Acknowledgment of Outstanding Contribution by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

  Dr Bauer was instrumental in the development of evidence based guidelines for the management of cancer cachexia as a member of the Cancer Cachexia Steering Committee. She was successful in getting the guidelines published as a supplement to the Nutrition and Dietetics Journal and has presented workshops on the guidelines at many conferences.

  DAA President, Julie Hulcombe, said, “Dr Judy Bauer is a leader in the area of cancer cachexia and her contribution to the Association and the profession is recognised nationally and internationally.”

  Cachexia is characterised by decreased appetite and loss of lean tissue and body fat, and changes to body metabolism. Cachexia is very common in people suffering pancreatic, lung, gastric and colorectral cancer which significantly impairs their ability to fight the disease.

  Dr Bauer’s current research through The Wesley Research Institute aims to develop a new nutrition treatment standard for patients with gynaecological cancer. Past research has suggested 67 per cent of women undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for ovarian cancer are malnourished, and as many die from wasting associated with severe malnutrition as from the cancer itself.

  Dr Bauer is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD), a credential that recognises professional leaders in their field of nutrition and dietetics. She is also a Smart State Clinical Research Fellow, Adjunct Associate Professor at the Queensland University of Technology and head of The Wesley Hospital Nutrition Department.

  “I am delighted to accept this award from DAA. I am also pleased to say that there has been strong national and international interest in implementation of the cancer cachexia guidelines since their publication,” Dr Bauer said.

  “Hopefully this will mean that people from all over the world who suffer from cancer cachexia will have access to improved treatment and have better quality of life.”

  The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the professional body representing dietitians nationally. Dietitians are experts in nutrition and a public guarantee of this expertise is provided through the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) program – a national system for recognition of professionals who have the qualifications and expertise to provide expert nutrition and dietary advice.

  The Wesley Research Institute is a leading medical research facility with a commitment to patient care, ethical conduct and quality research that aims to improve quality of life through better diagnosis and treatment.

• Brisbane researchers tackle cervical cancer in Vanuatu

  In a project funded by the Wesley Research Institute, Brisbane researchers are in Vanuatu studying low cost means to reduce the fatal effects of cervical cancer.

  Cervical cancer is a major problem in Vanuatu and other developing nations but lack of funding prevents women from having routine PAP smears.

  Wesley Research Institute researchers, led by Chief Investigators Dr Margaret McAdam and Dr Scott Kitchener, are studying a rapid, low cost method of detection of cervical cancer in women from the island nation. This method is called VIA/VILI.

  “Women in whom cervical cancer is detected are offered immediate treatment and as a result many women have already had their lives saved,” Dr McAdam said.

  “Initial results are positive which means that there is every chance the technique can be used to save countless more lives in other developing countries.”

  The project, in addition to evaluating VIA/VILI, will also teach local nurses to conduct the screening and treatment process themselves, and develop appropriate training and educational materials for the local women and nurses.

  Drs McAdam and Kitchener are working with other distinguished researchers and clinicians including Professor Ian Frazer, the 2006 Australian of the Year, who led the team that developed a cervical cancer vaccine.

  Director of The Wesley Research Institute, Professor Julie Campbell AO, said the project is typical of the Institute’s focus on immediate improvements for patients and collaborative research.

  “Linked with Professor Frazer’s proposed vaccination study, this project will provide a comprehensive model of cervical cancer screening and prevention in Vanuatu.

  “There is currently no cervical cancer screening program in Vanuatu, resulting in the loss of many lives. The cost-effective VIA/VILI method means that countries like Vanuatu need not wait for their health infrastructure to approach that of an industrialised nation but can start saving lives immediately.”

  This project would not be possible without the invaluable assistance of Sullivan & Nicolaides Pathology, QML, World Couriers, and Brisbane clinicians such as Dr Graham Tronc, Dr Bob Watson, Dr Dan O’Connor and Dr Rob McKimm, who kindly donated their time and skills.

