Sydney Cancer Partners

Sydney Cancer Partners brings together over 800 cancer researchers and clinical teams from across the University of Sydney, 11 medical research institutes, 16 major public and private hospitals and health precincts in north, west and central Sydney and in rural and regional NSW.

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About Us

Sydney Cancer Partners (SCP) was formed under the auspices of Sydney Health Partners (SHP) in 2021 following award of a Cancer Institute NSW Translational Cancer Research Capacity Building grant. In 2022 SCP was recognised as the Clinical Academic Group for Cancer by SHP.

The goal of SCP is to foster a culture of innovative, collaborative research, embedded across the full spectrum of cancer care, with a clear aim of improving cancer outcomes.

Objectives

  • Embed research into Multidisciplinary Teams to address clinically relevant questions
  • Build capacity through people support with funding from the Cancer Institute NSW and establishing mentoring opportunities
  • Increase consumer involvement in funding applications
  • Contribute to collaborative initiatives with Maridulu Budyari Gumal (SPHERE) Cancer CAG and NSW Regional Cancer Research Network

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Interested in finding about more or joining?

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Projects and Initiatives

Two hands clasped firmly in solidarity and support.

Conquer Fear Advanced

A Pilot Study of Conquer Fear for Fear of Progression in Advanced Cancer.

Lead. Professor Haryana Dhillon

Conquer Fear is a psychologist-delivered program previously shown to reduce fear of recurrence in
people with early-stage cancer. It teaches practical strategies to manage worry, reduce unhelpful
thinking patterns, and focus on what matters most. This Pilot Study is developing and testing a tailored version of the “Conquer Fear” program for people with advanced or metastatic cancer.

Optimising best practice for treating rectal cancer

Lead. Professor Mark Molloy

This project focusses on research translation by examining the logistics of collecting, processing and sequencing circulating tumour DNA as a novel biomarker of treatment response. The project will help us understand the logistics of embedding this new technology within the healthcare system.

Consumer Support

Current guidelines suggest that it is good practice to offer consumers involved in research compensation for their time. Sydney Cancer Partners supports these guidelines and has established a process to help researchers by facilitating payment (honorarium) for consumers as well as reimbursement for certain expenses incurred. The aim of this support is to primarily fund cancer research project design and to assist with engaging consumers for grant submission.

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Past Projects

  • Readiness for adoptive cell transfer therapies for cancer patients – Lead. Professor Geraldine O’Neill
  • Effects of propranolol and celecoxib on skin cancer chemoprevention and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) progression – Lead. Professor Diona Damian

Join the CAG

Membership is open to clinicians, researchers, HDR students and allied health professionals whose primary area of interest is cancer treatment, research or education who work or study at a partner institution.

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Why join

  • Eligibility to apply for SCP funding schemes.
  • Access to education and mentoring activities.
  • Access to the NSW Cancer Research Education (CREd) Portal.
  • Eligibility to apply for CINSW targeted funding schemes.

News and Stories of Impact

Training and Events

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World Cancer Day 2026

SAVE THE DATE: Join us on 4 February 2026 as we recognise World Cancer Day.

The World Cancer Day Theme 2025-2027 is “United by Unique” and places people at the centre of their care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.

World Cancer Day in 2026 reminds us that “Your stories will change minds” and we will focus on influencing policy makers, healthcare providers and the broader public about the necessity of integrating people-centred care into national health plans and cancer care strategies.

Find out more about WCD

Leadership Team

Prof. Anna DeFazio

Chair & Director, Sydney Cancer Partners

Clin. Prof. Rosemary Balleine

Clin. Prof. Rosemary Balleine

Clinical & Strategic Partnerships Lead, Sydney Cancer Partners

A/Prof. Ilona Cunningham

Prof. Ilona Cunningham

Clinical Director – Cancer Services & Palliative Care Sydney LHD

Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza

Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza

Director – Cancer Centre for Children, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (Westmead)

Prof. Paul Harnett

Prof. Paul Harnett

Network Director – Cancer Services, Western Sydney LHD

Prof. Lisa Horvath

Prof. Lisa Horvath

Director of Research – Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

Dr Cristina Mapagu

Medical Oncologist, Nepean Blue Mountains LHD; Clinical Research Fellow, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

Prof. Geraldine O’Neill

Prof. Geraldine O’Neill

Head of Department, Children’s Cancer Research Unit – The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

Dr Rebecca Poulos

Sydney Cancer Partners Translational Partners Fellow, Children’s Medical Research Institute

Prof. Roger Reddel

Sir Lorimer Dods Professor and Director – Children’s Medical Research Institute

Prof. Chris Ward

Director Cancer Services – Northern Sydney LHD

How to reach the group

If you’d like further information, please get in touch!

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