Chris O’Brien Lifehouse’s new institute to accelerate cancer research, improve patient care

A leading Sydney cancer institute has unveiled an institute that accelerates research and treats patients like “family”.

The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse has unveiled a research institute that aims to advance cancer treatment and improve patient results to become a “powerhouse” in the medical field.

The institute aims to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and patient treatment while collaborating with universities to discover treatments and open “the doors to increased funding opportunities”.

Patient of the new institute, Melanie McQuire, who was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer two years ago, said the treatment centre made her feel as if she was a part of a family.

“The medical staff from the whole range – my oncologist, my surgeon, the psychologist, the acupuncturist – they offer you everything there and they get to know you, I’ve never felt like a number,” she said.

“You have a whole team of people that have the best of everything working together there.

Melanie McQuire is recovering from ovarian cancer.

“They knew everything about me before they operated, they made sure everything was personalised and that I was fully prepared, which isn't always the case for some other facilities.’’

Lifehouse chief clinical officer and research director Professor Lisa Horvath said the institute investigated about 50 new projects a year.

“We have amazing consumer partners who help us remain focused on our patients because without the patients this is just knowledge,” she said.

“Without the patients what we do isn't progress and what this institute aims to do is accelerate progress in cancer research.”

The institute is also researching new 3D-printed custom-made jaw implants and investigating nerve damage caused by chemotherapy.