  The Wesley Research Institute is a leading medical research facility with a commitment to patient care, ethical conduct and quality research that aims to improve quality of life through better diagnosis and treatment.

• Wesley Research Institute study targets pharmacists to help diabetes sufferers

  A new Wesley Research Institute project aims to make it much easier for people to manage their Type 2 Diabetes by using community pharmacists.

  There are more than one million Australians with Type 2 Diabetes who are at an increased risk of developing serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.

  Chief investigator of the project, Mr David Brand of The Wesley Pharmacy, said this study had the potential to benefit sufferers by enabling them to better understand and manage their own blood glucose levels, thus helping to prevent long-term health problems.

  “With around 600 new cases of diabetes diagnosed every week in Australia, it is imperative that we continue to look for better, more user friendly ways of managing this condition,” he said.

  “A major problem in Type 2 Diabetes management is the lack of understanding of how lifestyle influences day to day variations in blood glucose levels. If the particular cause of the unhealthy level is better understood, it may be corrected through lifestyle changes.”

  Funded by the MBF Foundation, the project is providing participants with education and advice about the control of their blood glucose levels based on individual glucose meter uploads during the day. The study will then determine whether lifestyle advice from pharmacists has a positive impact on participants' glycaemic control.

  “Educating pharmacists to help people manage their diabetes may be one way to reduce the burden of Type 2 Diabetes on our health care system,” Mr Brand said.

  Type 2 Diabetes sufferer Ms Deborah Lennon said that being able to access advice from pharmacists would be extremely beneficial in the management of her diabetes.

  “It is quite difficult and expensive to get an appointment to see my GP so to be able to access a pharmacist for advice and information would be absolutely brilliant,” she said.

  “I have had Type 2 Diabetes for five years now and as I get older I know the risks of harmful outcomes from the disease increase. I believe that having my local pharmacist help monitor my blood glucose levels would enable me to take greater control of my condition and improve my overall health.”

  It is hoped that the year long study will lead to new Australia-wide treatment standards for Type 2 Diabetes where patients and pharmacists work together to manage the disease.

  The Wesley Research Institute is a leading medical research facility with a commitment to patient care, ethical conduct and quality research that aims to improve quality of life through better diagnosis and treatment.

May 2007

• Celebrities step out for charity

  The generosity of the Western suburbs had a chance to shine at the second annual Westside Walk on Friday 18 May 2007.

  The event, an initiative of Volunteering Queensland and Quest Newspapers, involved celebrities, politicians and school children coming together in a walk from the City to Brookfield to raise valuable funds for 10 not-for-profit organisations in the area including The Wesley Research Institute.

  The walkers visited some of the charities as well as local landmarks, businesses and schools on their epic journey. They made a pit-stop at The Wesley Research Institute for a sausage sizzle lunch.

  Walkers included Channel 7 newsreader Rod Young, whose enthusiasm made for very generous retailers and shoppers along the way.

  “The Westside Walk is a great opportunity for me to raise awareness of the benefits of walking and give local charity a boost,’” Rod said.

  The Wesley Research Institute wishes to express its sincere thanks to all involved in making the day such a wonderful and worthwhile event.

• 2007 BIO International Convention

  The Wesley Research Institute was recently invited to contribute to the 2007 BIO International Convention, produced by the Biotechnology Industry Organisation (BIO), held in Boston, Massachusetts in the USA.

  The Convention is the world's largest event for the biotechnology industry. The Institute’s world-class Clinical Trials Centre formed part of the Queensland Clinical Trials Network (QCTN) trade display, which focused on forging partnerships with national and international research organisations.

  Premier Peter Beattie, a great supporter of the event, was in attendance visiting Queensland delegates. The Smart State Government has invested a significant amount in the Queensland Biotechnology industry including the Institute’s own competitively won grants totalling $12.42 million. The construction of the Institute’s dedicated Clinical Trials Centre formed part of this funding.

