2017

EDUCATION 2017

COLLABORATION

Level 14, 477 Pitt Street ADVOCACY Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 4708 Sydney NSW 2001 EDUCATION RESEARCH COLLABORATIONADVOCACY Telephone: (02) 8063 4100 RESEARCH Facsimile: (02) 8063 4101 www.cosa.org.au

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SECTION INDEX

COSA BOARD and COSA Reports...... 03 COSA Group Reports...... 11 Affiliated Organisation Reports...... 23 Other Reports...... 55 Financial Statements...... 57

PRESIDENTS OF COSA

1973 - 1976 Mr WB Fleming AM - Deceased MBBS FRACS FRCS(Eng) FACS

1976 - 1979 Professor L Atkinson - Deceased FRCS FRACS FACR

1979 - 1981 Dr RP Melville - Deceased MBBS FRCS FRACS FACS

1981 - 1983 Professor MHN Tattersall AO MA MD MSc FRCP FRACP

1983 - 1985 Professor GJ Clunie - Deceased CHM(Ed) FRCS(Ed) FRCS FRACS

1985 - 1987 Dr JVM Coppleson AO - Deceased MBBS(Hons) MD FRCOG FRACOG

1988 - 1989 Dr JA Levi MBBS FRACP

1990 - 1991 Professor RM Fox AM BSc(Med) PhD MBBS FRACP

1992 - 1993 Professor WH McCarthy AM MEd FRACS

1994 - 1995 Professor AS Coates AM MD FRACP

1996 - 1997 Professor RJS Thomas MBBS MS FRACS FRCS

1998 - 1999 Professor H Ekert AM MBBS MD FRACP FRCPA

2000 - 2001 Professor J Zalcberg OAM MBBS PhD FRACP GAICD MRACMA

2002 - 2003 Adjunct Professor L Kenny AO MBBS FRANZCR

2004 - 2005 Dr S Ackland MBBS FRACP

2006 – Jul 2006 Professor D Currow BMed FRACP MPH

2006 - 2008 Professor D Goldstein MBBS FRACP FRCP

2009 - 2010 Professor B Mann MBBS PhD FRACS

2011 - 2012 Professor B Koczwara AM BM BS FRACP MBioethics FAICD

2013 - 2014 Professor SV Porceddu BSc MBBS(Hons) MD FRANZCR

2015 - 2016 Professor M Krishnasamy BA RGN DipN MSc PhD

2017 – Present Professor P Butow AM BA(Hons) Dip Ed MClinPsych MPH PhD ANNUAL REPORT 2017

COSA VISION AND MISSION

COSA achieves QUALITY this by: • supporting the professional and MULTIDISCIPLINARY educational needs of cancer health professionals CANCER CARE FOR ALL • enhancing cancer care and control through network development The overarching mission of COSA is to improve • advocating for improvements in cancer care and control through collaboration. cancer care and control • facilitating research across the spectrum of cancer

COSA MEMBERSHIP As at 31 December 2017 there were 848 registered members of COSA. Members are drawn from the many disciplines in medicine engaged in cancer treatment and from associated research, patient care and support areas. They come from universities, private practice, government and private laboratories and other health services.

There are 2 types of postgraduate degree or fellowship for admission as an honorary member. from a recognised College or Society This membership category is offered COSA membership: that is relevant to the vision and to past Presidents of COSA and Individual membership – mission of COSA. nominees and must be approved be the COSA Board. COSA Members • Non-medical members have a specific interest in oncology and a Organisational membership – 4 STUDENT MEMBERS Affiliated and Associated professional qualification relevant to Organisations COSA’s vision and mission. A person who is undertaking full time undergraduate or post-graduate The categories of 2 RETIREE MEMBERS studies with a stream of cancer care is eligible as a student member. membership of COSA are: A person who has retired from their Documented evidence of their status professional employment, who has is required upon application annually 1 ORDINARY MEMBERS held COSA membership for 10 years and membership is subject to Board prior to retirement, and who has a A person with a specific interest approval. in oncology and with professional continued personal interest in cancer qualifications is eligible for admission care is eligible as a retiree member, subject to Board approval. 5 AFFILIATED AND as an ordinary member. ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS • Medical Member: Medical members 3 HONORARY MEMBERS Affiliated and Associated organisations are qualified clinical practitioners or include not for profit companies, A person who has made significant scientists with a specific interest in institutions or organisations that have and sustained contributions to COSA oncology. Medical members hold a a similar vision to COSA. or to cancer care in general is eligible 1 - 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Phyllis Nick Sanchia Butow AM Pavlakis Aranda President President-Elect Director

Ian Davis Christine Director Haryana Carrington (retired 30 June Dhillon Director 2017) Director

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COSA BOARD

Chris Mei Karapetis Krishnasamy Peter Director Director Dowding (retired 30 June (appointed 14 Director 2017) July 2017)

Wayne Nicholls Sandra Director Felicity McKiernan (appointed 19 Shaw Director May 2015) Director

Nik Zeps Marie Director Malica (appointed 14 Executive July 2017) Officer

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COSA COUNCIL

Council comprises the PRESIDENT Professor P Butow AM BA (Hons) Dip Ed MClinPsych MPH PhD President, President Elect, PRESIDENT ELECT Immediate Past President, A/Professor N Pavlakis BSc MBBS MMed (Clin.Epi) PhD FRACP Chair of each COSA Group IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT and the nominee of each Professor M Krishnasamy BA RGN DipN MSc PhD Affiliated Organisation. COSA GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT FAMILIAL CANCER GROUP PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY GROUP GROUP Chair: A/Professor N Pachter MBChB Chair: Dr L Kirsten DPsyc(Clinical) PhD Chair: Dr W Nicholls MBChB FRACP FRACP RADIATION ONCOLOGY GROUP BREAST CANCER GROUP GASTROINTESTINAL ONCOLOGY Chair: Position Vacant Chair: Dr S Fraser MBBS FASBP GROUP RARE CANCERS GROUP Chair: Professor E Segelov MBBS CANCER BIOLOGY GROUP Chair: A/Professor C Scott MBBS PhD (Hons1) FRACP PhD Chair: Professor N Zeps BSc (Hons) FRACP PhD GERIATRIC ONCOLOGY GROUP REGIONAL & RURAL ONCOLOGY Chair: Professor M Agar MBBS FRACP CANCER CARE COORDINATION GROUP FaChPM MPC PhD GROUP Chair: Professor S Sabesan Chair: Professor P Yates PhD RN FAAN GYNAECOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY BMBS(Flinders) PhD FRACP FACN GROUP SURGICAL ONCOLOGY GROUP Chair: A/Professor A Brand MD MMEd CANCER PHARMACISTS GROUP Chair: Position Vacant FRCS(C) FRANZCOG CGO Chair: Mr M Powell BPharm SURVIVORSHIP GROUP DipPharmPrac MSHP LUNG CANCER GROUP Chair: Dr H Dhillon BSc MA (Psych) Chair: A/Professor N Pavlakis BSc CLINICAL TRIALS RESEARCH PhD MBBS MMed (Clin.Epi) PhD FRACP PROFESSIONALS GROUP UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY GROUP Chair: Mrs D Lindsay BAppSc (Hons) MELANOMA AND SKIN CANCER Chair: Professor I Davis MBBS (Hons) GROUP COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE PhD FRACP FAChPM Chair: Dr D Speakman MBBS FRACS THERAPIES GROUP CANCER FORUM REPRESENTATIVE Chair: Mr P Katris MPsych NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOURS Professor B Stewart MSc PhD FRACI GROUP EPIDEMIOLOGY GROUP DipLaw GradDipLegalPract Chair: Dr Y Chua FRACP Chair: Dr H Tuffaha BPharm MBA MSc CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVE PhD NEUPRO-ONCOLOGY GROUP Ms S Scoble Chair: Dr ES Koh MBBS FRANZCR EXERCISE AND CANCER GROUP Chair: A/Professor P Cormie PhD AEP NUTRITION GROUP Chair: Dr N Kiss PhD Adv APD

PAEDEATRIC ONCOLOGY GROUP Chair: Position Vacant

PALLIATIVE CARE GROUP Chair: Professor J Phillips RN PhD FACN

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AFFILIATED ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVES

AUSTRALASIAN GASTRO-INTESTINAL AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ONCOLOGY SOCIAL WORK TRIALS GROUP UROGENITAL & PROSTATE CANCER AUSTRALIA Professor T Price MBBS FRACP TRIALS GROUP Ms K Hobbs MSW MAASW DHlthSc (Medicine) Professor I Davis MBBS (Hons) PhD PALLIATIVE CARE CLINICAL STUDIES FRACP FAChPM AUSTRALASIAN LEUKAEMIA & COLLABORATIVE LYMPHOMA GROUP AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Dr P Allcroft BMBS FRACP M Pall Care Professor M Hertzberg MBBS PhD GYNAECOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY PRIMARY CARE COLLABORATIVE FRACP FRCPA GROUP CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS GROUP A/Professor A Brand MD MMEd AUSTRALASIAN LUNG CANCER Professor L Trevena MBBS(Hons) FRCS(C) FRANZCOG CGO TRIALS GROUP MPhilPH PhD A/Professor N Pavlakis BSc MBBS BREAST CANCER TRIALS PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY COOPERATIVE MMed (Clin.Epi) PhD FRACP (Jan-Jul): Dr S Ackland MBBS FRACP RESEARCH GROUP GAICD AUSTRALASIAN METASTASIS Dr J Couper MBBS MD MMed(psych) (Jul-Dec): Professor G B Mann MBBS RESEARCH SOCIETY FRANZCP PhD FRACS Professor E Thompson PhD ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS CANCER NURSES SOCIETY OF AUSTRALASIAN SARCOMA STUDY OF AUSTRALASIA AUSTRALIA GROUP A/Professor C Hemmings BHB MBChB (Jan-Aug): Professor R Chan RN PhD Dr J Desai MBBS FRACP FRCPA FACN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (Aug-Dec): Ms J Campbell CCN TRANS TASMAN RADIATION MELANOMA TRIALS GROUP ONCOLOGY GROUP COOPERATIVE TRIALS GROUP FOR (Jan-Mar): Professor B Burmeister (Jan-Jul): A/Professor C Milross MBBS NEURO-ONCOLOGY MBChB FF Rad (T) SA FRANZCR MD MD FRANZCR FRACMA GAICD Professor M Rosenthal MBBS FRACP (Mar-Dec): Professor M Shackleton (Aug-Dec): Dr P Sundaresan BSc(Hons) PhD MBBS PhD FRACP MBBS FRANZCR PhD FACULTY OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND AUDITORS Dr D Forstner MBBS (Hons) FRANZCR CHILDRENS HAEMATOLOGY BDO ONCOLOGY GROUP HUMAN GENETICS SOCIETY Level 11 Dr C Fraser FRACP MBBS MPH OFAUSTRALASIA 1 Margaret St Ms M Young GradDip SocSci (Fam Sydney NSW 2000 AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND HEAD Therapy) MHSc (Gen Couns) FHGSA AND NECK CANCER SOCIETY Dr K Shannon MBBS FRACS MEDICAL ONCOLOGY GROUP OF AUSTRALIA Professor C Karapetis MBBS FRACP MMedSc

