A Revolutionary Leap in Cancer Detection


The Daniela Dwyer Foundation is proud to announce that we have taken another step forward in the fight against brain cancer with the awarding of a further $50,000 grant to support the groundbreaking work by the Rao Research Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer.
This funding will fast-track the development of their world-first,non-invasive liquid biopsy test, that promises to revolutionize the early detection and treatment of cancer.
A Revolutionary Leap in Cancer Detection
The innovative liquid biopsy platform, spearheaded by Professor Sudha Rao, leverages cutting-edge AI technology to detect circulating cancer cells and monitor immune cell activity in real-time. This approach enables early intervention by providing rapid insights into treatment efficacy through a simple blood test.

“Detecting circulating cancer cells early means they can be targeted quickly when treatment will be most effective,” explained Professor Rao. “I am incredibly grateful for this precious donation from the Daniela Dwyer Foundation that has brought our liquid biopsy test another step closer to the clinic, and the patients that we desperately want to help.”
The $50,000 grant will allow the research team to upgradet heir digital pathology computer system with the latest software and acquire a new high-resolution camera capable of capturing brightfield images. This advanced imaging technique unveils intricate details in blood samples without the need for traditional staining, significantly increasing the speed and accuracy of cancer cell detection. Additionally, the funding will support the purchase of critical reagents and provide the resources needed for dedicated staff to refine the biopsy test.
Fast-Tracking Breakthroughs
The upgraded digital pathology system will empower Professor Rao’s team to process a much larger number of blood samples with unmatched precision. This capability will allow the researchers to identify specific cancer cell markers and assess the immune system’s response to treatment in real-time. The ultimate goal is to bring this innovative liquid biopsy test to clinical trials, providing patients with access to life-saving diagnostics and therapies.
Professor Rao expressed her gratitude to the Daniela DwyerFoundation and its supporters, emphasizing the significant impact of their contributions: “Daniela’s contribution to this research inspires us every day in the lab. With this funding, we are now working very hard toward our next milestone of trialling this test in patients.”

Help Make a Difference
Support the Daniela Dwyer Foundation in our mission to advance cancer research and provide life-saving innovations. Every contribution helps bring us closer to breakthroughs that can change lives. Make a donation and be a part of this vital effort today. Together, we can honour Daniela’s legacy and bring hope to countless patients and families around the world.