ICF is a not-for-profit, independent charity that works in collaboration with Icon Cancer Centre Australia’s (Icon) clinicians and researchers to advance cancer research and clinical trials.
Television personality, Charli Robinson, and race car driver, Liam Talbot, made the generous contribution to help more patients access innovative treatments and to support research that could change the future of cancer care.
Liam Talbot said the impact of cancer on families was a key motivation behind the donation.
“Cancer affects so many families. We wanted to support initiatives that give patients access to new cancer therapies and strengthen the research that will shape the future of cancer care,” Liam said.
“For us, this is about giving patients more options and more hope.
“This donation was made possible through my father Ken Talbot. I know he would be so proud of this donation that will help save lives through these treatments and it’s so important for us to have our daughters see Ken’s legacy live on through supporting Icon.”
A key part of the gift will help expand Icon’s established national clinical trials program, allowing Icon to deliver even more world-first studies and greater access to new and emerging treatments.
The donation will also support the continued growth of Icon’s cellular therapy program. Cellular therapy is an emerging treatment that uses a patient’s own cells to target disease in a highly personalised way. Investing in cellular therapy and research will provide more options for patients with complex or treatment-resistant cancers. The funds will also support upgraded laboratory facilities with the aim of bringing more advanced trials to cancer patients.
Icon’s Global Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ian Irving, said this will provide new hope to many.
“For many patients, participating in research can mean access to new treatments that are not yet widely available,” Dr Irving said.
“Strengthening this program will help more patients receive these newer therapies locally, allowing them to stay close to home rather than travel for clinical trials.”
The donation will also help fund a dedicated prostate cancer support nurse role at Icon Cancer Centre Maitland in New South Wales.
Charli Robinson says that helping patients benefit from the latest treatments was at the heart of their family’s decision.
“We know access to innovative treatments can be life changing,” Charli said.
“Knowing our gift will help patients take part in pioneering trials and access the therapies they need when it matters most is incredibly important to us.”
“As demand for treatment grows, so too does the need for greater access to innovative therapies and clinical trials,” Dr Irving said.
“This investment comes at a pivotal time in cancer research, and we are very grateful to the Talbot Foundation for this incredibly generous donation.
“We’re seeing a wave of emerging therapies that are transforming outcomes, particularly for patients with more complex or treatment-resistant cancers.
“To ensure our patients can access these breakthrough treatments as early as possible, we need the capacity to open more clinical trials – this donation helps us do that.”
The Talbot Foundation donation will enable Icon to build on its existing clinical trials program, bringing more world-leading research to Queensland and expanding both the number and range of trials available to patients.
For more information, or to donate to Icon Cancer Foundation visit their website.
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