Cancer research needs us all – recognising World Cancer Research Day

At Icon, we’re proud to raise awareness for World Cancer Research Day 2025 and support this year’s theme ‘Cancer research needs us all’.

It’s a direct reflection of our aim to reduce the global cancer burden by delivering the best possible care to as many people, closer to home. And it’s an opportunity to reflect on our contributions so far and commitments for the future.

As Australia’s largest private cancer clinical trials provider with a growing global reach, research is an integral part of how we deliver the best care possible and is a driving force in advancing the standard of cancer care.

With more than 40 years’ research experience, Icon is committed to expanding our research capabilities across our growing network. We provide opportunities to establish a wide-range of trials on both a national and global scale, with the capacity to deliver both commercial trials and in-house investigator initiated trials (IITs) and projects.

Cancer research needs us all

Executive Manager of Research, Sophie Mepham said collaboration and research is essential to progress in addressing the global cancer burden.

“Clinical trials aren’t just a research function, they are a lifeline,” said Sophie.

“At Icon, we are delivering the future of cancer care because we are investing in the infrastructure, people, and partnerships that make trials possible.

“We’ve developed a proven model that is scalable and flexible, ensuring more people can have the opportunity to participate in a trial.”

Pioneering innovation and quality

In FY2024/25, we launched our theranostics research program and expanded molecular imaging services to advance precision cancer care.

Icon was also the first Australian organisation to achieve industry endorsed GCSA Global Quality Standards for clinical research sites. This dual accreditation demonstrates Icon’s commitment to the highest global best-practice research standards.  

Collaborations and partnerships

To maximise our reach, we’ve continued our strategic partnerships with Varian, Omico, and global cancer registries, along with joining the IQVIA Prime Site Network.

These partnerships allow us to increase our research capabilities and ensure more people can access new and emerging testing, technologies and treatments.

We’ve also improved research capacity-building across Singapore with integrated planning between clinical services and research operations, as well as strengthening clinician-led research through global mobility and cross-site study activation processes.

Icon Cancer Foundation

Over the past year, Icon has supported investigator-initiated trials through independent, not-for-profit Icon Cancer Foundation (ICF). In FY24/25 ICF has:

• Funded multiple investigator-initiated trials supporting over 260 patients, and recruited 45 new patients
• Awarded inaugural research grants in South Australia and Tasmania
• Delivered professional development programs for doctors, nurses, and research staff
• Funded a cellular therapy research position
• Facilitated community engagement and donor support for trial activity.

Learn more about ICF’s research in their latest Impact Report.

Bringing research to more people

At Icon, we understand that conducting cancer research poses numerous challenges including securing funding, maintaining recruitment, addressing data siloes, translating results into practice and navigating complex ethics and regulatory compliance.

Through investment in global systems, strong governance and training, precision medicine, real-world data and a dedicated connected team of clinicians and research professionals – Icon is pushing the boundaries and creating innovative solutions to address these barriers.

Learn more about research at Icon.