NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre Joins $25 Million National Breast Cancer Research Initiative

25/08/25

The NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) at the University of Sydney, is proud to be a key collaborator in a landmark national research initiative aimed at addressing one of breast cancer’s most urgent challenges: ‘how to stop breast cancer from coming back’.

 

The initiative, known as AllClear, is supported by the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) first-ever Collaborative Research Accelerator (CRA) Grant—a $25 million investment over five years. This is the largest single research grant in NBCF’s 30-year history and one of the most significant funding commitments to breast cancer research in Australia.

 

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women and the second most common cancer overall. Despite a 40% reduction in mortality over the past three decades, approximately 3,300 Australians still die from breast cancer each year—a number that continues to rise.

 

Led by Associate Professor Christine Chaffer at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, the AllClear program brings together nearly 60 researchers across seven leading institutions, including the University of Sydney, University of Newcastle, Breast Cancer Trials (BCT), and international collaborators from Yale and Washington University. Eleven hospitals across New South Wales are also participating in this nationwide effort.

 

CTC’s Role in AllClear

The NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre is contributing across several critical areas including:

 

• Innovative Trial Design

Dr Kristy Robledo is co-leading the development of an adaptive platform trial tailored to Australian breast cancer patients, in collaboration with BCT and Professor Fran Boyle (University of Sydney).

 

• Real-World Data Research

Dr Sally Lord is leading a research program to better understand distant relapse and its risk factors, working alongside Dr Kristy Robledo, Dr Sol Libesman and Professor Angela Webster (School of Public Health, University of Sydney).

 

• Capacity Building for Future Leaders

Dr Kristy Robledo also chairs the Capacity and Capability Committee, which is focused on supporting and equipping early career researchers in breast cancer research.

 

“This is an exciting milestone for breast cancer research in Australia,” said Dr Kristy Robledo. “We’re proud to be part of an international collaboration that brings together leading minds and institutions to deliver real impact for patients and the wider research community.”

 

About AllClear

AllClear focuses on breast cancer cells that have already spread to the bone at the time of diagnosis. Researchers will investigate how these cells evade detection, how they differ from primary tumour cells, and why current treatments may fail to eliminate them.

 

Using advanced technologies—including machine learning, molecular profiling, and biomarker discovery—the program aims to:

 

• Predict cancer recurrence more accurately
• Develop novel therapies
• Accelerate the testing of these therapies through cutting-edge clinical trials

 

By targeting dormant cancer cells before they reawaken, AllClear has the potential to prevent recurrence and save lives.

 

A Collaborative Step Forward

“AllClear exemplifies the power of collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing challenges in breast cancer care—preventing recurrence” commented Professor Meg Jardine, Director of the University of Sydney NHMRC Clinical Trials . “At the Clinical Trials Centre, we are proud to contribute our expertise in trial design and real-world data to a program that has the potential to transform outcomes for thousands of Australians.”

 

For more information about AllClear and the University of Sydney’s involvement, please contact the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre.