A01a. Fuelling Advancements in DIPG Research and Treatment: The Journey of a Scientist-Parent
| Wednesday, June 12, 2024 |
| 8:45 AM - 9:30 AM |
| Pyrmont Theatre |
Chair & Speakers
Tim Boyle
Chief Executive Officer
ARCS Australia
Chair: Fuelling Advancements in DIPG Research and Treatment: The Journey of a Scientist-Parent
Biography
Matt Dun
Professor, Paediatric Haematology/oncology Research
University Of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute
Fuelling Advancements in DIPG Research and Treatment: The Journey of a Scientist-Parent
Abstract
Title: Fuelling Advancements in DIPG Research and Treatment: The Journey of a Scientist-Parent
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), including Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) remains one of the most challenging and lethal pediatric cancers, resistant to conventional therapies with a median survival of less than a year. Investigating the mechanism of action of clinically relevant therapies using innovative techniques have identified novel targets and potential treatments for DMGs. However, these approaches are not curative. Advancing the discovery of novel therapies and combination strategies for DMG towards testing in clinical trials, the session will provide insights into the complexities of translating urgent personal medical challenges into actionable, innovative research agendas. Prof. Dun's experience highlights the intersection of personal motivation and professional execution, providing a compelling case study on accelerating drug development pathways through compassionate access and the potential for policy evolution to support rapid response research in critical pediatric oncology.
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), including Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) remains one of the most challenging and lethal pediatric cancers, resistant to conventional therapies with a median survival of less than a year. Investigating the mechanism of action of clinically relevant therapies using innovative techniques have identified novel targets and potential treatments for DMGs. However, these approaches are not curative. Advancing the discovery of novel therapies and combination strategies for DMG towards testing in clinical trials, the session will provide insights into the complexities of translating urgent personal medical challenges into actionable, innovative research agendas. Prof. Dun's experience highlights the intersection of personal motivation and professional execution, providing a compelling case study on accelerating drug development pathways through compassionate access and the potential for policy evolution to support rapid response research in critical pediatric oncology.
Biography
Dr Matt Dun is Professor of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Research at the University of Newcastle (UON) and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), and a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator.
In addition, Dr Dun is the Director of Brain Cancer Research - HMRI Precision Medicine Research Program, Paediatric Stream Leader - MHF Centre for Brain Cancer research, Executive of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC) DMG Therapeutic Advisory Committee (DMG-TGA) and member of the Australian New Zealand Childhood Haematology Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) CNS Tumour Committee.
Throughout his career, Dr Dun has been decorated by 35 national and international awards for his paediatric cancer research. Notably, in 2019, he was named the NSW Premier’s Outstanding Cancer Research Fellow, and in 2020 received an Australian Institute of Policy and Science Young Tall Poppy Award. In 2022 he received an International DIPG ‘Big Hero’ Award (Washington D. C.) and was named as the University of Newcastle, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Mid-Career Researcher of the year. In 2023, Matt was named the Lake Macquarie Ambassador (Citizen of the Year), awarded the ChadTough Defeat DIPG ‘Spirit Award’ (Michigan), the PNOC ‘Basic Science Trailblazer’ award (San Francisco), the International DIPG Symposium 2023 ‘Innovator Award’ (Lexington) and finally named the HMRI Directors ‘Midcareer-Researcher of the Year’.
