Macquarie University Joins TRACKER, Taking a Bold Step Toward Transforming Lung Cancer Outcomes

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TRACKER is proud to announce a significant milestone in advancing lung cancer research: On February 25, 2025, the Macquarie University Biobank, in collaboration with Macquarie University Hospital, collected its first lung cancer patient sample. This achievement was made possible through the expertise and dedication of Prof. Helen Rizos, Prof. Alvin Ing, and James Checkley, and we extend our sincere gratitude for their invaluable support.

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Macquarie Team (L-R): Prof. Alvin Ing; James Checkley; Prof. Helen Rizos

Building a National Network

Macquarie University has joined the TRACKER with great enthusiasm, driven by the imminent rollout of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. TRACKER — the Tissue Repository of Airway Cancers for Knowledge Expansion of Resistance — is a national biobank consortium dedicated to addressing critical gaps in lung cancer research. By fostering cross-institutional collaboration, TRACKER seeks to advance research into biomarkers and therapeutic strategies that will ultimately improve patient outcomes.

As one of Australia’s leading Interventional Pulmonology Units, Macquarie University and MQ Health have pioneered cutting-edge diagnostic techniques for lung cancer, including Cone Beam CT-guided bronchoscopy and Robotic Bronchoscopy. Their expertise and innovation in diagnosing and staging lung cancer, particularly from small peripheral pulmonary nodules, positions them perfectly to contribute high quality tissue samples to the TRACKER repository. This partnership strengthens the national effort to improve diagnostics, treatment, and, crucially, survival rates.

"TRACKER is a vital initiative that promotes both current and future research collaborations into lung cancer biomarkers and therapeutics. By working together, we aim to improve the dismal cure rates of lung cancer and support the goals of the national screening program. We view this partnership as an opportunity to make a tangible difference in patient care and outcomes through collective expertise and shared resources.”

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Macquarie Team 

Why Join TRACKER?

The excitement surrounding TRACKER’s potential to transform patient outcomes and future treatments is palpable. “We are thrilled to be part of TRACKER, a program that fosters national collaboration in collecting and analysing patient biospecimens with a clear focus on improving care,” the team shared. “The TRACKER team has been fantastic to work with, and Tracy’s leadership has been truly inspiring. We’ve received tremendous support and guidance – and we are excited to have banked our first specimen. This milestone is just the beginning of our contribution, and we look forward to supporting this incredible program in the years ahead.”

For institutions considering joining the TRACKER biobank initiative, the Macquarie team offers the following words of encouragement: “The power of a national, multidisciplinary, and collaborative approach is essential for making a meaningful impact on patient care and treatment. TRACKER is supported by a highly skilled and dedicated team that generously shares their expertise. The collaborative spirit and shared vision make it a pleasure to work toward common goals. We invite more institutions to join us in this critical work — together, we can shape the future of lung cancer research and treatment.”

A Long-Term Partnership

We thank Macquarie University for their commitment to the TRACKER project and their dedication to improving patient outcomes through innovative research and collaboration. Their partnership enhances our collective ability to overcome significant challenges, including treatment resistance, and develop targeted therapies that offer hope for patients with lung cancer.

Together, we are redefining the future of lung cancer care and delivering better outcomes for those who need it most.

Stay tuned for regular updates on our progress!