Community support for critical brain cancer research

Cancer Research

People with brain cancer, their friends and families are providing essential funds to further Flinders University research that aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that control brain cancer therapies.

Formed in July 2007 by Chair Mariann McNamara in memory of her beloved husband Peter ‘Mac’ who had died of brain cancer three years earlier, the Adult Brain Cancer Support Association (ABC SA) has served as a peer support group providing help and guidance to adults diagnosed with brain cancer, along with their families, friends and carers. Driven by a number of volunteers, the contributions of Mariann, Andy and Rosel Stokes, Scott Nussey and Manny Smith have formed the backbone of the association over the past 15 years.

In February 2019, Flinders University cancer researcher Dr Noralyn Manucat-Tan and her supervisor Dr Amy Wyatt were invited to speak to ABC SA members about their ground-breaking work.

Inspired by their research, the association led community fundraising activities to support Dr Manucat-Tan’s critical studies into understanding the molecular mechanisms that control brain cancer therapies.

A group of people holding a novelty cheque

Scott Nussey, Mariann McNamara, Manny Smith, Andy Stokes and Dr Noralyn Manucat-Tan

Mariann says, “Once you have been exposed to brain cancer, one becomes very determined to find a way to stop this insidious cancer, which due to its nature and location, leaves so little for the person afflicted to look forward to.”

By November 2019 ABC SA had raised an initial $2,400 donation that enabled the start of the researchers’ investigation into the ability of drug-like compounds to inhibit the growth of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a common and aggressive type of brain tumour.

Current treatment includes brain surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapies, all of which carry serious side effects that lower a patient's quality of life – and despite treatment, most patients die within two years of diagnosis.

“The initial donation from ABC SA allowed me to generate some very exciting results,” says Dr Manucat-Tan. “The preliminary study suggested that drugs targeting a particular protein found in brain fluid can be used to influence the growth of brain cancer cells.”

Now with the second donation of $5,600 from ABC SA, Dr Manucat-Tan is now looking to expand her research using brain organoids – a life-like model to study the human disease.

ABC SA is proud that its total donation of $8,000 will help to advance our understanding of adult brain cancer therapies.

“By supporting researchers at Flinders University, we believe our donation will inspire them to bring their absolute best skills and intellect to the cause,” says Mariann. “Noralyn is fresh, keen and inspired by possibility, and we know that the University is similarly keen for this work to be successful.”

Adult Brain Cancer Support Association dedicates its donation in memory of its members who have died from brain cancer.

Researchers at Flinders University are working towards improving treatment and outcomes for many variations of cancer, you can support their work by making a donation today.

100% of your tax-deductible donation will support cancer research at Flinders University.

Donate today

_{Published 2022. Author: Lynda Allen}

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