  Officially opened by the Premier in March 2007, the Centre provides the resources to facilitate the development and evaluation of new medical treatments, and the progression of innovative new clinical procedures.

  The event proved successful in helping to recognise Brisbane and the Institute as a competitive destination for undertaking clinical research.

• Car Run for Research

  On Sunday 20 May you can get all revved up at the 9th Annual Topless Car Run, supporting breast cancer and cardiac research at The Wesley Research Institute, Auchenflower.

  Anyone who can drive can participate in the event and bring along friends, family members, and colleagues for a great day out supporting a very worthwhile cause.

  For Peter Vamvakaris, one of the Topless Car Run organisers and long-standing supporter of the Institute, this year’s event is particularly meaningful having lost his wife Nina from breast cancer in February this year. Read more >>

April 2007

• Cure for Cancer one step closer

  The cure for cancer is one step closer this week with the first collections of cancer tissue taking place at the new Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank.

  The Tissue Bank is the first of its kind in Queensland to provide a widely available and diversified collection of ethically consented and clinically annotated tissue, helping to unravel the cause, progression and potential treatment for cancer and other diseases.

  Professor Julie Campbell AO, Director of The Wesley Research Institute, said the current absence of large, high quality cancer tissue and blood collections with clinical data is a major barrier to improving care of cancer patients. Read more >>

• Queensland Cardiology Symposium 2007

  The Queensland Cardiology Symposium for 2007 recently took place at the Sheraton Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast.

  Director of The Wesley Research Institute, Professor Julie Campbell and Institute researcher, Dr David Cross, formed part of the organising committee for the event which presented important advancements in cardiovascular research from across Queensland.

  Dr Ben Goss, an Institute researcher examining cardiovascular complications resulting from hip replacement surgery presented his latest findings at the two-day conference.

March 2007

• New Centre to expand The Wesley Research Institute

  A new state-of-the-art Health and Medical Research Centre will create a world-class research precinct at The Wesley Hospital.

  Research will concentrate on urgent and emerging challenges in the areas of preventative health care, child and youth health and aged care.

  This Centre, part of The Wesley Research Institute’s rapidly growing research facilities, will be situated on the top floor of a new development on The Wesley Hospital campus announced on Monday. Read more >>

• Women In Business reward research

  A Western Suburbs scientist was last night recognised at the 2007 Queensland Women in Business Awards for her outstanding 35-year contribution to research.

  Professor Julie Campbell AO, Director of The Wesley Research Institute, won the Public and Not-for-Profit category of the Awards for her outstanding contribution to cardiovascular research, her success in obtaining competitive grants for the Institute, and her passion, drive and determination for learning and teaching the wonders of science.

  Professor Campbell said she was extremely honoured to receive the award, which she owes in part to her very supportive family and colleagues. Read more >>

• Official Opening of The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank and Clinical Trials Centre

  The Premier of Queensland, Mr Peter Beattie, officially opened two new Wesley Research Institute facilities that will provide a significant boost to Queensland medical research on Tuesday 6 March.

  The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank and the new Clinical Trials Centre will contribute directly to state and national research priority areas of cancer research, preventative healthcare, and development of emerging healthcare technologies. Read more >>

February 2007

• Symposium on Motor Neurone Disease

  The Wesley Research Institute held a symposium titled ‘Motor Neurone Disease – Benchtop to Bedside’, proudly sponsored by ResMed, on Tuesday 20 February.

  More than 300 clinicians, allied health professionals, and scientists attended the event, which addressed the diagnosis, care and genetic components of Motor Neurone Disease. The Hon Dianne Reilly MP, State Member for Mudgeeraba and Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, was in attendance.

  Chair of The Wesley Research Institute’s Research Committee and the symposium, Dr Pamela McCombe, said the evening was to discuss research findings that may improve the care of patients with this tragic disease that is so costly to the Queensland community.

  Speakers included experts in the field of motor neurone disease from the University of Queensland, the Queensland Brain Institute, Blue Care Queensland and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Prince Charles Hospital.