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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

I am pleased to present ŸŸ Pilot implementation project for the Tindle in the ASM opening ceremony. Australasian Tele-Trial Model with Ms Crossing may have been known my first annual report $230,000 external grant funding to many as a long-standing cancer contribution as COSA secured advocate. Ms Tindle was an active COSA member, AYA researcher and President. COSA ŸŸ Oversubscribed Cancer Pharmacy cancer patient/advocate. Sadly, both Group courses in Foundation Skills experienced another Ms Crossing and Ms Tindle passed and Advanced Practice busy year in 2017, with away last year. Both were deeply the culmination of our ŸŸ Webinars for cancer care respected by COSA and the cancer activities at the ASM in coordinators community and are sorely missed. Ms Crossing’s husband, daughters ŸŸ Well attended events for advanced Sydney. and two granddaughters were in trainees in medical oncology the audience at the ASM opening Achievements in 2017 ŸŸ Seven government submissions, ceremony and expressed their appreciation of the tribute. Some of our noteworthy achievements most in partnership with Cancer Council Australia in 2017 include: Another highlight for me was the presentation of the 2017 Tom Reeve ŸŸ The completion and launch of Annual Scientific Award at the conference dinner. the revised guidelines for the Meeting Professor Bill McCarthy is a most safe prescribing, dispensing and deserving recipient, and having administration of systemic cancer It is very different attending the COSA Professor Tom Reeve in attendance therapy, now available online via the ASM as the presiding President – was a special moment for everyone, Cancer Guidelines Wiki having official duties really kept me on my toes, but certainly did not stop especially Tom and Bill. This award for ŸŸ Finalisation of the Exercise in Cancer me from attending many sessions of outstanding contributions in cancer position statement which was interest. Overall, I found the standard care was inaugurated by COSA in launched at the 2017 ASM to be very high, with strong research 2005 with Tom as the first recipient. designs and clear presentations Since that time, it has been awarded evident everywhere. My thanks to in his honour as the Tom Reeve Award. A/Professor Nick Pavlakis and the Bill was the 13th recipient, joining an Organising Committee for preparing illustrious group of his predecessors. such a diverse and educational For those members that could program. not attend, you missed another It was wonderful to host the ASM remarkable conference, but you will be in Sydney at the new International pleased to know that the videos of all Convention Centre (ICC). The old presentations delivered in the plenary Sydney Convention and Exhibition hall and one of the concurrent rooms Centre closed in January 2014 after 25 are now available for member only years of operation, to make way for the access on the COSA website. development of the new $1 billion event and exhibition facilities, which opened Survivorship Conference in December 2016. The venue has some In partnership with the Flinders challenges to overcome, especially Centre for Innovation in Cancer (FCIC) with the distance delegates must travel COSA co-hosted the biennial Cancer between the conference and exhibition Survivorship Conference in February halls, but overall the location of the ICC 2017 in Adelaide. I congratulate in Darling Harbour really showed off our Bogda Koczwara and the Organising beautiful city and harbour. Committee for delivering on the theme “Pathways to better policy We were pleased to acknowledge Ms and practice”. The presentations Sally Crossing AM and Ms Danielle

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really focused delegate thinking on again like to thank Profs Davis and COSA members how we can translate the growing Karapetis for their most valuable evidence in this area into day to day contributions especially during the contributed to applications. I was impressed by the establishment of our new governance seven government strong consumer involvement, both structure in 2013. submissions throughout in planning and participation – their The membership approved an contribution is a unique characteristic 2017, all in partnership amended Constitution at the 2017 of this event. Planning is now with Cancer Council Annual General Meeting. In summary, underway for the next event which will the amendments are to: Australia be held in Sydney 28-29 March 2019. ŸŸ Reflect that COSA is now a charity Government registered with the Australian Submissions Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The ACNC COSA members contributed to seven Act has “switched off” some government submissions throughout requirements of the Corporations 2017, all in partnership with Cancer Act, and the previous version was Council Australia. developed and approved prior to the ŸŸ National Digital Health Strategy establishment of the ACNC Consultation (January) ŸŸ Simplify the Constitution, clarify ŸŸ NSW Health Consultation: Statewide existing provisions and remove Biobanking Consent (February) duplication and unnecessary detail

ŸŸ Response to National Health ŸŸ Reflect current practice Genomics Policy Framework 2017- ŸŸ Include necessary and relevant 2020 (March) information that is currently only ŸŸ Funding for research into low included in the Board Charter survival cancers (March) and should be included in the Constitution ŸŸ TGA consultation: Provisional Approval pathway for prescription Thanks and medicines: proposed process and Professor Phyllis post-market requirements (May) Acknowledgments In closing I would like to thank the Butow AM ŸŸ NHMRC consultation: Framework COSA Board and Council members for COSA President for assessment of NHMRC funding their support throughout 2017. One of clinical trials and cohort studies 2017-2018 of the daunting responsibilities of the (July) COSA President is to chair the Board ŸŸ TGA consultation: Criteria for and Council meeting, so having their comparable overseas regulators – continued support makes this task so medical devices (July) much easier, as well as enriching the contribution that COSA can make. Governance Thanks also to Professor Sanchia Aranda and Cancer Council Australia June 2017 saw the retirement of for continuing our mutually beneficial inaugural Board members Professor relationship. My sincere thanks to Ian Davis and A/Professor Chris the COSA members who continue Karapetis. I was pleased to welcome to support the organisation and our new members Professor Mei important work. And finally, thanks to Krishnasamy and Professor Nik Zeps Marie Malica and the COSA staff who who were elected in July 2017 and make everything happen behind the attended their first meeting in August. scenes. On behalf of the Board I would once 7 - 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER

2017 was certainly another busy year for the COSA team. I will leave it to the COSA Group Chairs to report on the activities of their Groups, and for my report concentrate on the ASM on other educational events we’ve held throughout the year.

Annual Scientific Our ASM themes of “immunotherapy” need to acknowledge the constantly and “quality and safety in cancer evolving nature of cancer treatment Meeting care” were showcased throughout and the need to balance clinical The culmination of COSA’s efforts each the entire program. The Committee guidelines with individual treatment year is the ASM. Prior to start of the ensured COSA’s multidisciplinary focus based on evolving evidence. We need 2017 ASM, we hosted the Advanced was included in every session. Over better processes, systems, governance, Trainees Weekend on the Saturday 1000 people registered for the ASM. and communication between and Sunday. This intensive 2-day Over half of the registered delegates clinicians and patients. Clinicians course attracts advanced trainees were allied health professionals – should be able to adapt individual in surgery, medical and radiation highlighting the importance of the treatments for special circumstances, oncology; as well as junior medical multidisciplinary mix of all sessions but they should also document their staff and allied health professionals. where possible. decisions appropriately so that there is a record of what they are doing, and This year’s program was jam packed, The opening plenary “Immunotherapy: why. focusing on “Everything you need to Hype or Hope?” really set the scene know about head and neck, bladder for our focus on the successes of We rounded out the ASM with the and renal cancers”. Feedback received immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is COSA Presidential Lecture, given by in the evaluation was reassuring to one of the most talked about new Captain Richard de Crespigny. This was know that delegates were satisfied developments in cancer treatment. the first time since its inception that that the Trainee Weekend delivered With treatments showing promise in the Presidential Lecture was given by the high-quality content as expected, a number of cancer types, especially a non-health professional; however, we and a resounding 100% stated they melanoma and more recently lung invited him with the confidence that would attend again or suggest that cancer, our expert speakers explored medicine has a lot to learn from other others do so. the impact of immunotherapy on areas, particularly the airline industry. On Sunday we also hosted four diverse cancer patients, why it works in some On 4 November 2010, right before the and well attended pre-conference cases and not others, as well as its 2010 COSA ASM in Melbourne, Richard workshops future potential in treating other and his fellow officers were faced with cancers. their greatest challenge – a crippled ŸŸ Enhanced supportive care A380, mid-flight with 440 passengers The “quality and safety” theme on board. Early into the Singapore ŸŸ Nutrition and cancer masterclass for enabled a focus on the positive clinical to Sydney leg of the flight one of nurses experiences, quality oversight in four engines exploded resulting to clinical care and lessons learnt from ŸŸ Demystify and Personalise Clinical extensive damage to the aircraft. The and in prevention of errors. Australia Trials Research incident brought into play Richard’s has one of the best healthcare systems considerable skills involving teamwork, ŸŸ AYA education day in the world and one of the world’s problem solving, judgement, highest cancer survival rates. Yet These have become an important knowledge, and experience and media and social media have put a component of COSA’s function in putting years of highly-skilled training focus on finding villains whom we can providing professional development into practice. Richard spoke about the blame for medical errors. A culture for our members. We appreciate it is importance of: assertively pointing of fear and blame distracts from difficult for some members to attend out errors regardless of your position, constructive learning. It also reduces the ASM during a busy work week, so everyone being clear about roles and patients’ trust and can create a sense the Sunday format was attractive to responsibilities, having a back-up of “us versus them”. Errors do rarely many. team to manage communication occur, but to move forward we need and maintain calm, and focusing on to learn from these mistakes. We also what is working rather than what is

