Unique research lab in Clayton aiming to cure children’s cancer

What began as a wish by three Victorian families to renovate a hospital ward has become a multimillion-dollar charity aiming to find a cure for childhood cancer.

In an Australian-first, a childhood cancer research laboratory has opened in Clayton and it has big plans.

Funded by the My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, it aims to cure childhood cancer.

Located at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, the My Room laboratory head and inaugural fellow Jason Cain believes the goal is achievable.

Professor Jason Cain with Eli, 7, in the new laboratory at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research funded by My Room Children’s Cancer Charity. Picture: Aaron Francis

“We 100 per cent want to find a cure for childhood cancer. We are working towards that,” Prof Cain said.

A highly regarded scientist at the forefront of sarcoma research for children, he says to have his work and laboratory funded for the next five years with the $2.5m gift from the charity is not only generous, but has the potential to change the course of research in this field.

“It means we can continue to do the research that we want to do because if we don’t have the funding it stops. It is as simple as that,” Prof Cain said.

“It also allows us to attract new students to work on childhood cancer. A direct consequence is that we are increasing the people who are training in childhood cancer research so that has an exponential effect; the next generation who we hope will go on to have very successful careers working in childhood cancers and deliver better outcomes sooner.”

The charity was started in 1993 by the three families who were touched by childhood cancer. Since then, with the help of volunteers, they have raised over $33m.

Eli, pictured with his mum, Nelly, underwent a gruelling 501 days of chemotherapy to treat cancer, but is now ‘excellent’. Picture: Aaron Francis

“I think they are superstars,” says mum Nelly Mohibi.

In the space of a week her family’s life was turned upside down when her young son, Eli, was diagnosed with an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (a soft tissue cancer) in his bladder.

At just over a year old, Eli underwent 501 days of gruelling chemotherapy.

“It was needed because of the size and location of the tumour,” Ms Mohibi said.

“He is excellent now. A happy and sensitive seven-year-old and we are so fortunate.”

Ms Mohibi said after Eli, a budding scientist, was in remission and her life had settled, she wanted to give back.

As a volunteer she met Professor Cain through the Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium which partners with hospitals and research institutes including the Hudson.

Professor Jason Cain with Eli, Nelly and CEO of My Room Children’s Cancer Charity Margaret Zita at the Hudson Institute. Picture: Aaron Francis

My Room’s CEO Margaret Zita said the charity was proud to help create something new in the fight against childhood cancer.

“Our commitment extends beyond immediate support; we are dedicated to enhancing the long-term effects of current treatments. Each funding decision we make is fuelled by our dedication to creating lasting impact in treatment and outcomes,” Ms Zita said.

Ron Firestein, head of Hudson Institute’s Centre for Cancer Research, said survival rates for children diagnosed with sarcoma have remained stagnant for decades, and standard treatment often leaves children with lifelong adverse effects.

“With the support of My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, Assoc Prof Cain’s lab is aiming to change that,” Prof Firestein said.

At a glance

• Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children, behind accidents

• One in five children diagnosed with cancer will not survive

• For those who do, most suffer long-term disability from the toxic treatments