Imagine a world where cancer treatments don’t leave patients feeling like shadows of their former selves. With nearly half of Australian adults predicted to be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, this startling reality makes the groundbreaking work of two Australian scientists even more vital. Dr. Jennifer MacDiarmid and Dr. Himanshu Brahmbhatt are on a mission to change the landscape of cancer treatment forever.

Journeying through a tale filled with hope, heartbreak, and relentless determination, their efforts are chronicled in the highly anticipated SBS documentary series, The Cancer Killers, premiering on Tuesday, November 4th at 9:30 PM. This gripping series dives deep into the rollercoaster ride of scientific discovery, capturing the dual struggles against medical challenges and the business world as these two innovators strive to bring a life-saving therapy to market.

For over two decades, Drs. MacDiarmid and Brahmbhatt have worked tirelessly to develop a revolutionary therapy known as the EnGeneIC Dream Vector (EDV). This microscopic 'Trojan Horse' technology infiltrates cancer cells to obliterate them from the inside, all while protecting healthy cells. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which often leaves patients grappling with nausea, hair loss, and weakened immune systems, this novel approach could potentially banish these debilitating side effects, rallying the body’s natural defenses to join the fight against cancer.

However, their journey has been anything but smooth sailing. From conducting the world’s first human trials in Melbourne back in 2009 to recently achieving fast-track status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for their latest trial, Drs. MacDiarmid and Brahmbhatt have faced numerous hurdles, including financial struggles and skepticism from the medical community. Yet, driven by an unwavering resolve, they continue to push forward, conducting trials across Australia and the United States.

As they gear up for a pivotal six-site clinical trial in late 2025 targeting pancreatic cancer—a disease notorious for its lack of effective treatment—the stakes have never been higher. This trial will take place at one of the world’s leading cancer research facilities, Columbia University’s Irving Cancer Research Centre in New York.

In The Cancer Killers, viewers are invited into the intense world of these pioneering scientists as they navigate the intersections of lab work, boardrooms, and the emotional toll of their mission. Senior SBS Commissioning Editor for Documentaries, Bernadine Lim, highlights that the series not only showcases the scientific breakthroughs but also the deeply human stories of hope, sacrifice, and relentless determination behind them.

According to producer and director Judy Rymer, the film illustrates an extraordinary journey through the biotechnology landscape, highlighting the passion and perseverance that drive these scientists. It’s a narrative that celebrates the potential of science to change lives.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this remarkable journey unfold in The Cancer Killers, a production of Rymer Childs for SBS.