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COSA’s new governance structure has proven to be very effective, and I am very appreciative of the individuals that ensure this continues.

broken in managing a situation. Great these workshops for Advanced team has been stable throughout lessons for us all. Not all delegates Trainees in Medical Oncology 2017 – COSA Project Managers Rhonda attended for the final session but and Haematology for four years. DeSouza, Hayley Griffin, Jessica Harris the vast majority of those that did Designed to provide education on and Gillian Mackay continue to go found Richard’s lecture relevant to the pharmacology of individual above and beyond to support their their professional practice, and 90% classes of cancer chemotherapy respective COSA Groups. We also of survey respondents support COSA and targeted therapy, the course welcomed back Chantal Gebbie to including presentations from non- content was developed and manage the Tele-Trial implementation health professionals in the program. delivered by Dr Christine Carrington project, which you can read about and Mr Dan McKavanagh, both in detail under other reports. My 98% of survey respondents indicated senior cancer pharmacists. In 2017 eternal gratitude and thanks to Fran they would attend or recommend these workshops were delivered Doughton who expertly supports others to attend future COSA as one day face-to-face interactive myself, the COSA team, multiple ASMs – our highest result yet. We sessions in Brisbane, Sydney and committees and our members with are confident COSA members and Melbourne. Of the 56 trainees who constant expertise and humour. delegates are invested in keeping up attended, 100% of evaluation survey with trends in oncology research and I remain excited about the prospects respondents indicated one of their treatment, as well as engaging with of another eventful and prosperous main motivations for attending was areas not traditionally considered as year for COSA in 2018. to learn about cancer treatments part of the COSA program. But we relevant to my practice, providing will not rest on our laurels – we are strong justification for COSA to eager to hear from members with any continue delivering these important suggestions for future ASM content. educational workshops for trainees. Trainee Events Thank you and In addition to the COSA Trainees acknowledgements Weekend, once again COSA hosted a number of other events specifically for My sincere thanks to the COSA Board, Advanced Trainees in 2017. Council and Audit, Risk and Finance Committee for their continued ŸŸ ATOM – the Advanced Trainees support and guidance. COSA’s new Oncology Meeting. COSA took governance structure has proven over management of this Roche to be very effective, and I am very sponsored event in 2016. Previously appreciative of the individuals that the event was only open to trainees ensure this continues. As Phyllis from NSW and ACT; however, in described in her President’s report, 2017 we also invited delegates in 2017 we devoted time to reviewing from Queensland and Victoria. and updating our Constitution, Consequently, we saw a major which was unanimously approved increase in attendance from 36 at the AGM. I would like to take this delegates to 77. Of those that opportunity to thank one of our non- Marie Malica completed the evaluation, 100% executive directors, Ms Felicity Shaw would like to see COSA continue to for her wise counsel with this work. Executive Officer facilitate ATOM and similar events Sadly, Felicity is stepping down from for trainees. We have secured the COSA Board in March 2018. Felicity sponsorship from Roche to host has been instrumental in ensuring we ATOM in 2018 and will continue to have a robust governance framework, identify opportunities for further and we will all miss her greatly. trainee education. As always the work of COSA cannot ŸŸ Pharmacology of chemotherapy be achieved without the committed workshops. COSA has facilitated COSA staff. Once again, the 9 - 10 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

ADOLESCENT AND In planning its activities in 2017 and I would like to take this opportunity going forward into 2018 the Group to thank the members of the AYA YOUNG ADULT GROUP held a number of teleconferences. Group for their ongoing participation. Important discussions were held In particular I would like to thank The main activity of the COSA AYA regarding the changing role of the Marie Malica and Fran Doughton for Group in 2017 was to hold an AYA COSA AYA Group in the planning their tremendous support over the Education Day at the International and development of AYA Cancer last year. The support of COSA as an Convention Centre Sydney preceding services in Australia. COSA was independent health professional the COSA ASM on 12 November 2017. a “founding” partner with Cancer group with such wide representation This was generously sponsored Australia and CanTeen in recognising remains of great benefit in developing and supported by COSA which and advocating for improvements in and furthering AYA cancer activities in enabled 35 participants to attend the care of AYA patients with cancer. Australia. this highly successful educational As stated earlier and endorsed by the event. Topics included brain tumours, participants at the AYA Education Day gynaecological cancers, germ cell in November there remains at least tumours, exercise and rehabilitation, 3 areas in which a COSA based AYA heritable cancer risk in the young, Group remains essential. These include immunotherapy and survivorship. the important linkages with other I’d like to thank, Jennifer Chard, professional groups, interest groups Peter Grimison, Andrew Murnane, and clinical trial groups which make Chris Innes-Wong, Mandy Ballinger, up COSA’s broad membership; being Michael Osborn, Kate Thompson an independent professional group and Ilana Berger for their support with an ability to advocate for AYA and contribution to this event services and research in Australia; and and in particular for them giving making significant and broad-based up their Sunday to the COSA AYA contributions to the education of the community. All presentations on wider cancer community through the day were very well received COSA and its educational meetings and stimulated interesting and including the ASM. constructive discussion. The day was rounded off with an inspiring Jessica Harris, COSA Project Manager, Wayne Nicholls presentation by Mr Kieran Palmer, a continues her work with the team Chair, Adolescent and psychologist who works in the drug of health professionals that form Young Adult Group rehabilitation programme at the the Fertility subgroup to update the Ted Noffs Foundation on youth drug COSA Fertility Preservation Guideline. addiction. Kieran challenged us to They are reviewing and extending reorientate the way we look at young the current guideline to include people with addiction problems. cancer patients of all age groups Feedback has been overwhelmingly incorporating major advances in positive with multiple requests for the field of sexual and reproductive this to be a regular event at the ASM medicine. This widened scope has and continue with strong medical and significantly increased the investment psychosocial themes. of time and project management assistance required for completion of the updated guidance. This work is ongoing and led by Kate Stern and Antoinette Anazodo who are working with a large team on this important project. It is hoped that a draft guideline will be ready for consultation in 2018.

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CANCER CARE The Group issued two editions of The Coordinator newsletter during BREAST CANCER COORDINATION GROUP 2017. This newsletter is a great way GROUP for us to share information and keep In 2017 the Cancer Care Coordination up-to-date with activities of interest. I Group hosted our third webinar, 2017 has seen the beginnings of the encourage everyone to read previous which was a highlight for our development of a comprehensive editions of The Coordinator through members this year. We learnt about consensus statement on breast our Group page on the COSA website the significant impact of cancer on density involving several members and to contribute content for future the family and how care coordinators of the COSA team and championed issues about your research, activities, can support the offspring of adult by Professor Rik Thompson. 2018 publications or presentations. cancer patients they are treating. will see broader involvement and John Friedsam from CanTeen I thank our Executive Violet Platt, discussion with other stakeholders presented the latest evidence in this Douglas Bellamy and Liz Zwart for and hopefully the development area, and provided practical tips the support they have provided this of a final comprehensive position including how care coordinators can Group during 2017. I particularly statement. This work is based access a wide range of support and thank Liz for the leadership she around the premise that women resources. has demonstrated as Chair of the need to know their breast density Professional Development Committee Webinars have proved to be an to help estimate overall risk of and delivering our webinar program. developing breast cancer. innovative and accessible professional development opportunity for cancer In 2018 Cancer Australia hope to care coordinators across Australia, and develop a ‘Shared care model of we continue to receive feedback about survivorship care’ for women with the value of delivering information early breast cancer based on the through this platform. Our webinar involvement of the GP or primary series has been supported by the WA health care provider. This will involve Cancer & Palliative Care Network, and developing survivorship care plans we plan to offer further opportunities (from oncologists/surgeons), learning in the coming year. modules for GP’s and consultation with the current multidisciplinary The Cancer Care Coordination Group team. As the Chair of the COSA was represented at the 2017 COSA Breast Cancer Group I am thrilled to ASM where I chaired a well-attended be able to be involved in the project concurrent session: Reforming Cancer which involves three face-to-face Care. During this session we explored workshops in Sydney in February, issues around coordinating care in March and May 2018. This project today’s health care environment. This is in line with other worldwide included an update on the role of the projects looking at alternatives to optimal care pathways in achieving Patsy Yates Chair, Cancer current survivorship care with the system reform and an overview of Care Coordination Group aim of ultimately improving patient lessons learnt in the development satisfaction in their care after a of a clinically-embedded patient- diagnosis of breast cancer. reported outcome framework. We also received insights into the implications for cancer care arising from primary health care reforms, and innovations in community pharmacy and what this means for cancer care.

