Peter Mac receives $4.8 million boost for genomic research
31 July 2025
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) has awarded Peter Mac researchers $4.8 million in funding for three genomic research projects spanning breast and ovarian cancer as well as improving overall care.
Associate Professor Kara Britt, Associate Professor Laura Forrest, and Professor Paul James are the recipients of the 2024 MRFF Genomics Health Futures Grant Opportunity that invests in genomic research that will improve testing and diagnosis for many diseases, help personalise treatment options to better target and improve health outcomes, and reduce unnecessary interventions and health costs.
Executive Director Cancer Research, Professor Ricky Johnstone, said the funding outcome is a big boost to Peter Mac research.
“This funding recognises the calibre of Peter Mac’s researchers and their bold, translational vision,” he said.
“These projects not only push the frontier of cancer research but also bring us closer to a future where treatments are more precise, prevention is more personalised, and patients are better supported throughout their care.
“We thank the MRFF for their support and congratulate to Kara, Laura and Paul on their grants.”
Read more on each project below.
Improving the utility of breast cancer PRS in clinical care
Associate Professor Kara Britt
Mutations in BRCA1 mean that normal breast cells are less equipped to repairs themselves, driving breast cancer development. This has directed the way we screen and manage BRCA1 mutation carriers. In addition to rare mutations like BRCA1, small variations in 300 other genomic areas (polygenic risk score- PRS) can also elevate our breast cancer risk. We will determine how PRS is impacting the breast function to guide clinical management and the development of personalized preventatives.
Testing the feasibility of PERSONA: a personalised breast and ovarian cancer risk assessment incorporating polygenic information that identifies high-risk women
Associate Professor Laura Forrest
Women can prevent breast and ovarian cancer if they know their personal risk and use risk-directed early detection and prevention strategies. This feasibility study will pilot an intervention involving a shared model of care between general practitioners and genetic counsellors to deliver a multifactorial breast and ovarian cancer risk assessment including polygenic information to young women. We will examine the intervention feasibility for deliverers, recipients, and the healthcare system.
Trial Implementation of Pharmacogenomics to improve Complex Hospital care
Professor Paul James
Building on their experience in the field of clinical pharmacogenomics (PGx) the investigators will identify and address the causes of the lack of clinical implementation by focusing on barriers including health records, molecular testing platforms and workforce education. We will demonstrate our impact in the fields of cancer therapy and organ transplant and use an Implementation Science approach to provide a general framework for accelerating the introduction of PGx into Australian hospitals.