Harnessing Death for Life: Opportunity for Cancer Treatment

One of the most surprising discoveries in medicine today has been that impairment of the natural process of cell death (apoptosis) as a critical step towards malignancy and effective cancer therapy.

Professor Suzanne Cory AC PhD FAA FRS, President of the Australian Academy of Science gave an overview of how understanding the cellular life/death switch is leading to an exciting new class of drugs that should greatly aid treatment of many types of cancer.

“For the past 30 years, we have seen a revolution in our understanding of the genetic accidents that contribute to cancer development. Understanding cell death is the key to treating many types of cancer,” said Professor Cory at a lecture co-hosted today by the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and the Indonesian and Australian Academy of Sciences.

Chairing the session was President of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences, Professor Sangkot Marzuki.

“As close neighbours, we confront similar regional and global issues, including health issues,” said Professor Marzuki.

Later today the Indonesian Academy of Sciences will be renewing an MoU with the Australian Academy of Sciences to support ongoing collaboration between the two Academies.

“For Australia, collaboration with Asia in science and research will be an increasingly important part of our future,” said Australian Ambassador, Mr Greg Moriarty

”I am pleased to say that the science and research partnership between Australia and Indonesia continues to strengthen at the government, institutional and societal level.” said Mr Moriarty.

Pertanyaan Pers:
Ray Marcelo (Atase Pers) tel. (021) 2550 5290 hp. 0811 187 3175