A program that will transform diagnosis of breast and lung cancer by establishing a path to clinical implementation of a novel low-dose, high-quality, 3D imaging technique.

“Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) can improve the imaging signal 10-fold, leading to a considerable improvement in image quality and a substantial reduction in the X-ray dose, compared to conventional X-ray imaging techniques,” said Professor Brennan. “Successful clinical translation of PB-CT requires a multidisciplinary team of experts in academia and beyond. 

This National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grant allows us to bring together the right people to deliver a world-first PB-CT imaging facility. The IMPACT Program is a 5-year NHMRC Synergy Grant worth $5 million.

The program could revolutionise breast and lung cancer diagnosis worldwide and position Australia as an international hub of scientific, clinical and industrial excellence in X-ray phase-contrast imaging. Through vastly improved cancer diagnosis and reduced risk and discomfort, PB-CT has the potential to significantly reduce cancer mortality and morbidity.”