Underfunding of Australian Radiation Oncology Research 2020-2024

Cancer is the current leading cause of death in Australia, with a mortality and morbidity burden that is expected to rise with the aging population. Despite radiotherapy being indicated in 52% of cancer cases and contributing to 40% of cancer survival, radiation oncology (RO) research has not been prioritised by domestic or international research funding groups.

This study reviewed the past 5 years of publicly available oncology grant funding data from Australia's largest funding organisations, including commonwealth, individual state and territory governments, and philanthropic organisations. Data were retrieved from individual organisations' websites and GrantConnect. Grants for potential RO projects were identified using search terms. Additional descriptive information was retrieved using search engines. The combined data were assessed to determine inclusion/exclusion from the final RO grant pool. Descriptive statistics were generated using Microsoft Excel.

Our analysis identified 1660 oncology grants, of which 74 (4.5%) were deemed to be RO grants. The total value of oncology grants was AUD$1.89 B, and RO grants was $60 M (3.2%). Of the RO grants, 39% were provided by philanthropic organisations, 39% by the Commonwealth Government and 22% by state and territory governments. Only 9% of RO grants were awarded to radiation oncologists.

This study demonstrates the low proportion of Australian oncology research funding awarded to RO projects. The gap between the clinical importance of RO and the funding it receives risks delays in more effective and less toxic radiation therapy reaching Australian cancer patients.