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Research Projects
New CANSA-Funded Type A Research Projects
We are pleased to announce two new CANSA-funded Type A research projects commencing on 1 April 2026. These projects are led by outstanding South African researchers whose work advances knowledge, supports innovation, and strengthens cancer research in South Africa. We are honoured to partner with leading scientists whose expertise plays a vital role in expanding […]
Read morePublished: 12 February 2026
Updated: 13 February 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Funding and Grants, Research Projects
Modelling Preferred HPV Therapeutic Vaccine Characteristics in South Africa
Dr Cari van Schalkwyk Senior Researcher, South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University Email Project Title Modelling preferred HPV therapeutic vaccine characteristics in South Africa Project Description Cervical cancer is South Africa’s leading cause of cancer-related death among women, with disproportionate impact on women living with HIV, who experience higher rates […]
Read morePublished: 12 February 2026
Updated: 13 February 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Projects
Molecular Causes of Early-onset Colorectal Cancers in South Africans of African Ancestry: The CRC-Gen Study
Dr June Fabian Director of the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Research Institute (WDGMRI); Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Email Project Title Molecular causes of early-onset colorectal cancers in South Africans of African ancestry: The CRC-Gen Study Project Description Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), diagnosed before age 50, disproportionately affects people of African ancestry. […]
Read morePublished: 27 January 2026
Updated: 28 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Projects
Microbial Modulation of the Tumour Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer: Early Diagnostic Markers and Candidate Therapeutic Targets
Professor Jonathan Blackburn Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town Email Title of the project Microbial modulation of the tumour microenvironment in pancreatic cancer: early diagnostic markers and candidate therapeutic targets Project Description The project employs a multi-omic approach to biomarker identification, validation and elucidation of molecular […]
Read morePublished: 25 March 2024
Updated: 13 October 2025
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Projects
Applied Cancer Research Programme Projects
Our Applied Cancer Research Programme projects often support research conducted by postgraduate students under the supervision of their host institution. Programme Note This programme consolidates CANSA’s former Type B and Type C funding streams into a single, streamlined funding mechanism to improve clarity, accessibility, and strategic alignment. It supports emerging and early-career researchers and strengthens […]
Read morePublished: 15 March 2024
Updated: 14 April 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Projects
Dr Eloise van der Merwe – Knockdown of LRP/LR Impedes Multiple Cancer Hallmarks in Lung Cancer Cells
Dr Eloise van der Merwe of the School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand delivered a poster at the ASCB/EMBO Cell Bio 2023 conference in Boston, USA from 2-6 December 2023 as part of the late Prof Stefan Weiss’s CANSA-funded project. Read more… Download the poster Abstract: Knockdown of LRP/LR Impedes Multiple […]
Read morePublished: 6 February 2024
Updated: 7 February 2024
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Findings, Research Projects
CANSA Head of Research: AWACAN-ED Collaboration
About AWACAN-ED AWACAN-ED (African aWAreness of CANcer & Early Diagnosis) is an NIHR-funded Global Health Research Group focussing on Advancing Early Diagnosis of Cancer in Southern Africa. The study aims to develop and evaluate electronic tools (e-Tools) to improve care-seeking behaviour and reduce healthcare delays in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The research focuses on: Cervical and breast […]
Read morePublished: 8 August 2022
Updated: 26 February 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Findings, Research Projects
MSD Global Oncology Policy Grant
Study Title Legal frameworks and policies: advancing innovative approaches to cancer care in South Africa Study Description This is a collaborative research study with the Cancer Alliance, the Cancer Association of South Africa, Global Health Unit, Institute of Cancer Policy, Kings College London and Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, […]
Read morePublished: 7 August 2022
Updated: 30 September 2025
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Findings, Research Projects
Genetic Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in South Africa
Prof Christopher Mathew Department of Human Genetics and Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand Email A/Prof Michael Urban Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Email Title of the project Genetic risk factors for breast cancer in South Africa: A […]
Read morePublished: 8 April 2022
Updated: 5 February 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Projects
Improving Cure for Lymphoma Patients in South Africa by Enhancing Access to Early and Accurate Lymphoma Diagnosis
Project ended 30 May 2025 A/Prof Estelle Verburgh Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Email Title of the project Improving cure for lymphoma patients in South Africa by enhancing access to early and accurate lymphoma diagnosis Project Description The incidence of aggressive lymphoma is markedly elevated in people living with HIV (PLWH) […]
Read morePublished: 8 April 2022
Updated: 13 October 2025
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Projects
