TRACKER
Advancing Lung Cancer Research
Why is research needed?
Lung cancer is often hard to detect early because its symptoms can easily be confused with other problems. As a result, more than 50% of cases are found only after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. At this advanced stage, surgery is not an option. Instead, other treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy are used to manage the disease. How well these treatments work can differ from person to person, making research into lung cancer a key area to investigate.
THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY
Human samples are a highly valuable resource for medical researchers - but can be difficult to collect
Human samples (tissue, blood, fluid) are precious resources because they contain valuable information about cancer that can be used for high quality research, both now and in the years to come. One of the major roadblocks to developing better treatments has been the limited access to appropriate lung tumour samples, as these can be difficult to obtain. In addition, because samples have not routinely been collected from the same individual over time, there is limited understanding of why people with lung cancer respond so differently to the same treatment.
Looking towards a brighter future together.
TRACKER Team
WHAT IS A BIOBANK?
A biobank is a secure place for storing human samples
Much like a bank safely looks after money, biobanks carefully collect, label, and store blood, tissue, and fluid samples from people living with lung cancer. These samples are handled respectfully and in a culturally safe way and are used only in future research projects that have been ethically approved. By making high-quality human samples available to researchers, we can support the development of new tests, develop better treatments, reduce side effects, and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with lung cancer.
"I have been living with an incurable lung cancer for over ten years now. I am fortunate to have had new treatments discovered since my diagnosis that have kept me alive. I hope with discoveries made by using information gained from the TRACKER project, I will be able to live at least another 10 years."
- Anita. M, Living with Lung Cancer
HOW IS TRACKER A WORLD FIRST?
Advancing critical lung cancer research
​​TRACKER is unique because it aggregates health-related information over time about the person, their cancer, and the treatments they receive. When combined with extensive, in-depth analysis of collected samples, this complete picture allows researchers to gain valuable insights, opening opportunities for personalised medicine and breakthrough therapies. ​​
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Recognising its significance, the Australian Government has invested $3 million into the TRACKER biobank. ​​
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Our goal is for TRACKER to transform global lung cancer research, enabling world-class innovations that were previously limited by the scarcity of biospecimens and the technology available to analyse them.
THE SCALE OF TRACKER
How does the biobank work?
The TRACKER biobank collects, processes, stores, and shares lung cancer samples and health-related information with qualified researchers.
1 / Asking for Permission
People who may have lung cancer are provided with clear information about TRACKER before being asked if they would like to take part. All samples are collected in a respectful and culturally safe way, and people's privacy is always protected. Participants are informed about what is being collected and why.
2 / Collection
Small tumour tissue and lung fluid samples are collected in a simple, safe, and straightforward way, without the need for major surgery. Blood samples are taken in the same way as a routine blood test. All samples are collected during regular hospital visits.
3 / Analysis & Sharing
Samples are analysed in detail using the latest technologies. Samples and health information are shared with researchers for approved projects, helping to drive breakthroughs in earlier diagnosis, precision medicine, and safer, more effective treatments - leading to improved outcomes for people living with lung cancer.
"As a person from a culturally diverse background, I am excited that the TRACKER biobank will give researchers an opportunity to understand the diversity of people with lung cancer and what that could mean to the way people respond to treatments and what the differences in outcomes might be."
- Nasreen. K, Family Member
HOW DOES TRACKER DEMONSTRATE ITS COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & DIVERSITY?
Committed to the representation & inclusion of all Australians
TRACKER strives to adhere to culturally sensitive biobanking practices and includes participants from priority populations, including people from Indigenous backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, older adults, people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those living in rural and remote areas. This approach helps ensure our research benefits all Australians, including those with the greatest needs, and supports more equitable lung cancer outcomes.
WHAT WILL SAMPLES AND INFORMATION BE USED FOR?
Facilitating innovative lung cancer research
At the time samples and health information are collected, it is not always possible to know which research projects they may be used for in the future. However, only projects that align with the goals of TRACKER and have received ethical approval - focused on advancing knowledge and improving the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer - are allowed to use them. If you would like to learn more about how contributions may be used, please see our current list of active research projects below.
"Our tumour samples are precious to us. Knowing they will be safely collected, stored, and utilised to help advance lung cancer research with minimal waste, gives me total satisfaction and fills me with hope. Hope that these answers will someday be found, but also hope that our care will be improved. As a wife and a mum of 2 young children, everyday matters."
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- Lisa. B, TRACKER Participant
"As a person living with lung cancer, deeply passionate about research, I’ve had the opportunity to shape our work by using my insights to advocate for the inclusion of liquid biopsies, promote the adoption of annual feedback to participants, and spearhead the creation of a broad and diverse consumer committee to help guide the future direction of TRACKER."
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- Lisa. B, TRACKER Participant
HOW HAS OUR COMMUNITY SHAPED TRACKER?
Designed in partnership with people
who have lived experience of lung cancer
TRACKER values the contributions of people with lived experience of lung cancer, who bring a wide range of perspectives to this team-oriented biobank. They help ensure TRACKER meets the needs and research goals of those affected. Our team (including people living with lung cancer, their loved ones, carers, and friends) actively provide their unique insights on:​​
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Ethics, information, and consent
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Project design and scope
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Project communication
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Equity and diversity for priority populations
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Strategic planning
"Through the darkness of the illness there are flashes of beauty like being partner in research and working with the TRACKER team monthly for 2 years on the co-design of the project."​​
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- Jac, Living with Lung Cancer