January 2007

• Institute funds four new research projects

  The findings from these new projects by Wesley physicians will lead to improved treatment for patients.

  • Dr Glen Gole - Understanding the pathology of a common eye disorder of children
  • Dr Alan Porter - More accurate diagnosis of a common type of breast cancer
  • Dr Scott Kitchener - Rapid, low cost detection of cervical cancer in women in a developing nation
  • Dr John Allan - Asymptomatic upper genital tract infections in infertile couples and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes

  Congratulations to the successful applicants whose projects will commence 1 January 2007.

• 2007 Justin Cameron Cancer Care Foundation award winner announced

  The deserving winner of the 16th annual Justin Cameron Cancer Care Foundation presentation was The Wesley Research Institute’s recently established Tissue Bank.

  The Tissue Bank will collect cancer specimens to help researchers worldwide unlock the mysteries of diseases, especially cancer.

  The largest facility of its kind in Queensland, the Tissue Bank will use state-of-the-art technology to provide researchers with an invaluable resource for investigating the origins and development of cancer and other diseases.

  Tissue Bank Manager, Wendy-Jane Murray, gratefully accepted the award at a presentation on 10 January 2007.

  The Wesley Research Institute administers the Justin Cameron Cancer Care Foundation in memory of Justin Cameron who lost his fight against Ewings Sarcoma at age 16. The bursaries are announced each year on 10 January, the anniversary of Justin’s birthday.

December 2006

• Quiet achiever wins Premier’s Award for Outstanding Service

  Mrs Joan Webber, President of The Wesley Hospital Auxiliary, was recently honoured with a Premier’s Award for Queensland Seniors, for her 41 years of outstanding voluntary service to the community.

  Mrs Webber’s introduction to volunteering began in 1965 and since then she has been instrumental in raising funds at The Wesley Hospital to fund infrastructure and to acquire vital medical equipment. Read more >>

• Anthony Warlow visits The Wesley Research Institute

  Anthony Warlow, one of Australia’s greatest entertainers, visited The Wesley Research Institute on Friday 1 December 2006.

  Drawing on his personal experience battling lymphoma in the 1990s, Anthony delivered a heartfelt address to a number of people involved in cancer related research at the Institute, as well as a groups of cancer patients.

  Anthony is a strong supporter of medical research and expressed a keen interest in the Institute’s hands-on research, which is dedicated to improving patient care and easing pain and suffering.

  Institute Director, Professor Julie Campbell, was delighted by his visit.

  “While we are investigating causes and treatments for disease, we are grateful for people like Anthony Warlow for sharing their personal stories of heartache and triumph over cancer… this helps to raise awareness, funds and lifts the spirit of so many people’, she said.

  Special thanks go to Councillor Judy Magub who greatly assisted the Institute by sponsoring this event.

• Wesley Research Clinical Trials Centre and Tissue Bank construction completed

  Construction of The Wesley Research Institute’s Clinical Trials Centre and Tissue Bank was recently completed in December 2006.

  The Wesley Research Institute Clinical Trials Centre is a purpose-built and designed facility dedicated to conducting clinical trials. The Centre will ensure patients have access to the latest, most advanced drugs and treatments and provide clinicians with a comprehensive range of resources to help build a healthier community.

  The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank will collect cancer specimens to help researchers worldwide unlock the mysteries of diseases, especially cancer. The largest facility of its kind in Queensland, the Tissue Bank will use state-of-the-art technology to provide researchers with an invaluable resource for investigating the origins and development of cancer and other diseases.

  The official opening of these facilities with Premier Peter Beattie will take place on 6 March 2007.

• Study boosts breast cancer patients’ quality of life

  A group of doctors at The Wesley Research Institute is conducting groundbreaking research as part of an Australian and New Zealand study that has the potential to dramatically reduce the pain and suffering of women with early breast cancer. Read more >>

November 2006

• Wesley Research bowled over by cricket

  In a world first, 3 Mobile Ashes Series Monopoly has arrived in SuperCheap Auto stores nationwide from 23 November 2006. So, for just the roll of the dice, cricket’s ultimate prize – the Ashes – could be yours!

