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OVERVIEW

The Cancer Program is led by Professor Pilar Blancafort.

The mission of the Perkins Cancer Program is to transform cancer outcomes by uncovering the molecular and cellular causes, advancing early detection methods, and developing precision treatments for poor prognosis cancers, specifically women’s cancers (breast, ovarian), liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma and head and neck cancers.

Perkins Cancer Researchers are working towards understanding cancerdetecting it sooner and treating it smarter by: ​

  1. Uncovering how cancer starts, grows and resists treatment, to find new ways to stop it in its tracks.​
  2. Creating better tests and tools to detect cancer sooner and predict how it might respond to treatment.​
  3. Developing personalised cancer treatments, from new medicines to advanced immunotherapy, giving patients the best chance at beating even the toughest cancers.​
  4. Understanding the biological factors influencing poorer outcomes in Aboriginal people with cancer.​

Perkins researchers have made major discoveries in the field of cancer including uncovering the SLIRP gene which controls hormone production in breast and prostate cancers, the tumour suppressor gene HLS5 and a process for normalising blood vessels in tumours to allow more effective absorption of cancer-combating drugs. Detailed information about our cancer laboratories can be found below.

Professor Pilar Blancafort

Professor Pilar Blancafort

Cancer Epigenetics (Program Head - Cancer)

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RESEARCH NEWS & EVENTS

The fight against women’s cancer hits Perth streets

More than 1200 Walkers hit the streets around Perth today for the New Town Toyota Walk for Women’s Cancer, starting and finishing at Riley Oval at UWA. Together, they have…

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Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre gets WA Government funding, stamp of approval

Western Australia will get its own truly comprehensive cancer centre, similar to those in other States and internationally, with the WA State Government confirming funding for the Perkins WA Comprehensive…

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Safe Harbour Fellowships strengthen the next generation of Perkins researchers

The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of our Safe Harbour Fellowships: Dr Rowan Sanderson and Dr Rui Hou. Established in 2022, the…

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