Breakthrough treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation are two common treatments used to destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells, to prevent tumours from spreading.
But these treatments can also affect healthy cells and damage the cells’ DNA, leading to debilitating side effects, including nausea, fatigue and hair loss.
The new class of drugs developed by Assoc Prof Thomas and Prof Voss have an unprecedented ability to stop cancer cells from reproducing and spreading – without damaging the cells’ DNA.
Prof Voss, Joint-Head of WEHI’s Epigenetics and Development Division, said the pair was honoured and humbled to be Eureka Prize recipients.
“This win is a testament to the collaborative power and the unwavering commitment of so many colleagues that has underpinned our work towards findings better treatments for a disease that still impacts millions of people worldwide,” she said.