Research saved Simon’s life – it could save others too
Simon never imagined that a bit of heartburn would lead to a diagnosis of aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
He was 52, a Qantas captain, husband to Catherine and father to Bianca.
“I went from being fit and flying planes to facing the fight of my life.”
His treatment began at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane. At first, chemotherapy worked. But the cancer came backtwice. Simon was running out of time.
His last hope was a breakthrough: CAR T-cell therapy. It uses a patient’s own immune cells to hunt and destroy cancer. A decade ago, it didn’t exist. Today, it’s saving lives—but only because of research.
“I’d failed chemotherapy twice. Without research, CAR T-cell therapy wouldn’t exist, and I wouldn’t be here.”
I owe my life to research – and to the people who support it.”
As this treatment wasn’t available in Australia at the time – and remains limited to a few public hospitalsSimon travelled to Boston for treatment. “I was lucky as I had options, but many people don’t.”
The therapy worked. Simon has now been in remission for five years. He’s flying again and cherishing time with his family.
“I owe my life to research – and to the people who support it.”
As the Icon Cancer Foundation appeal heads into its final weeks, Simon’s story is a reminder of what’s at stake.
Every treatment starts with research - and your support helps make it possible.
Please donate today to help fund the research that leads to tomorrow’s cures.
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Why clinical trials matter
Every cancer treatment available today exists because of clinical trials.
Clinical trials drive progress in cancer care. They help doctors and researchers find new treatments, improve existing ones and better manage side effects.
Thanks to clinical trials, more people are surviving cancer. In Australia, breast cancer survival has risen from 73 percent to 91percent over the past 20 years*. Advances in lung cancer treatments have doubled survival rates, giving people more time with loved ones. *Cancer Australia
Trials are not just about new drugs. Clinical trials also test better ways to diagnose cancer, improve surgery or radiation techniques, or enhance quality of life. Every trial follows strict safety steps. Before a treatment reaches patients, it’s tested for years in laboratories and then through clinical trials.
At Icon Cancer Foundation, we fund independent research and clinical trials led by Icon doctors. Their studies are shaped by patient needs they see every day, aiming to improve care where it’s needed most.
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Connecting with the community
Run for Research
Thank you to everyone who joined the Run for Research on 6 April in Brisbane, organised by On Pace Multisport. Held in memory of Icon Cancer Centre patient Phil Griff, the event brought together patients, staff, friends, and family to raise vital funds for ICF.
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How cellular therapy is revolutionising oncology
Now Deputy Director of Cellular Therapy for Icon Group and practicing at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane, Dr Nath has worked alongside global leaders in CAR T-cell therapy and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).
His Icon research role – made possible thanks to funding from Icon Cancer Foundation – is focused on bringing these breakthroughs into everyday practice.
After returning from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York, clinical haematologist Dr Karthik Nath is focused on expanding access to cutting-edge cancer therapies in Australia.
“It’s the impact on patient outcomes that drives my clinical focus,” he says. “Witnessing patients achieve unprecedented results –and often a much better quality of life – brings real purpose to my research.”
At MSK, Dr Nath saw firsthand that CAR T-cell therapy is just the beginning.
“Emerging approaches like TILs and T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies are being developed to target solid tumours and other complex cancers.”
“There is much work ahead, but the opportunities for cellular therapy are compelling.”
While there are unique challenges in introducing these therapies across the country – particularly logistical complexities, potential side effects, and the issue of cost – Dr Nath and his Icon colleagues are committed to broadening access.
“With Icon’s expertise in autologous transplants, we have a strong foundation for delivering these therapies locally.”
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Join us in funding research
Regular giving to Icon Cancer Foundation is a simple yet powerful way to drive cancer research forward. Your ongoing support fuels clinical trials and provides a stable funding base for our researchers.
It’s easy to sign up. Scan the QR code and become an ICF Champion today!
