There was a buzz in the air at the 50th ASM of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, a highlight event of the year to connect and share insights with the wider cancer community.
This year’s theme, 50 years of innovation in cancer care: Learning from the past to inspire the future, set the scene for an exciting three days of programming for over 600 delegates.
It was great to see so many friendly faces in the crowd this year. A special thank you to our members, regional partners and other stakeholders who came to visit us at our booth, as well as the many others who dropped in to hear about what we do - from interstate and overseas.
VCCC Alliance staff and members had a number of posters on display at the conference, showcasing important work happening in our programs from equitable resources and perceptions of inequity in cancer care through to an integrated cancer care framework and diversity and inclusion in trials.
Posters on display from our staff and members
This year’s COSA event was the stage for a landmark launch, with CEO of Cancer Australia, Prof Dorothy Keefe officially announcing the launch of the inaugural Australian Cancer Plan. The plan aims to improve prevention, screening, treatment, management and outcomes for all cancers in Australia, including improving outlooks for groups with traditionally poorer health outcomes.
“This is the biggest thing in cancer control in Australia,” Prof Keefe said. “There has never been a national plan to harmonise everything, ensure there are no gaps and take cancer care to the next level.”
The VCCC Alliance looks forward to contributing to the 46 actions across six themes set out in the plan over the coming years.
The VCCC Alliance held a breakfast session to address the rapidly evolving world of clinical trials, and what’s needed to support novel trial methodologies and new legislation like the National Clinical Trial Governance Framework (NCTGF).
New trial methodologies such as registry-based clinical trials (Reg-CTs) and teletrials have shown great promise for answering research questions in real-world populations and addressing equity, a priority for the VCCC Alliance and the announced Australian Cancer Plan. Introduction of the NCTGF will impact the capture and reporting of metrics.
Panel answers audience questions at the VCCC Alliance Breakfast Session
Presentations from an expert line-up demonstrated how the clinical trial workforce is shouting out for modern educational resources and support that can keep up with the sector. The VCCC Alliance in collaboration with members has begun creating these resources for clinical trials workers. Tailored for specific roles like research managers and co-designed with consumers and subject matters, the evolving range includes foundational courses and practical tools that can be used on-the-go.
The session was a fantastic way to provide an update on new trial methodologies, and highlight the practical resources and education available to support sites with their implementation. The emphasis on collaboration and co-design across the sector to create these resources highlights a sector working together to create sustainable and inclusive clinical trial education. – Jessica Freeman, Regional Innovations Manager
Chaired by Mark Buzza, Head of Research at the alliance, the panel included Prof Peter Gibbs, Division head at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), Marian Lieschke, Clinical Trials Manager at Parkville Cancer Clinical Trials Unit (PCCTU), Narelle McPhee, Cancer Research Manager at Bendigo Health, with Michelle Barrett, Jessica Freeman and Eleonora Kay from the VCCC Alliance.
In a momentous occasion on Day two, Dr David Speakman OAM, Chief Medical Officer at member organisation Peter MacCallum Centre Centre was presented with the prestigious 2023 Tom Reeve Award. Celebrating Outstanding Contributions to Cancer Care, the award is offered annually by COSA and recognises a national leader in the field.
A memorable tribute was given for Emeritus Professor Tom Reeve AC CBE, the award’s namesake and a pioneer in Australian cancer care, who sadly passed earlier this year.
Dr Speakman used his address to draw attention to the importance of a patient-centric approach to cancer care and control. He highlighted the enormous impact of Prof Tom Reeve’s work, and the esteemed company he joins as a winner, joining Prof Grant MacArthur AO, Prof Sanchia Aranda AM and others.
