Brain cancer test pioneer accepts first Daniela Dwyer Fellowship [Video]

It is a great honour for Professor Sudha Rao and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute to accept the first Daniela Dwyer Fellowship.

In April 2021, Daniela was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Despite her incredible bravery, she tragically lost her battle against the disease just 11 months later.

Throughout her journey, Daniela, along with her family and partner, worked closely with Professor Rao. Together, they embarked on a mission to analyse Daniela’s blood for reactions to an experimental drug called Paxalisib. Although the drug arrived too late for Daniela, the tests revealed promising signs.

Dee’s blood samples have proven to be an invaluable source of information for our team. With the help of Professor Rao’s liquid biopsy test, we can now detect and monitor how a brain cancer patient’s circulating cancer cells respond to chemotherapy or other medications. This groundbreaking approach could allow personalised treatment plans for each individual, offering them the best possible chance of recovery.

Two years after the world lost the beautiful Daniela, her parents Luisa and Kevin, as well as her partner Taylor Bow, have made an extraordinary contribution to QIMR Berghofer in her memory. Their generous gift will enable us to continue our research into this innovative testing method.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to this remarkable family and to all those who have supported the Daniela Dwyer Foundation in any way.

Your kindness and generosity are truly inspiring.

Every day, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of brain cancer patients, and we carry Daniela’s memory in our hearts, forever grateful for her impact on our work.