New liver cancer technology being trialled by Image X Institute and the Central Coast Cancer Centre has been highlighted by the NSW Government as part of a ministerial visit to celebrate the cutting edge research happening in the region.
NSW Minister for Medical Research David Harris recently visited the Gosford-based centre, recognising its role as the lead liver cancer site in the LEARN study, a clinical research project investigating how artificial intelligence could improve the precision and effectiveness of radiotherapy for liver cancer patients.
Led by the Image X Institute, the study is evaluating a novel AI-powered tumour tracking technology that uses the treatment system’s built-in imaging equipment to locate and monitor liver tumours in real-time during treatment.
“The liver moves when we breathe and we need to account for this movement during radiation treatment so that the beams of radiation continue to target the tumour. The AI tool uses X-ray imaging to map the tumour’s location and is then able to track the tumour with a high degree of precision and without the need for any surgical intervention.” says Dr Ben Zwan.
Image X Institute researcher Dr Chandrima Sengupta said the study is an important step towards making advanced radiotherapy technologies more accessible and less invasive for patients;
“Cancer care shouldn’t depend on a postcode. Expanding advanced radiotherapy to regional centres brings life-saving treatment closer to the communities that need it most. I’m excited to be part of this journey to expand our technology and improve outcomes for regional communities.”
The Central Coast Cancer Centre is among 17 sites participating in the study and is playing a leading role in evaluating the technology for liver cancer treatments.
“We’re proud to be part of a trial with the potential to improve cancer treatment for patients across Australia. Together with other regional partners in Orange and Dubbo, Central Coast Cancer Centre is helping bring world-leading technology and innovative care closer to regional and rural communities.” says Ben.
During the visit, Minister Harris described the research as placing the Central Coast region “at the forefront of global cancer innovation” and highlighted the potential for AI-driven technologies to improve cancer care for patients across Australia:
“It is exciting to see if artificial intelligence can make treatment safer, more accurate and less invasive for patients. Importantly, the study is recruiting local patients, giving people in our community the opportunity to be part of research that could shape the future of cancer treatment.”
This recognition reflects the strength of collaboration between researchers, clinicians and healthcare services working together to translate research innovations into clinical practice.
“It’s a privilege to be able to highlight all the years of work by our team and Image X to such a wide audience. It’s a rare opportunity, so I feel very lucky.” says Ben.
ED: It’s not every day that a Minister and news crew visit you at work. We had to ask, who do you call first when you find out you’re going to be on the telly?
“The first person I told was my wife, who was thrilled. I’m usually one to hide from cameras and spotlights, so I think she enjoyed it even more than I did. We watched it with the kids, which was a funny family experience.”
The LEARN study forms part of the Image X Institute’s broader mission to develop scalable radiotherapy technologies that can improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients while making advanced cancer care more widely accessible.
Related Links
Learn more about the LEARN Trial here: https://image-x.sydney.edu.au/learn-trial/
Central Coast Cancer Centre is also leading a new study, the DAY-TRIPPER trial, which aims to make same-day stereotactic radiotherapy a reality for regional and rural patients across NSW. This work demonstrates how locally led research can drive innovation, improve access to treatment, and help reduce the disparities in cancer outcomes between metropolitan and regional communities. Learn more about their research here: https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/research-and-learning/research/projects/
Read the press release from Minister Medical Research David Harris here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/central-coast-cancer-centre-plays-leading-role-pioneering-liver-cancer-clinical-trial-using-ai
View the NBN News article and news segment here: https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2026/06/01/new-clinical-trial-using-ai-underway-on-the-central-coast/