Susan Fraser Chair, Breast Cancer Group

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CANCER PHARMACISTS COSA ASM 2017 – Sydney practitioners providing medications for the treatment of cancer and can GROUP The 2017 ASM provided a large pharmacy contingent with plenty be used as a framework to aid best of opportunity for networking and practice within the multidisciplinary learning on new developments team. and initiatives in cancer care within COSA Pharmacology of Cancer Australia. In addition, pharmacists Chemotherapy Workshops for delivered presentations as varied as Medical Oncology/Haematology the launch of the COSA Chemotherapy Committee: Jenny Casanova, Zeyad Advanced Trainees Guidelines, oral targeted therapy Ibrahim, Dan McKavanagh (Deputy interactions, the pharmacists role in These informative workshops were Chair), Michael Powell (Chair), Gail managing immunotherapy toxicities, once again run by CPG members Rowan, Geeta Sandhu. and much more. Cancer pharmacists Dr Christine Carrington and Dan During 2017, the Cancer Pharmacists were also involved in research and the McKavanagh for budding medical Group continued to deliver quality conference gave them the opportunity oncology and haematology educational opportunities for its to present their work as posters or consultants to consolidate their members in addition to providing oral abstract discussions. The CPG knowledge in the ever more complex input and leadership in critical areas of executive committee thank Deirdre area of cancer pharmacology. medication safety. D’Souza for her excellent work in Workshops were held in Melbourne, contributing to the ASM organising Brisbane and Sydney with almost 50 Education for Cancer Pharmacists committee and ensuring a great attendees across the year and were Once again, we delivered our conference for cancer pharmacists to again supported by Roche. Foundation and Advanced Clinical attend. Practice seminars to record breaking CPG Executive Committee Update (for the CPG) numbers of attendees. Once again the committee, with less A total of almost 140 pharmacists members than 2016, freely provided attended the two courses held in their time and commitment to Brisbane in May (Foundation) and advancing cancer pharmacy practice Melbourne in October (Advanced) and as Chair, I would like to thank where content designed to advance them all for their support. This year the knowledge of those attending Zeyad Ibrahim stood down from was delivered by experienced and the committee and I would also motivated speakers drawn from like to thank him for his work as across the country. Feedback on both part of the CPG. At time of writing, courses was excellent with plenty of we are embarking on a nomination useful suggestions to further improve process to again expand our these seminars in the years ahead. committee membership to eight My thanks as always goes particularly members to enable us to continue to the convenors – Dan McKavanagh, Revised COSA Chemotherapy to work effectively on behalf of our Geeta Sandhu, Gail Rowan and Jenny Guidelines membership. Casanova – as well as ASN Events and Of huge importance this year for of course COSA for their continued supporting the safe delivery of cancer support. therapies for Australian patients was the publication of the revised COSA Guidelines for the Safe Prescribing, Dispensing and Administration of Systemic Cancer Therapy. These updated guidelines were published in August on the Cancer Council Australia Wiki platform and were the result of approximately two years of dedicated work from a multidisciplinary group which included many CPG members and was led with skill and perseverance by Dr Christine Carrington. These guidelines aim to prevent medication errors and patient harm by standardising the complex Michael Powell process of providing medications for Chair, Cancer Pharmacists Group the treatment of cancer. They aim to be seen as a point of reference for

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CLINICAL TRIALS Bellberry Limited. This framework workshop, which was supported has been endorsed by COSA and by COSA with sponsorship from RESEARCH Cancer Council Australia. The Bellberry Limited, was well attended PROFESSIONALS GROUP committee was represented on a and the presentations by invited Steering Committee tasked with guest speakers who very generously CTRPG Executive Committee: reviewing and updating templates contributed their time and expertise Dianne Lindsay, Clinical Research and guidelines which will be loaded were of a very high standard. to the website when finalised. Consultant, Newcastle, NSW (Chair) The first session, ‘Interpreting Trial Annette Cubitt, Royal Brisbane and ŸŸ A Framework for National Health Papers with More Confidence’ was Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD and Medical Research Council presented by Ms Kristy Robledo, (Deputy Chair) (NHMRC) Assessment and Funding Biostatistician at the NHMRC Clinical of Clinical Trials. The CTRPG Trials Centre. Kristy delivered a very Alison Richards, Flinders Medical Executive Committee was invited to clear presentation covering the key Centre, Bedford Park, SA (Secretary) respond to a discussion paper and concepts of trial design, primary Sanela Bilic, St John of God Hospital, consultation questions by lodging endpoint, sample size, secondary Subiaco, WA; Alison Coote, Orange a submission jointly with COSA outcomes and Kaplan-Meier curves, Health Service, NSW (stepped down and Cancer Council Australia. The and other forms of visual display July 2017); Joanne Hakanson, Austin discussion paper described the of data. The audience tested their Hospital, Melbourne, VIC; Leonie Kelly, challenges faced by the NHMRC understanding throughout the University of Newcastle, NSW (stepped when funding clinical trials and session by reading sections of papers down December 2017); and, Natasha cohort studies and documented reporting results of two clinical trials Roberts, Royal Brisbane and Women’s proposed reforms to the NHMRC ‘ICECREAM ‘and ‘ONTRAC’, then Hospital, QLD. Grant Program. discussing findings with Kristy and attendees. Late in 2017 the CTRPG Executive ŸŸ Standard Operating Procedures Committee welcomed David (SOPs) for sites. The committee Ms Kylie Sproston, Chief Executive Mizrahi, from the Sydney Children’s reviewed SOPs available on the Officer of Bellberry Limited gave a Hospital, NSW; and, Adam Stoneley, internet and versions currently very interesting and informative talk from the ICON Cancer Foundation, in use at major clinical research covering a variety of topics including Queensland to the Committee as institutions. This review is ongoing; the 2017 updates to the National general members. During the year the links to the selected templates will Statement, specifically chapters 3 and committee held regular meetings by be loaded on the CTRPG pages 5. Kylie reported that the National teleconference and worked together of the COSA website as a tool for PICF project is well advanced with a on the following activities to promote members. template for interventional studies now updated and plans to update clinical trials research: A key achievement was the Clinical ŸŸ National PICF (www.nationalpicf. Professional Day on Sunday 12 com.au), a suite of National November, prior to the COSA Annual Standardized Patient Information Scientific Meeting at the International and Consent Forms and Guidelines Convention Centre, Sydney. The which aim to provide a consistent model for the communication of patient information, sponsored by 13 - 14 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

the templates for biospecimen The CTRPG Annual General EPIDEMIOLOGY GROUP studies, registries, clinical and medical Meeting was held during the research and social science studies in workshop, and members received The appointment of a new Chair and the near future. updates about the work of the Executive Committee Executive Committee during Associate Professor Nicholas Wilcken, 2017. There were a number of A new Executive Committee for the Director of Medical Oncology, excellent suggestions from the Group was formed. The Committee Westmead Hospital provided an audience to guide new initiatives includes: Dr Haitham Tuffaha informative update on RECIST to be undertaken. A unanimous (Chair), Griffith University; Associate Version 1.1 and irRECIST. Improved recommendation was made to Professor Anne Cust, University of understanding of the effects of the hold another Clinical Professional Sydney; Associate Professor Claire immune therapy drugs indicates Day during the COSA ASM this year Vajdic, University of New South Wales imaging reports may continue to in Perth. change. The advent of other modalities The Committee held one such as PET CT may also improve While we were pleased with our teleconference and one face-to-face the accuracy of imaging assessment. achievements during 2017; all meeting. Nicholas took the audience through members of the CTRPG Executive Group objectives were set: a number of exercises which helped Committee will continue to work reinforce our understanding of how hard to achieve our planned goals ŸŸ Support the professional and treatment response is assessed in the during 2018. We aim to conduct an educational needs of the Group research setting using RECIST criteria. online survey to engage with our members. membership, to obtain feedback Professor Fran Boyle, Medical Director, ŸŸ Provide a forum for members and valuable information to assist Pam McLean Centre, Royal North to exchange news and views on us to ensure we deliver real benefits Shore Hospital led a stimulating advances in cancer epidemiology. to our members and strengthen consent session during the afternoon. our support. We plan to continue to ŸŸ Establish and maintain linkages with Fran began by highlighting the provide high quality opportunities other COSA groups and affiliated importance of using a collaborative to our members to enhance organisations. communication style to convey professional development and information simply and clearly, ŸŸ Promote and facilitate hope to add more resources to the backing this up with diagrams, lists, epidemiological and intervention CTRPG area of the COSA website. provision of emotional support and research across the continuum of With support from COSA, during allowing time for patients to process cancer care. 2018 we will continue to work new information. Fran introduced towards promoting excellence in ŸŸ Contribute to, and advocate for, the ANZ 1601 /BIG 16-02 EXPERT trial the conduct of oncology clinical national issues surrounding cancer which aims to identify women with cancer research throughout care policy in Australia. low risk early breast cancer for whom Australia. radiotherapy after breast conserving Active participation in the ASM surgery can be safely omitted. We met The Epidemiology Group members Sally, an EXPERT trial participant who had a strong presence in the COSA had many questions for research staff annual scientific meeting last year. and discussed strategies using video Their research was featured in the triggers in an interactive session to Epidemiology and other sessions learn how to more effectively manage throughout the conference challenging situations.

Evaluations from attendees reflected a positive and worthwhile workshop, comments received included: “good range of topics, very interactive and stimulating”; “good group discussion, the consent workshop was relevant for a ‘real-life’ situation”; “information presented was relevant to clinical Dianne Lindsay trials”; “topics were pitched at the Chair, Clinical Trials Research right level”. The majority of attendees Professionals Group (90%) rated the workshop as either “excellent”, or “good”; with each presentation rated in terms of content and relevance, timing and duration on a three point scale. Haitham Tuffaha Chair, Epidemiology Group

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EXERCISE AND CANCER COSA Position Statement on Exercise Cancer Council Australia, Exercise and Sports Science Australia and the GROUP in Cancer Care Our Group has developed a position Australian Physiotherapy Association statement on exercise in cancer care. as well as being supported by a The Exercise and Cancer Group has The statement endorses evidence range of other related organisations. been very active during 2017 and has based guidelines and applies them to The position statement is central to made significant progress in its key the Australian setting. The statement the goals of our Group, will provide activities. The Group was formed to provides guidance to all members of an advocacy platform and will be a help progress a national approach the multi-disciplinary cancer team pivotal resource to guide the Group’s to the implementation of exercise in regarding the role of exercise in activities. Our work in the future cancer care, with a vision of enhanced the care of people with cancer. The years will focus on implementing the supportive care practice and policy position statement is endorsed by the statement into practice throughout leading to improved outcomes Medical Oncology Group of Australia, Australia. for patients through affordable, accessible and effective exercise medicine.

