The future of cancer research

With support from a diverse community of foundations and donors, Professor Lisa Butler’s multidisciplinary research team is creating new tools for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer.

Professor Lisa Butler explained that prostate cancer is the most common cancer that affects Australian men. 

“My team and I are trying to develop tools that will help men and their doctors make decisions about their treatment once the diagnosis has been made.”

Professor Butler’s research program spans the entire prostate cancer journey, covering tools for diagnosis and the development of new therapies for late-stage cancers.

“Unfortunately, despite the surgery and interventions that are available, some men will experience a relapse of their cancer in the future, and once that happens the disease is generally incurable,” said Professor Butler.

“My group is developing new therapies that can tackle advanced metastatic prostate cancer that’s spread throughout the body and give patients more options in that late stage.”

Professor Butler’s team takes a unique approach to this problem by conducting research with prostate cancer samples donated by patients in South Australia who have elected to support research. Using these samples in their research means the team can gain meaningful information from clinical tumours compared to the more traditional artificial systems in the laboratory. 

“We’re also lucky to have a strong consumer support group that we work with regularly, where we can hear from prostate cancer survivors about their perspectives on our projects. 

“They speak to us about their experiences and support our staff and students in learning more about the prostate cancer patient journey.” 

While Professor Butler’s research receives some funding from the government, central to this important work is financial support from foundations and individual donors. Grants from donors have enabled the purchase of equipment, and the Lions Club of Adelaide is providing scholarships for honours students.

This year we have also received a gift from a donor, David Beale, who has committed to supporting three PhD students at SAiGENCI over the next five years, which is incredible.Lisa Butler

“Undertaking honours and PhD studies can be very challenging, and having these scholarships means the students can focus on their research without needing to work to support themselves,” she said.

The funding that Professor Butler’s group receives is essential and supports the work of a medical research team that is truly patient-centred – working with prostate cancer survivors to support them through every stage of their journey.

Investing in the next generation

The David Beale PhD Supplementary Scholarship in Prostate Cancer Research was established in 2023 from a generous donation from Mr David Beale to support outstanding emerging researchers in better understanding the causes and exploring potential treatments and cures for prostate cancer.

David, an engineer and entrepreneur from Sydney, donates to honour the memory of his father, the late Honourable Dr. Jack Gordon Beale AO, who sadly passed away in 2006 due to prostate cancer.

It’s a fact that postgraduate students are the engine room of any research laboratory. By supporting PhD students now, I am investing in the future of cancer research and helping develop the next generation of cancer researchers who will, hopefully, one day, find a cure for cancer. I also believe in providing scholarships to develop a student’s potential. To marry these together in my philanthropy is important for me.David