In a significant advancement for oncology research at Australian universities, Mater Research Institute—University of Queensland (MRI-UQ) is launching a pioneering pilot study targeting the most lethal forms of breast cancer. Funded by a $1.9 million Ideas Grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), this initiative promises to revolutionize precision medicine for patients facing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), treatment-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer, and metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer.

These 'killer' subtypes represent the toughest challenges in breast cancer treatment, often evading standard therapies like chemotherapy and hormone blockers. The study's innovative approach centers on the CDCP1 receptor—a 'bullseye' identified on aggressive tumor cells—using positron emission tomography (PET) scans to detect and potentially destroy them with targeted radioactive agents. Developed over two decades, this method could spare patients unnecessary side effects and even transform early detection to avoid invasive surgeries like mastectomies.

As higher education institutions like the University of Queensland drive such translational research, collaborations between academia and clinical settings underscore Australia's leadership in cancer innovation. This pilot not only highlights MRI-UQ's role but also opens doors for careers in oncology research and clinical trials.

Understanding the Deadliest Breast Cancers: TNBC, HER2+, and Metastatic ER+

Breast cancer is not a single disease but a spectrum, with aggressive subtypes posing the greatest threats. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), accounts for approximately 15% of new diagnoses in Australia. Notably, a quarter of TNBC cases occur in women under 40, often spreading rapidly to the brain and lungs while resisting conventional treatments.

Treatment-resistant HER2-positive cancers overexpress HER2 protein, fueling rapid growth, while metastatic ER-positive cancers spread despite hormone therapies. In Queensland, where Mater treats one in four new breast cancer cases, these subtypes highlight urgent needs for tailored interventions. Survival rates for early-stage breast cancer exceed 90% thanks to targeted therapies, but aggressive forms lag, emphasizing the pilot study's potential impact.

• TNBC characteristics: No targetable receptors; relies on chemotherapy; high recurrence risk.
• HER2+ resistance: Evolves to evade drugs like trastuzumab.
• Metastatic ER+: Spreads to bones, liver; hormone blockers fail over time.

Globally, breast cancer claimed over 665,000 lives last year, underscoring the stakes for breakthroughs like this one from Australian higher education research hubs.

The Science of CDCP1: A New Target for Precision Oncology

Central to the Mater Research pilot is CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1), a cell surface receptor overexpressed in aggressive breast cancers. Professor John Hooper's team at MRI-UQ discovered CDCP1 as a reliable marker for 'worst-of-the-worst' tumors after years of preclinical work. The process works in steps: first, a radioactive tracing agent binds specifically to CDCP1 on cancer cells; PET imaging reveals accumulation; then, a therapeutic radioactive particle is attached to eradicate them selectively.

This 'seek-and-destroy' strategy exemplifies precision medicine, where treatments match tumor biology. Preclinical trials demonstrated tumor destruction without widespread damage, reducing side effects compared to broad chemotherapy. For higher education, this builds on UQ's expertise in molecular imaging and radiopharmaceuticals, fostering interdisciplinary training in nuclear medicine and oncology.

By sparing healthy tissues, the approach could improve quality of life and outcomes, positioning Australian universities at the forefront of global cancer research.

Pilot Study Design: Methods, Participants, and Timeline

The study enrolls 15 women with aggressive breast cancers in Brisbane hospitals, injecting the CDCP1-specific tracer for PET scans to assess uptake. This pilot evaluates safety, dosing, and efficacy markers before larger trials. Led by Professor Hooper, it leverages MRI-UQ's biobanking infrastructure, including the Gynaecological and Breast Cancer Biobank used in related TNBC research.

Timeline: Launching imminently post NHMRC funding announcement in March 2026; two-year grant supports initial phases. Ethical approvals ensure patient-centered design, with consumer partnerships enhancing relevance.

Leadership at Mater Research Institute-UQ: Professor John Hooper's Vision

Professor John Hooper heads MRI-UQ's Cancer Biology Research Group, with decades advancing radiopharmaceuticals for solid tumors. His NHMRC Ideas Grant—one of Australia's most competitive—validates this CDCP1 strategy. "This is precision medicine—targeted treatment sparing unnecessary side effects," Hooper notes, envisioning early detection applications.

Complementing this, Dr. Jodi Saunus, Senior Research Fellow, drives TNBC research using single-cell sequencing on biobank samples to uncover chemotherapy resistance. Their synergy exemplifies UQ's translational ecosystem, training PhD students and postdocs in cutting-edge techniques. Explore research jobs at institutions like UQ for emerging opportunities in cancer biology.

Photo by B C on Unsplash

A Patient's Story: Kirsty's Battle with TNBC

Kirsty, 50, epitomizes the pilot's urgency. Diagnosed in August 2025 after a missed invasive TNBC on biopsy, she endured chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and reconstruction at Mater Private Brisbane. Pathology revealed chemo-resistant cells, yet she's cancer-free but vigilant. "Research into aggressive cancers heartens me—it could save lives, including mine," she shares.

Her experience highlights screening gaps for busy women, reinforcing calls for earlier, targeted interventions from Australian university-led studies.

Breast Cancer Landscape in Australia: Statistics and Challenges

Australia diagnoses ~20,000 breast cancers yearly; TNBC's 15% share disproportionately affects younger women. Queensland sees 10-12% TNBC incidence, with Mater handling one in four cases. Survival disparities persist for aggressive subtypes despite 90%+ overall rates. NHMRC funding addresses this, boosting UQ's role in national health research.

• 15% new cases TNBC nationally.
• 25% TNBC under 40.
• 665,000 global deaths (2025).

Higher ed contributions via biobanks and trials drive equitable outcomes. Check Australian higher ed opportunities in health sciences.

Complementary Research: Dr. Jodi Saunus on TNBC Resistance

Dr. Saunus sequences biobank tumors at single-cell level to decode why >50% TNBC recur post-chemo. Her work identifies biomarkers for better therapies, aligning with Hooper's targeting. This UQ-Mater pipeline accelerates discoveries from lab to clinic.

Implications for Precision Medicine and Higher Education

This pilot advances radiotheranostics—combining diagnostics and therapy—potentially applicable to ovarian/bladder cancers via CDCP1. For universities, it exemplifies NHMRC Ideas Grants fostering bold ideas, training next-gen researchers. UQ's infrastructure supports PhDs in imaging, bioinformatics. Visit postdoc positions for similar roles.

Future Outlook: From Pilot to Paradigm Shift

Success could eliminate mastectomies via early targeting, expand to other CDCP1 cancers, and integrate into national screening. Challenges include scaling production, regulatory hurdles, but MRI-UQ's track record bodes well. "A fighting chance for women with few options," Hooper affirms.

Australia's higher ed sector, via UQ, positions globally in oncology. Aspiring researchers, explore career advice for research assistants.

Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash

Careers in Cancer Research: Opportunities at UQ and Beyond

This breakthrough highlights demand for experts in precision oncology. UQ offers lecturer jobs and research roles; NHMRC grants boost funding. Internal links to Rate My Professor for insights on faculty like Hooper/Saunus.

• Skills: Molecular imaging, radiopharma, bioinformatics.
• Roles: Postdocs, faculty in cancer biology.
• Impact: Translational research transforming patient care.

Join the fight via higher ed jobs in Australia.