Group Aims and Objectives The overarching aim of this Group is to have exercise incorporated as a standard component of care for people with cancer. The primary objectives of the Group are to:

ŸŸ Promote and progress a national approach to the implementation of evidence-based exercise in cancer care

ŸŸ Foster and facilitate effective research, education and advocacy of the role of exercise in cancer care

ŸŸ Engage stakeholders and collaborate with partners to improve the quality of, and access to, exercise in cancer care

ŸŸ Provide a multidisciplinary forum for discussion and exchange of knowledge and experiences related to exercise in cancer care

Group Membership The Group’s membership has COSA 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting ŸŸ Patients with poorer health status continued to grow, with approximately Involvement and higher symptomology have the 200 professionals in 2017 and greatest improvement in fatigue, Exercise has a strong presence in the representation including exercise distress, physical function and 2017 COSA ASM program with sessions physiology, physiotherapy, radiation quality of life following exercise and posters generating significant and medical oncology, surgery, (presented by Prue Cormie). interest and high attendance. The nursing, nutrition, public health COSA Position Statement on Exercise and other discipline areas. We ŸŸ Participation in exercise decreases in Cancer Care was also presented strongly encourage COSA members as childhood cancer survivors to ASM delegates during a highly from all disciplines to get involved increase age suggesting early attended soapbox session. Some of with our group. I would like to monitoring and interventions are the highlights from the new research sincerely thank all Group Executive required to minimise the risk of late- presented at the conference include: committee members for their time effects (presented by David Mizrahi). and commitment: Di Adams, Morgan ŸŸ Oncology health professionals ŸŸ There is early evidence suggesting Atkinson, Lucy Bucci, Anne Cust, Liz believe that exercise is beneficial, exercise provides meaningful Eakin, Sandi Hayes, Sandie McCarthy, safe and important for their patients health benefits and is well tolerated Andrew Murnane and Sharni Patchell. during cancer treatment but less by patients with poor prognosis than a third refer to exercise services cancers including high grade (presented by Jane Turner).

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brain cancer, mesothelioma and FAMILIAL CANCER of Australia (HGSA) Familial Cancer metastatic breast cancer (a series Clinics Clinical Professional Day, of presentations by Prue Cormie, GROUP which was held Tuesday 29th Georgia Halkett, Carolyn McIntyre August, at the Mantra resort, and Jasmin Yee) Kingscliff, NSW. Themes included:

ŸŸ Exercise may help alleviate –– Genetic testing of tumour tissue: the severity of peripheral when, why and how neuropathy and cognitive decline –– Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia: associated with chemotherapy This report is also on behalf of What’s New? (presentations by Matt McCrary & the Human Genetics Society of Melissa Arnell) Australasia (HGSA). –– Hereditary Renal Cancer: Syndromes, Signs and ŸŸ There was a range of other The COSA FCG Executive for 2017 Surveillance exercise related research was comprised of chair Nicholas presented at the conference. Pachter (WA), deputy chair Nicola –– Models of genetic service delivery Poplawski (SA), and members and family support tools post Annual General Meeting Mary-Anne Young (NSW), Helen genetic counselling The Group’s AGM was held at Marfan (QLD), Kathy Wu (NSW), The day was well received by all who the COSA 2017 ASM in Sydney. Margaret Gleeson (NSW), Lucinda attended and my thanks go to all Approximately 25 members were Hossack (VIC) and Susan Dooley the Speakers who made it such an present to discuss the Group’s (NSW). I wish to thank all those on excellent day with all of their hard activities and plans for the coming the Executive for their work during work preparing and presenting their years. In 2018 we look forward the year. talks. I also acknowledge the support to working on disseminating provided by Astra Zeneca, COSA and the position statement widely The activities of the COSA/HGSA kConFab in making this day happen. throughout all stakeholders involved FCC Group for 2017 included: with the care of people with ŸŸ The successful running of the ŸŸ The development of a national cancer as well as developing and COSA/Human Genetics Society consensus plan for routine progressing an implementation strategy for the integration of exercise within routine cancer care.

We encourage all COSA members that enables the exchange of ideas to to get involved with the work of this GERIATRIC ONCOLOGY help develop concepts, while bringing Group or to keep informed on our GROUP a multidisciplinary perspective to a activities – please select ‘Exercise’ as research proposal. a ‘COSA Group’ or ‘Area of Interest’ 2017 was a productive year for the under your COSA membership COSA Geriatric Oncology Group as The Geriatric Oncology Group profile. Members are also welcome we continued our focus on priority established this working group to contact me at any time for more activities to improve outcomes to develop research capacity and information. for older Australians with cancer. collaborative networks to help increase Thank you to all members of our the quality and quantity of geriatric executive and working groups oncology research in Australia. The who have provided expertise and Group is making progress in building leadership over the last year, and a community of practice and helping helped us move forward in these to increase the number of people key areas: engaging in the care for older adults with cancer. Research Working Group The working group plans to offer Three research concept further concept development development “workshops-by- opportunities in 2018. All COSA teleconference” have now been members are encouraged get involved convened, and ten research with this activity either by submitting proposals have been reviewed. concepts for discussion, or by offering Feedback is provided to applicants their expertise to review and strengthen during discussions to help proposals. We have designed an them refine their concepts into application and review process that has feasible research proposals, assist proved to be simple while generating with project implementation, constructive feedback, and both or strengthen their position in Prue Cormie applicants and reviewers continue to Chair, Exercise and Cancer Group securing funding. This initiative report the value of their involvement in is proving to be a valuable forum these workshops.

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immunohistochemistry (IHC) Era” and the following Speakers ŸŸ Contribute Familial Cancer topics testing of the mismatch repair presented: and speakers to the COSA ASM to (MMR) proteins in colorectal be held in Perth in November 2018. –– Aung Ko Win: Colorectal Genetics cancer to detect Lynch syndrome. and Precision Medicine in the ŸŸ Continue to evaluate the approach A position statement calling for New Era of TFGT at different centres across reflex MMR IHC testing for all the country. newly diagnosed colorectal and –– Kathy Tucker: Utility of panel endometrial cancer was endorsed testing in familial cancer at the COSA Council meeting –– Margaret Lee: Immunotherapy in November 2017 and will soon in dMMR GI tumours and Lynch appear on the COSA website syndrome ŸŸ The development of an education –– Natalie Taylor: Translating tool for Oncologists for ovarian cancer genetics evidence into cancer treatment-focused genetic practice: impact on patients and testing (TFGT), a flowchart to practitioners implement TFGT in practice, and has established a research project For 2018 the COSA FCG executive to evaluate the approach at plans to: different centres. ŸŸ Develop the program for the 2018 ŸŸ The selection of Familial Cancer COSA/Human Genetics Society of topics and speakers for the Australia (HGSA) Familial Cancer 2017 COSA ASM held in Sydney Clinics Clinical Professional Day, in November. The theme was which will be held Tuesday 4th “Immunotherapy: Molecules and September 2018, at the Mantra Nicholas Pachter Mountains”. The Familial Cancer resort, Kingscliff, NSW. Chair, Familial Cancer Group Group arranged a session entitled “Cancer genetics in the New

A research sub-group has also Sydney is currently providing research been working together to write-up assistance, and the final guidelines the results of the survey that was will be provided via the Cancer conducted in late 2015 on behalf of Council wiki platform. The working the Geriatric Oncology Group. This group plans to draw upon the survey explored the views of Australian multidisciplinary skills and expertise medical oncologists regarding the of COSA members throughout the perception of, and barriers to, the guideline development process. incorporation of geriatric screening tools, geriatric assessment, and Information Sharing collaboration with geriatricians in GO eNews, the Group’s online routine clinical practice. These results newsletter, continues to be issued provide insights into the challenges of bi-annually. During 2017, two editions and barriers to treating older patients, were circulated in January and and factors to consider when making July. This newsletter helps increase treatment decisions. awareness of Group activities and keep members updated about national Meera Agar Chair, Geriatric Guidelines Development Working and international initiatives in geriatric Oncology Group Group oncology. GO eNews is circulated to Guidelines/practice points are being COSA’s Geriatric Oncology “Group” and developed to help improve the clinical “area of interest” members, but previous management of older adults with editions are accessible to all members cancer. The Group aims to provide via the COSA Geriatric Oncology Group Australian health professionals page. All COSA members are welcome with access to an overview of to contribute information about their recommended practices required geriatric oncology activities, research, to ensure that older adults with publications and events through this cancer have access to optimal cancer newsletter. care. The University of Technology

17 - 18 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

NEURO-ONCOLOGY This includes ‘The Australian Brain NUTRITION GROUP Cancer Mission’, which is a $100 GROUP million plan to double brain cancer The Nutrition Group aims to survival in ten years, and is the result The neuro-oncology community has provide a national platform of a collaborative effort between had a very successful year in terms to advocate for and support Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, the of its strength and scope, as well as optimising nutrition for people Federal Government, and Minderoo building an increasing awareness with cancer. The expertise Foundation’s Eliminate Cancer of the many challenges of a brain within the group is becoming Initiative, in consultation with the tumour / cancer diagnosis for patients increasingly recognised with nation’s best research minds. and carers. regular requests received from We look forward to a dynamic 2018 in various organisations to review The diverse membership of COGNO, advancing care and research relating the content of resources on the Cooperative Trials Group for to brain tumour patients. nutrition and cancer, including Neuro-Oncology, continues to grow, the international collaborative now exceeding 650 members, which Practice-based Evidence in is a stellar achievement for a niche Nutrition pathways. community of health professionals, researchers and consumers. The e-news initiative, introduced in 2016, has been well received. COGNO held its 10th Annual Scientific The aim of the e-news is to keep Meeting, in October 2017 in Melbourne nutrition group members up to with the theme of “Tailoring therapies date with the activities of the for brain tumours: challenges and group, informed about upcoming opportunities”. COGNO was pleased events of interest, relevant new to host several international guest resources and research in the area speakers Professor Patrick Wen of nutrition and cancer. (neuro-oncology, USA), Professor Daniel Kelly (neurosurgeon, USA), A/ The Nutrition Group, in Prof Ben Ellingson (neuro-radiology, collaboration with Cancer Nurses USA) and Prof Koichi Ichimura (Japan) Society of Australia, held a - amongst many other esteemed successful ‘Nutrition and Cancer Australian speakers. Masterclass for Nurses’ pre- Eng-Siew Koh conference workshop at the 2017 There have been several exciting Chair, Neuro-Oncology Group ASM in Sydney. The workshop was funding initiatives announced with kindly sponsored by Nutricia and a specific focus on brain cancer. specifically designed to equip

