Our research aims to produce outcomes that are targeted, cost effective and suitable for integration into larger nationwide cancer treatment services. The Kinghorn Cancer Centre research program aligns these multi-disciplinary research groups into a series of programs in the Garvan Institute of Medical Research that align the disease specific research groups with core expertise in laboratory science and technological advances in fields as diverse as genomics, epigenetics, mouse modelling, health economics and immunology thus maximising the impact of our work. The Haematology Research Laboratories at the Centre for Applied Medical Research (AMR) are dedicated to advancing our understanding of blood-related diseases and improving patient outcomes. The haematology team focuses on both basic and translational research, aiming to translate scientific discoveries into clinical applications that can directly benefit patients.
To achieve our research objectives, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre works in close collaboration with colleagues at centres across Sydney and a series of state-wide, national and international consortia. These currently include leading roles and collaborations with Sydney Catalyst Translational Cancer Research Centre, the International Cancer Genome Consortium, the Australian Epigenome Alliance, the Australian Prostate Cancer Collaboration, the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative, the Alliance for the Human Epigenome and Disease, the Australian and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group, the International Breast Cancer Study Group, St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research and the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group.
Research Staff
Advancing cancer research through integrated programs
At The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, our multidisciplinary team of researchers works at the intersection of laboratory science and clinical care, driving discoveries that improve cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
As a partnership between Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, TKCC brings together scientific innovation and clinical expertise under one roof. This integration accelerates the translation of research findings into practical applications for cancer patients.
Our Strategic Research Programs
Cancer Ecosystems
Co-directed by Professor Alexander Swarbrick and Professor Paul Timpson, this program investigates the complex cellular environment in which tumours develop and grow. Using advanced technologies, our researchers create detailed molecular ‘maps’ that reveal how cancer cells interact with surrounding tissues.
This research focuses primarily on breast cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer, with particular attention to fibrosis – a hardening of tissues that can inhibit the effectiveness of treatment.
Cancer Plasticity and Dormancy
Under the leadership of Associate Professor Christine Chaffer and Professor Peter Croucher, this program studies how cancer cells spread throughout the body and sometimes remain dormant before causing relapse.
By examining the interactions between cancer cells, the bone microenvironment and the immune system, our researchers aim to address the significant clinical challenge of cancer metastasis – the primary cause of cancer-related deaths.
Translational Oncology
Co-directed by Professor Anthony Joshua and Professor Marina Pajic, this program applies precision medicine approaches to transform cancer care. Through extensive clinical collaborations, our researchers employ sophisticated analytical technologies to understand cancer evolution and treatment resistance.
The program has a particular focus on cancers with poor prognoses, including pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and uveal melanoma.
Clinical trials and collaborations
TKCC houses one of Australia’s busiest Phase 1 clinical trials units and leads the New South Wales Phase 1 clinical trials consortium (NECTA). Our researchers contributed to more than 50 clinical trials in 2024 alone, spanning multiple cancer types.
These trials represent the vital link between laboratory discoveries and the future of patient care, allowing us to evaluate new treatments and approaches for several cancers, including cancers of the pancreas, breast, liver, lung, ovary and prostate.
Consumer and community involvement
People with lived experience of cancer are integral to our research process. Through our Consumer and Community Involvement in Research Program, consumers provide invaluable perspectives that shape study design, improve trial recruitment, ensure research relevance and enhance how we communicate findings.
These partnerships help ensure our work addresses the real needs of patients and their communities, leading to more meaningful outcomes. The program offers support to both researchers and community members who wish to contribute to Garvan’s cancer research, facilitating connections that strengthen the impact and relevance of our work.
Major initiatives
Breast Cancer Cell Atlas Consortium
The Breast Cancer Cell Atlas Consortium, led by Professor Alexander Swarbrick, exemplifies our global leadership in cancer research. This initiative is creating the world’s most comprehensive single-cell map of breast cancer, having sequenced over one million cells from more than 200 patient tissue samples.
AllClear program
The AllClear program, led by Associate Professor Christine Chaffer and Professor Peter Croucher, represents a landmark initiative focused on stopping breast cancer recurrence..
AllClear aims to identify and study the ‘seeds’ of relapse early, develop predictive tools for recurrence risk, and create targeted therapies to eliminate dormant cancer cells before they reawaken. This work builds on our breakthrough methods to isolate and study rare dormant cancer cells in bone tissue, potentially transforming breast cancer treatment and survival rates.
Our commitment
Our research staff combines scientific rigour with compassionate purpose. By understanding cancer at its most fundamental levels – from genetic mutations to cellular interactions – we work toward a future where all cancers can be effectively treated, controlled or prevented.
