The Australian Brain Cancer Mission is underpinned by investment strategies with the following four objectives:
- Increased patient survival, quality of life and care experience;
- Increased and equitable access and participation in clinical trials;
- Expanded research platforms and technologies;
- Increased researcher capacity and excellence.
Ten key principles are provided as a reference for these investment decisions:
- Research is essential for the improvement of healthcare;
- Patients and carers are partners in healthcare and research;
- Equity of care and research access regardless of social, economic or geographic circumstance is vital;
- Consistent adherence to best practice by health professionals is critical to reducing variability in health outcomes;
- Encourage and facilitate domestic and international collaboration to consolidate expertise and dedicate effort;
- Multidisciplinary collaboration (e.g. oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, radiology, radiation-oncology, biology, bioinformatics, neuroscience) is paramount;
- Attracting talent to the field of study will lift Australia’s capacity to make an impact;
- National clinical trial operating capacity, data and infrastructure support will enhance collaboration, translation and impact;
- Disease heterogeneity and differences between paediatric and adult brain cancer experience makes it unlikely that there will be a single cure, therefore, persistence and resilience must be maintained;
- Investment must focus on the best ideas and talent, and opportunities for impact.