These solutions will be implemented through 10 developed initiatives, each with actions, timelines, benefits, and challenges identified in the strategic business plan, summarised below. These initiatives, implemented over three phases across the next 10 years, once achieved will strategically place CATCR as one of the world’s pre-eminent cancer treatment and research facilities, placed at the doorstep of the Asian market, with long term support structures in place for the future.
Advanced Research Departments
Establishment of over 20 world leading research departments to support continued advancements in cancer treatment. Initially starting with 6 advanced departments: Radiotherapy, AI oncology, Computational Oncology, Bioinformatics, Exercise Oncology and Immunological Oncology, and growing by 1-2 departments per year.
Advanced Higher Education
World leading graduate programs at universities to support advanced research departments. Growth rate to match that of the Advanced Research Departments. Current engagements with UWA (Bioinformatics, Radiotherapy, Computational Oncology), Murdoch (Immunological Oncology), and ECU (Exercise Oncology).
Standardised Medical Health Data
Data collection is one of the main hurdles in helping solve problems related to cancer. Implementation of a mandatory standardised collection of health data across the state (with an opt-out functionality) will enable researchers, particularly in the AI and computational oncology departments, to identify trends & patterns previously unseen, and accelerate advancements in the research and treatment of cancer. All data provided will be de-identified but provide categorical and detailed information.
Standardised Ethics Approval
A single ethics approval for access to perform research, trials, or collect data across all educational and state health facilities, to help reduce bureaucracy and duplication.
Purpose Built Research & Treatment Facility
A 600 bed purpose built facility to support local and international demand for world leading cancer treatment. Provide a detailed scope of equipment, facilities, resources with full cost estimates to be completed by end of 2024. Completion of construction expected in next 10-15 years.
Virtual Medical Community Collaboration Centre
A virtual collaboration centre which engages all universities, hospitals, and research institutions across the state and permits shared used of resources. Ensures the optimisation of current facilities and resources in the short term until the purpose-built facility is constructed, accelerates current research and treatment development output.
Strategic Treatment Specialisation
Creation of specialisation of advanced treatments at existing hospitals (SCGH, RPH, FSH) prior to completion of purpose-built facility. Ensures advancement and development of new treatments prior to completion of purpose-built facility.
Sustainable Long-Term Funding
Centralised funding body to support academics, strategic long term research projects, development of new treatments. Current researchers spend over 30% of their time applying for grants and often performing short term research projects with time-intensive administrative and reporting requirements. Objective permits researchers to focus on what they do best: research new cancer treatments.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Medium to engage researchers and clinicians from different departments to support collaboration and communication streams for the public and corporations to improve transparency and understanding of cancer research and treatment.
Corporate Partnership
Engage with strategic corporate partners who can offer goods and services at reduced costs to assist in cancer research or treatment.