  This Cricket Australia Charity Edition is an exciting new version of the world’s favourite board game, and will no doubt be one of the most wanted gifts this Christmas. Read more >>

• 2006 Institute Achievements Dinner

  Celebrating the road ahead ... and our journey so far.

  The second annual Institute Achievements Dinner, proudly sponsored by Pfizer, was held at Hillstone, St Lucia on Wednesday 22 November and proved to be a great success.

  The Institute paid tribute to the doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who are improving clinical practices through medical research at the Institute. The extremely generous individuals and companies who support our research were also recognised at the event.

  It was a wonderful evening of fine food and wine, with Rod Young from Channel Seven as the MC, entertainment from emerging talented new artist Anthony Snape and an exciting jazz performance from the Claire Walters Quartet.

  Congratulations to Dr Bob Long who was presented with The Wesley Research Institute’s 2006 Researcher of the Year Award at the event.

September 2006

• Queensland Monopoly a great success!

  The Wesley Research Institute, along with The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, were the proud beneficiaries of sales of a limited edition Queensland Monopoly Board Game.

  Our special thanks to McGuinness McDermott, Channel Seven Brisbane, B105, The Courier-Mail, Video Ezy, SuperCheap Auto, to all the other sponsors, and to everybody who purchased games. Thank you for your generous support!

• A passion for fashion

  On Wednesday 20 September 2006, Chalk Hotel at Woolloongabba was the only place to be for a fashionable fundraiser, featuring clothes by Brisbane designer Sacha Drake.

  Red carpet… cocktails… fashion… art… jazz … this event had it all and proved to be a wonderful success raising more than $8,000, which will be applied directly to funding the Institute’s research projects.

  Channel Seven’s Sofie Formica compered the event which will also featured raffle and auction items including a race day prize pack, tickets to Chalk Hotel’s Melbourne Cup function, and two tickets to the sold-out first Ashes test.

  A big thank you to all those who came along and glammed it up on the night in support of our research. Our special thanks goes to Chalk Hotel and Sacha Drake for making the night possible.

August 2006

• $10 million investment in research to improve health care

  A $10 million grant from the State Government will help create a world-class research precinct that will lead the way in taking scientific discoveries from the lab to the bedside. Read more >>

• Nutrition linked to better outcomes for cancer patients

  Research conducted through The Wesley Research Institute by nutrition expert Dr Judy Bauer has earned international recognition for its findings that better nutrition can improve a range of outcomes for cancer patients. Read more >>

June 2006

• Director receives AO

  Director of The Wesley Research Institute, Professor Julie Campbell, was awarded an Office of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her distinguished service to science and education in Australia. Read more >>

• Professor Campbell to lead science curriculum in Australian primary schools

  Professor Campbell has been appointed honorary Secretary for Education and Public Awareness of the Australian Academy of Science. In this role she is responsible for implementing a new inquiry-based science education program, Primary Connections: Linking Science with Literacy, in primary schools across the country.

June 2006

• The Atlantic Philanthropies grants $10M to The Wesley Research Institute

  The Atlantic Philanthropies will grant $10M to The Wesley Research Institute based in Brisbane. Read more >>

• The Wesley Research Institute to receive first Smart State Tissue Bank

  Premier Peter Beattie announced during his recent US trade mission that The Wesley Research Institute will receive $1.42 million from the Smart State Research Facilities Fund to establish a world-class tissue bank that will allow Queensland researchers to study a diverse collection of cancer tissues. Read more >>

• Board Member receives AM

  Mrs Rosalie Martin has been appointed as a Member in the Order of Australia (AM) for her outstanding contribution and achievement in the fields of medical research, education and training, financial markets, and the arts. Read more >>

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