Thank you for taking the time to visit the LICR Melbourne Centre web site. The information introduces how our fundamental laboratory investigations are integrated with translational research, which is crucial to our ability to take our scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic.

The Melbourne Centre continues to make substantial achievements in both clinical and basic science research areas. Our laboratory studies focus on exploring cancer antigen function and targeting, cancer vaccination, antibody structure and function, the identification and characterization of cellular networks that promote the survival and/or growth of cancer cells, molecular imaging, dendritic cell biology and T cell immunology. Our tissue bank program has continued to expand and is now part of Victorian Cancer Research Tissue Bank Consortium (VCTRB).

Observations from a vaccine trial of a protein based vaccine NY-ESO-1 ISCOMATRIX®, which we have conducted in collaboration with CSL Ltd, are now being extended in multi-site International trials in patients with malignant melanoma to test the clinical efficacy of this vaccine. During 2006, it was announced that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has licensed a substantial portfolio of tumor-specific antigens from LICR including NY-ESO-1. The licensing agreement follows a long-standing collaboration between both parties on GSK’s investigational MAGE-A3 Antigen.

Phase I clinical trials with recombinant antibodies cG250 (renal cancer) and hu3S193 (colon, lung and breast cancer) and the novel anti-EGFR antibody ch806 have been completed and a trial investigating huA33 radioimmunotherapy with capecitabine (colon cancer) is ongoing and shows encouraging results. The A33 and 806 antibodies were recently licensed exclusively to Life Sciences Pharmaceuticals, which is working closely with LICR investigators to develop the antibodies’ commercial potential. The hu3S193 antibody is also the subject of an exclusive option and license agreement with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals to generate and investigate antibody-targeted chemotherapy in advanced solid tumours.

During 2006 the Institute has continued its partnership with Austin Health for the creation and fundraising for the new Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, which will incorporate Institute laboratory research and clinical programs. This is a major initiative that will provide a world class environment for our research, as well as providing the highest quality care for cancer patients.

Professor Andrew Scott
Director
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
Melbourne Centre for Clinical Sciences