19 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

nurses with the knowledge and organisations. At the time of writing ŸŸ Building on collaborative confidence to assist in optimising the outcome of this submission was opportunities with the MASCC nutrition care in their own health still pending. nutrition and cachexia group care settings. Topics included the Group members continue to be ŸŸ Input into the 2018 COSA ASM recognition and management of involved with the malnutrition in program cancer malnutrition, the impact of Victorian Cancer Services program, a cancer diagnosis on nutrition and Thank you to all our members for led by the Peter MacCallum Cancer knowledge of the current challenges helping to maintain a small but Centre Nutrition department and in the nutritional management of active and motivated group who are funded by the Victorian Department cancer including a fun session on myth passionate about optimising nutrition of Health and Human Services (DHHS). busting common misconceptions for people with cancer. Further funding was received in 2017 and the impact of social media to commence another state-wide nutrition messages on cancer care. The project ‘Cancer malnutrition: feeding evaluation revealed the masterclass everyone from hospital to home’ had been very well received, with the which commenced in November most popular topics being nutrition 2017. The latest project is investigating and cancer myth busting, managing cancer malnutrition needs in primary taste changes and nutritional and community care, sharing learning management of neuroendocrine and resources to improve nutrition tumours. care between hospital and home In 2016 the group held a joint nutrition and advocating for mandatory cancer symposium with the Multinational malnutrition and nutrition care Association of Supportive Care indicators across the health sector. in Cancer (MASCC) nutrition and Nutrition group members have been cachexia group at the annual MASCC involved in project committees, project conference. This was the first joint lead roles and steering groups within activity between the COSA nutrition the program. group and the MASCC nutrition and Priorities for the Nutrition Group in Nicole Kiss cachexia group. Further opportunities 2018 will be: Chair, Nutrition Group to collaborate were explored in 2017 with a submission made to MASCC ŸŸ Updating and revamping the to support the development of an evidenced based guidelines for international nutrition model of nutritional management of adults care as a joint project between the with head and neck cancer

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RARE CANCERS GROUP cases across the country and allow REGIONAL AND RURAL more meaningful research to be GROUP The COSA Rare Cancer Group focuses undertaken. Study investigators and on coordinating and developing new research collaborators nationally The Regional and Rural group clinical and research initiatives for can access de-identified (coded and is focused on the unique issues rare cancer patients across Australia. re-identifiable) patient records and facing cancer service delivery gain access to tumour specimens or outside metropolitan areas. Our In 2017 the group launched two derivatives through a streamlined goals are to work at enhancing the national projects. The first of these BioGrid approval process. equity of access to current best is the NOMINATOR clinical trial practice care, cancer services and (Genomic Matching of Treatment Central to improving rare cancer clinical trials. for Rare Cancers) – which aims to research is fostering collaboration and bring precision medicine to patients the group continues to work closely A major focus of the Regional and with rare cancers. It recognizes that with other international rare cancer Rural Executive Committee has for many of these patients there are groups. The Rare Cancer Database has been to collaborate on the COSA limited evidence-based treatments been designed to be used by countries Australasian Tele-Trial Model and available. Participants have their rare which do not have similar capacity advocate for the national uptake. cancer tested using a comprehensive and to allow for interoperability where While the implementation project cancer gene panel and receive similar databases already exist. Longer is now being driven by funding treatment recommendations term, we are working on a number consortium partners through a following discussions at a molecular of exciting initiatives, to improve grant from MTPConnect, many tumour board and with input from streamlined advice for rare cancer members of the Regional and relevant trial and rare cancer experts. patients and clinicians, together with Rural group are involved at tele- The study is currently accruing at Rare Cancers Australia. trial sites and are vital to rolling the Royal Adelaide Hospital; Royal out this model. In particular, Craig Brisbane and Women’s Hospital; Royal Underhill is the chair of the VCCC Melbourne Hospital/Peter MacCallum steering committee in Victoria, Cancer Centre; and St John of God Rob Zielinski has commenced the Subiaco Hospital. ASCOLT trial using the tele-trial model in Orange/Dubbo and is a The second key project is the WEHI member of the Westmead steering Stafford Fox Rare Cancer (SFRC) committee, Sabe Sabesan is chair Program. This is a national platform of the QLD statewide tele-trial to facilitate basic and translational working group and co-chair of the research for all rare cancers. The core COSA tele-trial consortium, while component of this is a nationally Dagmara Poprawski and her team accessible clinical and tumour have received funding from Cancer specimens database developed with Council SA to pilot the tele-trial BioGrid Australia. This database has model between Flinders Medical been designed to flexibly encompass Centre and Mt Gambier Hospital. a range of rare cancers where Clare Scott individual tumour databases would Chair, Rare Cancers Group The Regional and Rural group also otherwise not be viable. This program held a small but successful AGM will improve the identification and Damien Kee at the 2017 COSA conference, with consolidation of isolated rare cancers Deputy Chair, Rare Cancers Group attendance from existing members 21 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

SURVIVORSHIP GROUP to include patient reported outcome measures in routine practice. The think 2017 demonstrated, once again, the tank will take place during 2018. It will high level of engagement of members compliment work that commenced with cancer survivorship, with the involving Flinders University, Cancer survivorship conference, a new Chair Council South Australia, and COSA to elected, and planning to improve develop a digital roadmap for cancer survivorship care in Australia. survivorship in Australia. This work will provide a very solid base from which 3rd National Survivorship Conference to launch new initiatives in cancer The third National Survivorship survivorship. conference was held in February 2017, running for the first time as Election of new chair a partnership between COSA and The group held its first election for a Flinders Centre for Innovation in new chair. Having several people willing Cancer. It was a highly successful to serve as chair of this group affirmed conference with exceptional the interest and strong commitment engagement from cancer consumers, to cancer survivorship in our group and healthcare professionals, community- COSA. In early December we were able based organisations, policy makers, and to announce Prof. Bogda Koczwara of the Executive Committee and researchers alike. as the new Chair of the group. Bogda Network as well as new interest is well known to COSA as a former from a number of conference Highlights were definitely the President bringing much enthusiasm attendees based in regional wonderfully energetic presentations and energy to all her endeavours. areas. Following the AGM, the from Jane Maher, Clinical Director of Regional and Rural group called MacMillan the peak cancer charity Thank you to the Executive for expressions of interest to join in the UK at the moment. Jane’s Committee and COSA the Executive Committee and we insights into effective program As my final annual report as Chair of look forward to welcoming 3 new development and roll out across this group, I would like to thank the members. very diverse communities in the UK executive committee members for demonstrates what can be done In 2018 the group is planning to their contribution and support over a with thoughtful use of resources. Her have a renewed focus on education, number of years. It has been a pleasure honesty and openness in discussing identify and document workforce and privilege to work with: Ray Chan, her own journey of bereavement and capability requirements at regional Richard Cohn, Michael Jefford, David recovery after the sudden death of sites, as well as engaging members Joske, Bogda Koczwara, and Janette her husband was inspiring – an almost through a newsletter. Plans are also Vardy. unimaginable shift from classical underway to hold a face-to-face music to rock and roll and a quest to As always none of the work we meeting of the Regional and Rural meet Keith Richards – and a perfect undertake is possible without the Executive Committee and Network fit in a session on healing through support of the COSA team. Once again of Directors and Clinical Leads in the arts. This novel session practically during 2017, we had thoughtful and May which will provide a valuable demonstrated the power of music, helpful support in all our activities. opportunity for networking and to song writing, and art, in expressing the progress the activities of the group. challenges and joy of inhabiting the cancer world for patients, survivors, and health professionals alike; none of us are untouched and the musical performance by Jenny Donovan, David Joske, and Janette Vardy closed the first day of the conference with “What a wonderful world’.

The whole event was a tribute to the diverse and creative strength in the Australian cancer survivorship community, survivors themselves and those engaged in supporting them.

Moving survivorship forward The COSA Survivorship Model of Care Haryana Dhillon was launched in 2016. It has formed Chair, Survivorship Group the basis of planning for where to next. Sabe Sabesan While 2017 may have seemed quiet, the Chair, Regional and Rural Group Survivorship Group did secure funding for a think tank to develop a strategy 21 - 22 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