Vitamin D: Determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in adults in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer. Exposure to solar radiation is a major source of Vitamin D production. Greater exposure is required by those with darker skin tones in order to produce Vitamin D. We funded a study led by Janicke Visser at the Division of […]
Read morePublished: 6 September 2019
Updated: 9 March 2021
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Findings, Research Projects
Type A projects which ended on 31 March 2019
The following Type A projects came to an end on 31 March 2019: Dr Jennifer Geel – Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital / WITS / South African Children’s Cancer Study Group. Hodgkin Lymphoma in South African Children Adolescents from 2000-2010: A first report by the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group Dr Catherine Kaschula – Stellenbosch University. Identification of […]
Read morePublished: 4 June 2019
Updated: 11 March 2021
Categories: Research Findings, Research Projects
Physical Properties of Core and HBeAg/Precursors and Host-Pathogen Interactions Leading to Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Prof Anna Kramvis Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand Email Title of the project Physical properties of core and HBeAg/precursors and host-pathogen interactions leading to development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Project Description Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular […]
Read morePublished: 15 April 2019
Categories: Research Projects
Molecular Mechanisms of Breast Cancer Risk Reduction by SM6Met, a Well Characterized Cyclopia Extract
Project ended 30 June 2022 Prof Ann Louw Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University al@sun.ac.za Title of the project Molecular mechanisms of breast cancer risk reduction by SM6Met, a well characterized Cyclopia extract. Project Description Globally and in South Africa breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women. Most breast cancers are oestrogen receptor (ER) […]
Read morePublished: 4 April 2019
Updated: 13 October 2025
Categories: Research Projects
Identification of Novel Cancer Biomarkers with Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential for Cervical and Oesophageal Cancers Using a Targeted Proteomic Approach
Prof Virna Leaner Division of Medical Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town Email Title of the project Identification of novel cancer biomarkers with diagnostic and therapeutic potential for cervical and oesophageal cancers using a targeted proteomic approach. Project Description Cancer continues to be a […]
Read morePublished: 4 April 2019
Updated: 30 March 2021
Categories: Research Projects
Immunity, Knowledge, Behaviour and HPV Infection Rates after Pre-Adolescent HPV Vaccination during the VACCS 1 and 2 Trials (ImmunoVACCS)
Project ended 30 June 2022 Dr Haynes van der Merwe Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University Email Title of the project Immunity, knowledge, behaviour and HPV infection rates after pre-adolescent HPV vaccination during the VACCS 1 and 2 trials (ImmunoVACCS). Project Description The project focuses on the reduction […]
Read morePublished: 4 April 2019
Updated: 13 October 2025
Categories: Research Projects
HDL and Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Project ended 30 June 2022 Prof Sandrine Lecour Hatter Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town Email Title of the project HDL and anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Project Description Anthracycline-based chemotherapy has been widely accepted to have an increased rise for dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes and […]
Read morePublished: 4 April 2019
Updated: 13 October 2025
Categories: Research Projects
The In Vitro Possible Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Treatment of Colon Cancer
Project ended 30 June 2021 Dr Cherie Kruger Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg Email Title of the project “The In Vitro Possible Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Treatment of Colon Cancer”. Project Description Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in South Africa (SA), and the sixth most lethal. […]
Read morePublished: 4 April 2019
Updated: 8 April 2022
Categories: Research Projects
Immunogenic Fingerprinting in the New Era for Personalized Medicine: Serum Amyloid A and Macrophages in the Tumour-Microenvironment
Project ended 30 June 2022 Prof Anna-Mart Engelbrecht Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University ame@sun.ac.za Title of the project Immunogenic fingerprinting in the new era for personalized medicine: Serum amyloid A and macrophages in the tumour-microenvironment Project Description The mediators and cellular effectors of inflammation are important role players of the tumour micro-environment. In some […]
Read morePublished: 4 April 2019
Updated: 13 October 2025
Categories: Research Projects
Discovery of Novel Targets in Pancreatic Cancer by Investigating Aberrant Signalling Pathways
Project ended 30 June 2022 Prof Geoffrey Candy Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Email Title of the project Discovery of novel targets in pancreatic cancer by investigating aberrant signalling pathways. Project Description Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is a devastating and aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis despite several treatment strategies. […]
Read morePublished: 4 April 2019
Updated: 29 November 2022
Categories: Research Projects
Type A projects which ended on 31 March 2018
The following Type A projects came to an end on 31 March 2018: Prof Ans Baeyens – University of the Witwatersrand. Genetic screening of triple negative and young breast cancer patients in South Africa Prof Sinead Delany-Moretlwe – University of the Witwatersrand. Factors associated with anogenital HPV infection and disease prevalence, incidence, persistence: a prospective cohort […]
Read morePublished: 23 October 2018
Categories: Research Findings, Research Projects
