Monash Health, in collaboration with Monash University, has launched a groundbreaking research platform that aims to revolutionise the understanding and treatment of brain tumours.
The “Brain on MoLBi” platform will collect, preserve, and analyse live brain tumour specimens, enabling researchers to develop new treatments, tailored to individual patients.
“This platform represents a significant leap forward in our fight against brain cancer,” said Dr Gwo Yaw Ho, Principal Investigator in the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health.
The platform has been made possible through a $150,000 Research Support Programme (RSP) grant from the Monash Health Department of Oncology.
“The grant allows us to accelerate our research efforts and develop new, targeted therapies that could dramatically improve patient outcomes.”
The project brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts from Monash Health and Monash University:
- Monash Health Oncology Department: Dr Gwo Yaw Ho (Study Principle Investigator and Head of Cancer Immunology Laboratory), Dr Sophia Frentzas (Early Phase Clinical Trial Lead), Dr Kate Webber (Gynae-oncology Lead), Dr Liz Ahern (Brain Tumour Lead) and A/Prof Zee Wan Wong (Director of Oncology).
- Monash University: A/Prof Josh Ooi (Head of Cell Therapy Group), Dr Pouya Faridi (Head of Antigen Discovery Laboratory) and A/Prof Tu Nguyen-Dumont (Head of Clinical Genomic laboratory).
- Department of Neurosurgery at Monash Health: Professor Justin Moore and Mr Adrian Praeger, whose expertise is crucial for high-quality sample collection and processing.
Initially focusing on patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures at Monash Health, the platform aims to establish a robust biobank of brain tumour specimens before expanding to other tumour types.
Patient recruitment is set to begin in October 2024, with the platform expected to be fully operational for tissue collection and analysis by late 2024. The first wave of research findings is anticipated by mid–2025.