AUSTRALASIAN ŸŸ MONARCC: A randomised phase II ŸŸ RENO: Prospective Study of ‘Watch trial of panitumumab monotherapy and Wait’ Strategy in Patients with GASTROINTESTINAL and panitumumab plus 5 Rectal Cancer who have Developed TRIALS GROUP fluorouracil as first line therapy for a Clinical Complete Response with RAS and BRAF wild type metastatic concurrent Chemo‐radiotherapy colorectal cancer – Chief Investigator (REctal cancer No Operation) – Dr Matthew Burge Chief Investigator A/Professor Chris Karapetis ŸŸ SPAR: A randomised, placebo- controlled phase II trial of ŸŸ TME Modulation: Modulation of the simvastatin in addition to standard tumour microenvironment using chemotherapy and radiation in either vascular disrupting agents or The AGITG conducts clinical trials into preoperative treatment for rectal STAT3 inhibition in order to synergise gastro-intestinal (GI) cancers, and cancer – Chief Investigators A/ with PD1 inhibition in microsatellite supports research through awards, Professor Michael Jameson and stable, refractory colorectal cancer grants, courses and conferences. Professor Stephen Ackland – Chief Investigator A/Professor Niall Strategic Focus Tebbutt ŸŸ LIBERATE: A study evaluating Throughout 2017 the Board and CEO liquid biopsies to profile metastatic New Website focussed on reviewing and revising the colorectal cancer – Chief Investigator Following extensive consultation with AGITG Strategic Plan, reflecting upon A/Professor Niall Tebbutt key stakeholder groups a new website feedback from the membership. The Ÿ DYNAMIC Pancreas: Circulating for the AGITG and community division 2018-2022 Strategic Plan outlines the Ÿ Tumour DNA Analysis Informing the GI Cancer Institute was launched following Strategic Objectives: Adjuvant Chemotherapy in in October. The new site presents 1. Pro-actively build the AGITG clinical Early Stage Pancreatic Cancer: A information relevant to both the trials portfolio; Multicentre Randomised Study – clinical and community audiences. Chief Investigators A/Professor Peter Visit gicancer.org.au 2. By maximizing recruitment and Gibbs and A/Professor Jeanne Tie funding opportunities, plan and John Zalcberg OAM Award for conduct gastro-intestinal cancer ŸŸ DYNAMIC Rectal: Circulating Excellence in AGITG Research clinical research with the goal of Tumour DNA Analysis Informing The 2017 John Zalcberg OAM Award improving patient outcomes; Adjuvant Chemotherapy in for Excellence in AGITG Research Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A 3. Foster multidisciplinary national was awarded to Professor Michael Multicentre Randomised Study – and international engagement and Findlay of The University of Auckland. Chief Investigators A/Professor Peter collaborations aligned with the The Award recognises significant and Gibbs and A/Professor Jeanne Tie strategic objectives of the AGITG; outstanding leadership contributions Ÿ DYNAMIC III: Circulating Tumour to AGITG research over a sustained 4. Pro-actively maintain and support Ÿ DNA Analysis Informing Adjuvant period. a multidisciplinary membership Chemotherapy in Stage III Colon More: http://bit.ly/gicancerJZaward base with a shared interest in and Cancer: A Multicentre Phase II/III commitment to the conduct of gastro- Randomised Controlled Study – Innovation Fund intestinal cancer clinical trials; and Chief Investigators A/Professor Peter The 2017 AGITG Innovation Fund grant 5. Maintain efficient and cost-effective Gibbs and A/Professor Jeanne Tie of $200,000 was awarded to support AGITG structures and processes the RENO pilot trial led by Associate Ÿ PA.7: A randomised trial of that make optimal use of available Ÿ Professor Chris Karapetis: Prospective gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel resources. Study of ‘Watch and Wait’ Strategy vs gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, in Patients with Rectal Cancer who durvalumab and tremelimulab as 1st Research Portfolio have Developed a Clinical Complete line therapy in metastatic pancreatic Significant investment was made in Response with concurrent Chemo‐ adenocarcinoma – Chief Investigator 2017 to develop nine new trials that radiotherapy: RENO trial (REctal cancer Dr Lorraine Chantrill will open in 2018: No Operation). The Innovation Fund

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L to R: Prof Tim Price (AGITG Chair), Prof Michael Findlay, Prof John Zalcberg OAM

is made possible through generous AGITG Annual Scientific Meeting – for Best Fast Forward presentation contributions from donors and Gutsy October 4-6 awarded to Dr Melanie McCoy for ‘The Cancer Stem-Like Cell Marker SOX2 is Challenge supporters. A tropical setting provided the back Prognostic and May Predict Response More: http://bit.ly/gicancerRENO drop for delegates from around to Chemotherapy in Colon Cancer’. Australia, New Zealand and further More: http://bit.ly/gicancerAwards AGITG-Merck Research Fellowship afield to get down to business at The inaugural Merck-AGITG Clinical the 19th AGITG Annual Scientific Outstanding Site Award Research Fellowship in Gastro- Meeting held in Cairns. The Executive Intestinal Cancer was awarded to Dr Organising Committee planned a The Orange Clinical Trial Centre was David Lau from the Olivia Newton- program packed with AGITG clinical recognised once again in 2017 for John Cancer Research Institute. trials, translational research, workshops contributions to the AGITG and was The fellowship is based at The Royal and key note presentations by local awarded the AGITG Outstanding Marsden Hospital, London. and international key opinion leaders Site Award. A pilot of the Tele-Trials More: http://bit.ly/gicancerMerck in the field. model got underway in November More: http://bit.ly/gicancerASM with Dubbo Hospital activated as a Community Engagement Secondary Site to Orange Clinical Trial The GI Cancer Institute continued Best of New Concepts Award Centre participating in the ASCOLT study: Aspirin for Dukes C and High to raise awareness and funds for Dr Katherine Geddes received Risk Dukes B Colorectal Cancers - An AGITG research through the Gutsy the Award for Best New Concept International, Multi-centre, Double Challenge community fundraising presented in the New Concepts Blind, Randomised Placebo Controlled program. AGITG Board member Dr Symposium at the Annual Scientific Phase III Trial. Lorraine Chantrill led the Larapinta Meeting for her trial proposal entitled More: http://bit.ly/gicancerSiteAward Gutsy Challenge trek in the Northern ‘The prevalence and significance of Territory and A/Professor Niall Tebbutt sarcopaenia in patients with operable led a group of intrepid climbers up Mt adenocarcinoma of the stomach Aconcagua in Argentina. or gastro-oesophageal junction More: http://bit.ly undergoing treatment with curative gicancerGutsyChallenge intent and the impact of altered body composition on chemotherapy Senate Select Committee Submission delivery’. 2017 was a turning point for cancers More: http://bit.ly/ with low survival rates. The AGITG gicancerNewConcepts Consumer Advisory Panel and CEO developed a submission and appeared Best of the Best Awards before the Senate Select Committee Also presented at the Annual Scientific into Funding for Research into Meeting was the Award for Best of Cancers with Low Survival Rates. The Posters, awarded to Dr Jennifer Mooi Senate Inquiry Report was tabled in for ‘Exploring Consensus Molecular Parliament in November by Senator Subtypes (CMS) as predictors of Catryna Bilyk. benefit from bevacizumab in first line Tim Price Chairperson, AGITG More: http://bit.ly/giancerSenateInquiry treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: retrospective analysis of the Russell Conley MAX clinical trial’ and the Award Chief Executive Officer

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AUSTRALASIAN new clinical trial protocols, and In 2017, we had great success at the emerging issues in the treatment and international American Society of LEUKAEMIA AND survival of blood cancer diagnoses; Haematology (ASH) conference with LYMPHOMA GROUP and half day clinical research abstracts for NHL24, CML11, NHL16, workshop in emerging techniques in BM06, CML8, MM14, and PT-1 trials. molecular haematology. Importantly, Today, the ALLG clinical trial portfolio Professor Devinder Gill from Princess is a very solid one, including 17 trials in Alexandra Hospital in Queensland was active accrual, 3 in advanced stages of awarded a Life Membership to the development, and 5 in early concept ALLG for his outstanding leadership phase. to the Intermediate & High Grade The National Blood Cancer Registry The Australasian Leukaemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Hodgkin (NBCR) has now accrued over Lymphoma Group (ALLG) has Lymphoma disease group portfolio 1000 patients with acute myeloid completed its transformation of over 20years. He was the Principal leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic the organisation to better serve its Investigator (PI) or joint PI on the leukaemia and uncommon members by establishing its own trial NHL10, NHL13 and NHL19 studies, lymphomas. Several laboratory sub- centre, moving to its own premises confirming his contribution to blood projects are being carried out by the and changing its bio-banking cancer research and clinical trial ALLG. arrangements. It has also worked on activities of the ALLG. improving its external image to the We look forward in 2018 to take the The November Scientific Meeting saw community at large with a view to ALLG’s scientific endeavours to a new guest speaker, Professor Nik Zeps, from making the ALLG better accepted, level of achievement and prominence the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance, and hopefully better supported, by in the world of Haematology and run a thought provoking session: “The sponsorship and donations. blood cancers. Australian Clinical Trials Alliance – During 2017 we continued to work developing a work plan for the future For further information about the towards our scientific objectives but of investigator driven research in ALLG, its trial portfolio and other also to the delivery of our five key Australia.” There were also a number of activities, please visit the ALLG website marketing objectives in support of the important personal recognitions made www.allg.org.au overarching ALLG strategic plan. These during the meeting. This included the objectives include: 1. our commitment tireless dedication and expertise of to strengthening our brand; 2. Professor Mark Hertzberg shown over developing stakeholder content; 3. the nine years that he was the Chair supporting our members in everything of the Scientific Advisory Committee we do; 4. celebrating our clinician (SAC). With Mark’s retirement from successes; and 5. collaborating with the SAC came the welcome addition external stakeholders. of Dr Peter Mollee from Princess There were several key highlights Alexandra Hospital in Queensland as in 2017. Of significance, the ALLG the new Chair. We wish both Mark commenced the major undertaking of and Peter much ongoing success redeveloping our website to support in their endeavours. Janey Stone the organisations next phase of growth was also recognised with an ALLG and evolution. Membership numbers Life Membership for her stellar 28 grew totalling 825 members; which year tenure with the ALLG. Janey is made up of 414 Full Members, 358 made major contributions to the Associate Members, 46 Community organisation over this time as both a Trial Coordinator for 35 ALLG trials Members and 7 Life Members. Mark Hertzberg and as Executive Officer from 2005 – Chairman Scientific Advisory The ALLG once again invested 2007. We wish Janey every ongoing Committee, ALLG significant effort and expertise in happiness in her well-deserved running its bi-annual scientific retirement. meetings in May and November. The May meeting included three international speakers addressing delegates – Professor Leif Bersagel from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona; Professor Michael Pfreundshuh from the German High-Grade Lymphoma Study Group; and Dr Simon Stanworth from the John Radcliffe Hospital in the UK. The May Scientific Meeting also saw the ALLG’s panel of consumer Life Member Janey Stone with past representatives meeting to discuss Chair Professor Ken Bradstock

