A new cancer rehabilitation centre opening in Fortitude Valley this Thursday aims to offer Queensland patients access to an Australian-developed therapy designed to ease the side effects of conventional cancer treatment.
The Leading Light Rehab Clinic will provide OncoLaser therapy, a low-level laser treatment developed by the clinic’s co-directors Kate Perkins and Dr Catherine Norton.
The therapy uses photobiomodulation—a process that stimulates cellular energy production—to help manage complications that can arise from chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and immunotherapy. According to Dr Norton, who serves as the clinic’s CEO, the treatment is intended to work alongside standard cancer care rather than replace it.
“It uses low-level laser therapy to support healthy tissue before, during and after chemotherapy, radiation and surgery,” Dr Norton said. The approach focuses on reducing painful side effects rather than treating cancer cells directly.
Ms Perkins, who co-developed the OncoLaser system, said the technology aims to fill gaps in supportive oncological care. “Opening at Leading Light Rehab Clinic allows us to extend these services to more patients in Brisbane in a collaborative healthcare environment,” she said.
The treatment is described as non-invasive and opioid-free, targeting issues such as oral mucositis, radiation dermatitis, delayed wound healing, pain and certain neuropathy symptoms that can result from cancer treatment.
The clinic’s opening event will feature a panel discussion with oncology and integrative health specialists. Dr David Schlecht, a radiation oncologist at The Wesley Hospital, will discuss recent developments in radiation oncology.
“Equally important is ensuring patients have access to supportive therapies that help manage side effects, support healing and maintain quality of life throughout their treatment journey,” Dr Schlecht said.
The clinic plans to work with cancer treatment centres, GPs, surgeons and allied health professionals across the region. OncoLaser has indicated plans to expand its network across regional Australia through partnerships with local health providers.
Published 25-February-2026
