A novel technology designed to precisely image aggressive brain cancers and guide treatment is being developed by the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Australian cancer diagnostic company, Ferronova, potentially helping thousands of people who are diagnosed with the deadly condition each year.

The new MRI nanotechnology targets a specific marker that is found in more than 90 per cent of solid tumours, including high-grade brain cancers.

Already yielding promising preclinical results in a prostate cancer model, the new MRI technology has potential to have a significant impact on aggressive brain cancers. The new funding will progress the technology towards a first in-human trial.

UniSA’s Dr Nicole Dmochowska will lead the research, supported by a REDI Fellowship, announced by Greg Hunt MP. 

Dr Dmochowska says there is a critical need for better imaging of high-grade brain tumours.