Maximising benefits for cancer patients
We identify untapped potential. Opportunities in cancer research can easily be identified using common sense and scientific evidence, potentially leading to pragmatic solutions for patients in need.
Improving survival rates
While breast cancer median survival time has risen 10-fold over the last 30 years, survival time of other cancers like pancreas and brain has barely shown any progression.
We want cancer patients to live longer with an acceptable quality of life. Our priority is to make a real impact on their lifespans by identifying and pursuing the most significant research steps forward. Prognosis varies widely across types of cancer, with some cancers better understood or easier to eradicate. However, higher patient counts trigger the availability of and investment in treatment options. The improvement of cancer survival rates over the last several decades has been unequal.
More patients, greater attention, more research
Our choice of research projects revolves around the specific goal of adding months or years to survival time. Although all progress is worthwhile, the Anticancer Fund maintains a critical overview of the added value of new drugs and treatments to maximise returns on investment for patients.
Increasing cure rate
It goes without saying that our ultimate dream is to discover the cure for cancer. As scientists, we are aware of the growing complexity and variety of cancer and acknowledge the fact that the ‘magic bullet’ of cancer treatment is extremely unlikely to be developed. The biology of cancer malignance pushes the boundaries of our scientific understanding. In the face of cancer’s resourcefulness in defeating therapies, the feasibility of our dream remains an open question.
Preventing recurrence is the main strategy for higher cure rates. With 90% of deaths resulting from tumor recurrence and metastasis, a primary cancer that is eradicated and prevented from returning, is considered cured.
Emphasising quality of life
The potential of a treatment is not simply defined by survival rate. True patient centeredness revolves around quality of life as another key indicator of treatment effectiveness, with treatment toxicity and side-effects fully considered.
Patient needs are extremely important to us. We listen carefully to the personal experiences and priorities of each individual cancer patient, as we believe that giving patients the freedom to make informed choices is to recognise their rights.
Our current focus areas
-
Drug repurposing
Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning, is a drug development strategy predicated on the reuse of existing...
-
Less common and rare cancers
We don’t just focus on the ‘big four’ of cancer – prostate, colon, breast and lung. We also investigate new treatment...
-
Combination therapies
It is important to investigate the impacts of drugs beyond what they can achieve alone. Using them in combination...
-
Preventing tumour recurrence
For cancer survivors, the fight isn’t always over. Many are concerned about the possibility of recurrence, and living...
Our views on treating cancer
OUR PROMISE
-
We invest in the most promising research to make measurable progress in the fight against cancer. -
We strive to improve survival and quality of life, financial return is not within the scope of our activities. -
We identify untapped potential in cancer research leading to pragmatic solutions for patients in need. -
We seek impact and we invest our resources where we believe we can make the most progress. -
Every cancer deserves the same attention, regardless of prevalence or profitability.