The Australian government will give $33 million to researchers to study rare cancers and rare diseases. The original article can be read here, at the Department of Health’s website.
Background
In the statement from the Department of Health, it says that the survival rates for certain cancers, such as bowel cancer and breast cancer, have been increasing. However, many rare cancers (for example brain and ovarian cancers) have seen less improvement. Rare cancers are now thought to cause an estimated 40% of all cancer deaths. More research needs to be carried out to fight rare cancers and create improved survival rates for patients with rare conditions.
What the Funding Will Be Used For
The funding will be used by researchers who are studying these rare cancers and rare diseases. This means that the $33 million may be used to run more clinical trials or develop new treatments. The Government is working towards improving the health of Australians and making Australia a leading country for clinical trials.
How it Works
The Department of Health’s statement says that researchers are now able to apply to the third grant round from the Medical Research Future Fund’s program that is designed to support clinical trials for rare diseases, including certain cancers, and conditions where there is a large unmet medical need.
The funding will come from the $20 billion government Medical Research Future Fund.
This follows funding of $26.6 million given in January to clinical trials studying rare diseases, rare cancers, and conditions where there is an unmet need, such as for infants who have acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and multiple sclerosis.
