WHAT DRIVES US
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide
Contributing significantly to this problem are patients presenting with inoperable metastatic disease where the 5-year survival rate falls from 70% in early-stage to 5% in late-stage. ​
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While treatment advances have been made, the efficacy of standard chemotherapy for treating this disease has reached a plateau. Immunotherapy, although one of the most promising forms of lung cancer treatment in decades, does not work for all patients. By analysing data from patient samples, we strive to redefine the way lung cancer is understood and treated, focusing on delivering impactful results.
ABOUT TRACKER
TRACKER (Tissue Repository of Airway Cancers for Knowledge Expansion of Resistance) is a consumer-driven biobanking project dedicated to improving the outcomes for patients with lung cancer.​
OUR MISSION
Facilitating Lung Cancer Research Breakthroughs with High Quality Samples
Our team is committed to establishing the first Australian tissue and data repository of longitudinally collected lung cancer samples. This initiative addresses a critical need for clinically annotated tissue and blood samples to support groundbreaking research. Our goal is to advance research and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients by providing a high-quality resource for researchers and healthcare professionals, thereby accelerating progress in the understanding and treatment of lung cancer.
Our Team.
The TRACKER team comprises highly experienced clinicians, researchers, and individuals with lived experience of lung cancer. Drawing on their extensive knowledge and expertise, the team is committed to making a positive impact on lung cancer outcomes worldwide.
OUR BIOBANK
Purpose-Built to Enable Lung Cancer Research Globally
BIOSPECIMEN COLLECTION
TRACKER is at the forefront of utilising Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) technology for the comprehensive acquisition and preservation of high-quality tissue from treatment-naive lung cancer patients who are unable to undergo surgical resection. Time-matched blood samples and bronchoalveolar fluid are also collected. Our advanced processes ensure the integrity and usability of all biospecimens.
DATA ANALYSIS
Analysis of biospecimens collected through TRACKER will utilise cutting-edge "omics" technologies; optimised for small specimen input, to generate comprehensive cancer-related insights. These datasets will be made accessible to researchers and clinicians worldwide, with the aim of driving breakthroughs in lung cancer research.
COLLABORATION
TRACKER fosters collaborative research initiatives by connecting multidisciplinary teams, including world-leading lung cancer clinicians, researchers, and bioinformaticians, and by providing access to a wealth of resources. We support partnerships aimed at accelerating discovery and translating scientific findings into clinical applications.
OUR LOCATION
We are located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, a city known for its thriving medical research community.
TRACKER is co-led from Victoria, with the core team located at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute on the Austin Health campus. Our location enables close collaboration with leading research institutions and hospitals, supporting the success of this national biobank and advancing progress in lung cancer research.
Our Progress
