Victorians facing the daunting challenge of cancer now have a new beacon of hope: the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, equipped with cutting-edge scanning technology that promises earlier detection and lifesaving treatment.
The Victorian Government Premier Jacinta Allan and the Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll inaugurated the $152 million centre today at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, heralding a new era of advanced melanoma and skin cancer research in Victoria.
Made possible through a collaborative effort between the Victorian Government, the Alfred Foundation, and matching funding from the Australian Government, the centre's crown jewel is the Quadra Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Molecular Imaging scanner. This state-of-the-art technology not only enhances the detection of smaller lesions but also prioritises patient safety by minimizing radiation exposure during scans. With its ability to conduct simultaneous whole-body scanning, it streamlines the diagnostic process, sparing patients the need for multiple follow-up scans.
Premier Allen stated, "This groundbreaking cancer centre places world-leading patient care at the heart of its services and will uncover new ways to treat and prevent melanoma in a growing number of Victorians."
Scheduled to be operational by June 2025, the PET/CT scanner will double the centre's initial capacity, facilitating an additional 2,600 scans annually, bringing the total to 5,000. This milestone not only underscores Victoria's commitment to combating cancer but also elevates its status as a global leader in medical research.
In addition to bolstering clinical capabilities, the PET/CT scanner will serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking oncology trials, further solidifying Victoria's reputation as an epicenter of medical innovation.
The new centre's patient-centric design reflects a commitment to holistic care, boasting 25 clinic rooms and 49 chemotherapy treatment chairs. Integrated with the Victorian Melanoma Service, Alfred Cancer Services, and the Australian Clinical Trials Centre, patients can expect a seamless care experience under one roof.
With Australia reporting the highest melanoma rate globally, the urgent need for innovative treatments has never been clearer. The $50 million investment from the Victorian Government, combined with contributions from Monash University, Paula Fox and the Fox Family, Minderoo Foundation, and other philanthropic sources, underscores a collective commitment to tackling this pressing public health issue.
The inauguration of the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre marks a pivotal moment in Victoria's fight against cancer, promising hope, innovation, and progress for generations to come.
Contact us to explore opportunities in our medical research sector.
