Giving hope to people with brain cancer
![Simon Conn JAB_5632- [fb share]](https://www.flindersfoundation.org.au/app/uploads/2022/03/Simon-Conn-JAB_5632-fb-share.jpg)
Often, by the time a person is diagnosed with brain cancer, it’s too late to cure them.
It’s typically only when the cancer has progressed to a stage that it causes physical symptoms, like blurred vision, slurred speech or a lack of balance, that a person seeks medical attention.
At this point of diagnosis, the average survival time is approximately one year.
Thanks to a $200,000 grant from funds raised through Tour de Cure’s 2021 SA Discovery Tour in partnership with Flinders Foundation, Professor Simon Conn is giving hope to people with brain cancer
“Brain cancer is one of the most devastating cancers that exists,” Prof Conn said.
“In the last 30 years, there has only been a one per cent improvement in survival. That’s despite advancements in new drugs, better detection methods, better treatment options and treatment combinations, and even better trained doctors.
“So, it’s not because of a lack of attention placed on brain cancer, but we believe there hasn’t been the right questions asked yet and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Prof Conn heads up a research laboratory at the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, which is focused on brain cancer and, in particular, Glioblastoma – the most common form of brain cancer.
Inspired by the passing of a close friend and a family who tragically lost their two-year-old daughter to Glioblastoma, Prof Conn’s research is focused on earlier detection of brain cancer.
His team is studying novel molecules that have been identified as playing a role in the progression of cancer.
“Once brain cancer is there, it’s often too late. That’s why our approach to detect and diagnose brain cancer as early as possible, is really important,” Prof Conn said.
“We are looking at the therapeutic potential for these new molecules called circular RNAs, and we’re also using it as a biomarker for detecting this brain cancer as early as possible.”
Prof Conn’s team are in the early stages of developing a finger-prick test to detect molecules specific to brain tumours.
“It’s a little blood test where you take some blood and you can try and detect these molecules with a very sensitive detection method,” Prof Conn said.
“Even though you’re removing blood from the arm or the finger, these molecules specific to brain tumours can be detected. But the smaller the tumour, the harder these are to detect so that’s the challenge we’re working to overcome.”
Prof Conn attended the 2021 SA Discovery Tour dinner in the Barossa Valley with one of his daughters and was inspired by the dedication and passion of the riders and support staff.
“It was great that I was able to be able to speak about the work we do, meet these amazing people and thank them for their efforts. It’s an exceptional undertaking. For me, the most important part was to understand what motivates the riders as there aren’t many of us who aren’t touched by cancer in some way,” Prof Conn said.
“We thank all of the people who are involved, but also patients who donate their tissues for research. We’ve got a great arsenal to use against this disease. The more we learn about it, the better we’re going to get at beating it.”
Prof Conn’s important research would not have been possible without the support of Tour de Cure – the riders, support staff and members of the community who give generously.
“What Tour de Cure and Flinders Foundation do incredibly well is engage with the community, and really capture their passion for benefiting others,” Prof Conn said.
“Cancer affects people. It affects people’s families and communities. These are the people who are riding their bikes, making the donations and creating awareness. As scientists, we depend on these people to help focus our research and make it more impactful.
“I really hope, looking back on this research, that it’s something we can hold up and be proud of and it will pave the way for much better survival and, hopefully, lower incidences to begin with.
“Helping just one person would make all the difference, but this research has the capacity to be even more powerful than that.”
You can support Flinders Foundation by making a donation here Donate Now
More News
The Simonds Charity Home
Flinders Foundation is teaming up with The Great Australian Builder, Simonds Homes, to support thousands of South Australian children and families who need care in hospital.
The Simonds Charity Home
Flinders Foundation is teaming up with The Great Australian Builder, Simonds Homes, to support thousands of South Australian children and families who need care in hospital.
2022 Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round now open
The 2022 Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round is now open to all eligible researchers across the Flinders medical precinct, including Flinders University researchers involved in health and medical research.
2022 Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round now open
The 2022 Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round is now open to all eligible researchers across the Flinders medical precinct, including Flinders University researchers involved in health and medical research.
Combatting blinding cancer
Thanks to your support, treatments for a rare eye cancer that can spread to the brain will be analysed at Flinders University using data from a new international registry.
Combatting blinding cancer
Thanks to your support, treatments for a rare eye cancer that can spread to the brain will be analysed at Flinders University using data from a new international registry.
Dedicated Outreach Nurse joins Cancer Wellness Centre
A partnership between Flinders Foundation and Cancer Council SA is providing a dedicated nurse for people affected by cancer in the Flinders Cancer Wellness Centre.
Dedicated Outreach Nurse joins Cancer Wellness Centre
A partnership between Flinders Foundation and Cancer Council SA is providing a dedicated nurse for people affected by cancer in the Flinders Cancer Wellness Centre.
Jane’s Wish – the Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research
Ali Habib, recipient of the inaugural Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research, says Jane and Bill’s generosity is providing him with the opportunity to make a difference for people living with the incurable disease.
Jane’s Wish – the Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research
Ali Habib, recipient of the inaugural Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research, says Jane and Bill’s generosity is providing him with the opportunity to make a difference for people living with the incurable disease.
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing has been established in memory of Ryan, who passed away in October 2021.
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing has been established in memory of Ryan, who passed away in October 2021.
Flinders Foundation welcomes Linda Williams APM to Board of Directors
The Chair of Flinders Foundation Alan Young AM is pleased to announce that South Australia Police (SAPOL) Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM has joined Flinders Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Flinders Foundation welcomes Linda Williams APM to Board of Directors
The Chair of Flinders Foundation Alan Young AM is pleased to announce that South Australia Police (SAPOL) Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM has joined Flinders Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Bespoke cameras keeping newborn babies, families connected
New bespoke camera technology will provide comfort and reduce stress for families of premature babies in the Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit.
Bespoke cameras keeping newborn babies, families connected
New bespoke camera technology will provide comfort and reduce stress for families of premature babies in the Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit.
Flinders researchers receive prestigious awards
Flinders University researchers Dr Yee Lian Chew and Dr Ash Hopkins have been recognised for their research excellence and enthusiasm for science communication, named in the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for 2021.
Flinders researchers receive prestigious awards
Flinders University researchers Dr Yee Lian Chew and Dr Ash Hopkins have been recognised for their research excellence and enthusiasm for science communication, named in the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for 2021.
Meet the new Cancer Wellness Centre Project Manager
We are excited to introduce the new Project Manager of the Cancer Wellness Centre, Amy Underdown.
Meet the new Cancer Wellness Centre Project Manager
There is a new, smiling face to greet patients and families at the Cancer Wellness Centre at Flinders Medical Centre.