Paediatric Neuro-Oncology

Paediatric Neuro-Oncology

The Paediatric Neuro-Oncology Program is a relatively recent entity within SAHMRI’s Precision Cancer Medicine theme.

The institute’s cancer research program has evolved to include a range of specialised programs focused on subspecialty cancer groups.

This program will explore the integration of proton therapy into Australian paediatric neuro-oncology practice. It will also investigate ways to improve the quality of life for who survive childhood cancer.

The Paediatric Neuro-Oncology team will integrate advanced diagnostics and genomics partnerships to better understand outcomes of children. Other areas of interest include radiogenomics, diagnostic epigenomics and precision medicine in paediatric neuro-oncology practice.

Proton therapy is a type of radiotherapy that targets tumours with high-energy, positively-charged particles (protons). It is a more precise alternative to X-ray (photon) radiation therapy, which is more commonly used to treat cancers. The precise nature of proton therapy makes it a safer treatment option for children and adolescents since their rapidly growing and developing cells are more susceptible to damage from the radiation.

SAHMRI is part of a collaboration that is developing the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research - the first proton therapy unit in our nation and first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Program Leader

  • Affiliate Professor Jordan Hansford

    Affiliate Professor Jordan Hansford

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