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AUSTRALASIAN LUNG clinical trial of patients with newly international speakers who are leaders diagnosed advanced Non-Small Cell in the field of lung and thoracic CANCER TRIALS GROUP Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in the United cancers. Professor Natasha Leighl from States presented early referral to Canada spoke about combination palliative care has been shown to trials and their implications and the improve quality of life, survival and costs of new therapies and Professor use of health care resources. In Rolf Stahel from Switzerland discussed the PEARL study researchers will treatment for thoracic malignancies investigate in Australia if early referral and adjuvant therapy trials. The 2017 was another year of outstanding to palliative care improves pain, ALTG collaborated once again with progress for the Australasian Lung cough and breathlessness in people Lung Foundation Australia on the Cancer Trials Group ALTG). Not only with advanced lung cancers. The annual Shine a Light on Lung Cancer did we expand our membership, BR.34 Study (PI Brett Hughes) is a campaign, raising awareness and conduct educational activities and randomised trial where researchers funds for research. valuable meetings but initiated look at the effects of two medications several new trials advancing our The ALTG continues to collaborate used with or without platinum goal of extending research in lung closely with the Canadian Cancer based chemotherapy in patients cancer trials and amplifying the Trials Group (CCTG) and the European with advanced squamous or non- well-informed voice of our consumers Thoracic Oncology Platform (ETOP) squamous NSCLC. The study also looks amidst the chaos of a very complex and other international groups whose at whether chemotherapy combined and challenging health care focus is thoracic oncology clinical with dual immunotherapy will provide environment and funding landscape. research. The ALTG-led Thoracic greater benefit than immunotherapy Alliance for Cancer Trials (TACT) held The ALTG led by President Nick alone while minimising side effects its two General Assembly meetings Pavlakis and Scientific Advisory and improving or minimising the side in 2017 alongside the ASCO Annual Committee (SAC) Chair Ben Solomon effects of having combination therapy. Meeting and the 18th IASLC World along with dedicated committee NIVORAD (PI Paul Mitchell and Conference on Lung Cancer. The members and collaborative partners, Shankar Siva) is a joint initiative with Thoracic Alliance for Cancer Trials is committed to providing strategic TROG to determine the activity and (TACT) is a collaboration of lung cancer vision and operational leadership to safety of combining nivolumab with collaborative research groups enabling all aspects of the lung cancer trials local, palliative SABR in patients with lung cancer researchers worldwide to we undertake. Successful leadership advanced NSCLC. The ongoing BR.31 work together to conduct clinical trials. and team work has enabled us to Study (ANZ PI Sue-Anne McLachlan) At the close of 2017, the collaboration reflect on the fruitful achievements in the adjuvant setting assessing the has 14 member groups from across of the year; the initiation of several impact of adjuvant therapy for one the USA, Europe and Australasia and clinical trials in various stages enrolling year on the disease free survival of five industry sponsors supporting over 110 patients in the areas of patients with completely resected this unique initiative. TACT hopes to NSCLC, SCLC, and Mesothelioma; non-small cell lung cancer. The identify and initiate its first clinical trial global participation in clinical DREAM study (PI Anna Nowak) is in early 2019. trials in the areas of NSCLC and evaluating the activity, safety and Supportive Palliative Care; held our tolerability of the combination of third Preceptorship and second ALTG durvalumab with chemotherapy in Symposium providing elite forums patients with mesothelioma. DREAM connecting medical scientists and has recently completed the enrolment healthcare professionals to current phase ahead of schedule with first and cutting-edge innovations in results will be reported in 2018. research and therapeutics from those ALTG held its third annual most prominent in the oncology field. preceptorship in lung cancer with Several ALTG clinical trials are 34 practitioners in attendance. This underway. The OSCILLATE Study (PI intensive and interactive educational Ben Solomon) which uses a treatment program provides advanced regime that alternates medication instruction for oncology consultants with a first generation EGFR therapy, and early career researchers to aims to prevent or delay resistance methodically critique publications in to this medication. Researchers will the field of lung and thoracic cancers. also look at understanding the side Senior ALTG oncology clinicians Nick Pavlakis effects of these medications and the mentor the students throughout the President, ALTG timing for their administration to program further advancing critical patients as part of the clinical trial. thinking and assessment skills. The PEARL Study (PI Linda Mileshkin), In November, 150 delegates attended evaluating the impact of early the second annual ALTG Symposium referral to palliative care in patients attracting esteemed local and with advanced thoracic cancers. A

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AUSTRALASIAN presentations were given by young members renew their memberships, investigators (postgraduate students and were particularly encouraged to METASTASIS RESEARCH and early career researchers) on see a number of new recruits. OzMRS SOCIETY selected abstracts in the RapidFire are always keen for new members session; a time-constrained balancing so please email maree.bilandzic@ act of attention and concise delivery hudson.org.au if you would like to join. of their research. Generous prizes were For 2018, OzMRS hopes to focus on awarded to the best presentations. building connections. The society Sobering real life experience from recognises that in this current funding the patient and clinician view was climate innovative approaches also shared in the concluding panel are required to make teams more discussion, with practical examples competitive. As a result OzMRS wishes of liquid biopsy analyses for applied to implement regular teleconference The Australasian chapter of the treatment decision making. Metastasis Research Society (OzMRS) meetings between members to held its annual symposium in Sydney In summary, the joint OzMRS/TAS discuss research advances and (15-16 November 2017) in conjunction sessions were a great success and challenges - we hope that as a society with the Clinical Oncology Society of met expectations and objectives, with this mechanism can be utilized Australia Annual Scientific Meeting many delegates having formed new by members to encourage honest and the 4th Thomas Ashworth CTC collaborations and personal linkages. feedback. Another initiative to build and Liquid Biopsy Symposium. The Highly positive feedback was received connections within the OzMRS boutique meeting provided those and we look forward to the 2018 community is the establishment of at the forefront of Australasian Thomas Ashworth Symposium later an “expertise directory”. The society metastasis research the perfect this year, so please place this event is establishing a pipeline to allow conduit to present current research into your conference attendance members to track down other developments, followed by open calendar. A tentative date of 27-28th Australasian researchers working and fruitful discussion of research September has been selected. Finally, with particular methodology and challenges and novel approaches. The a big thank you to our government encourage the flow of resources meeting provided many collaborative and industry partners and sponsors and expertise. Finally, 2018 will see opportunities and it was a great way who enable the financial sustainability the OzMRS implement quarterly for members to meet face to face. of the Symposium. More information newsletters “OzMRS: metastasis on the 2017 program and speaker list research down under” showcasing the The 4th Thomas Ashworth CTC & is available on the Thomas Ashworth OzMRS members, their laboratories Liquid Biopsy Symposium was held Symposium webpage (liquidbiopsy. and publications - editions can be at the Australian National Maritime org.au). Museum in Sydney Nov 15-16, 2017. This year the Symposium incorporated OzMRS held its annual general joint OzMRS/TAS sessions on meeting following the conclusion metastasis, and a full OzMRS-focused of the meetings, where Associate session. The two-day Symposium Professor Elizabeth D. Williams brought together 163 clinicians, was reinstated for another term of researchers, students, community Presidency. We saw Committee members and industry delegates from members Dr Maree Bilandzic re- across Australia and overseas, all of elected as Secretary, and Dr Carmela who made the Symposium a vibrant Ricciardelli as Treasurer, and general and friendly place to discuss the latest members John Price, Kevin Spring, advances in liquid biopsy, personalized Adrian Wiegmans, Sarah Baird, Kelly oncology and the understanding of Avery-Kiejda indicate a willingness metastasis. to retain their positions for another term, with Robin Anderson and Rik Five keynote lectures by leading Thompson remaining as ex-officio international and national experts, founding members of the Committee. and more than 20 presentations The society further saw Maree Ranson by local and interstate researchers and Belinda Parker stand down covered the translational pathway from their positions due to other linking bench research to the patient’s commitments, and we thank them bedside; topics included pre-clinical for their important contribution to in vitro and in vivo models, exosomes, OzMRS. Finally we welcomed new mechanisms of metastatic disease, member Tom Cox, Garvan Inst., to the pathology and drug resistance. Committee. Technology improvements and clinical outcomes of liquid biopsy The end of 2017 saw OzMRS conduct applications were also brought into an active membership audit. The sharp focus. Highly energetic 5 minute society saw the vast majority of 27 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

found on our Facebook page. The main MRS Congress begins August 1, 2018 with the Keynote 2018 will also feature the 17th biennial presentation from Dr. Isaiah J. Fidler, MRS congress (http://metastasis- and a networking reception. It research-conferences.org/conference/) continues August 2-5, 2018 with scheduled for 1-5 August, 2018, podium presentations from 30 invited Princeton University, NJ, USA, co- speakers, 20 presentations selected convened by Dihua Yu (MRS President from abstracts, and additional Elect) and Yibin Kang (MRS President). presentations from MRS award A full-day Young Investigator Satellite recipients. There will also be multiple Meeting (YISM) will take place on poster sessions, a patient advocacy August 1, 2018, and will include an panel discussion, a “Meet the Journal animal models workshop, sponsored Editors” session, and a banquet dinner. by Theresa's Research Foundation, OzMRS will endeavour to generate focused on defining what benchmarks travel support to assist early career are necessary to meet in pre-clinical members to attend this meeting. models before clinical trial design, OzMRS members receive a 20% Elizabeth Williams with a metastatic breast cancer focus. discount in MRS membership fees, President, OzMRS The YISM also includes a Keynote which in turn entitles them to the lecture from Dr. Hector Peinado, a Erik Thompson discounted MRS Congress registration special presentation on the analysis Co-founder, OzMRS rates for current MRS members. and quantification of biological Maree Bilandzic images, a roundtable style “Meet the OzMRS encourages you to like us on Secretary, OzMRS Professors” mentoring session, and 12 facebook https://www.facebook.com/ presentations from young investigator ozMRS1/ and follow us on twitter @ speakers selected from submitted OzMRS1 – please feel free to use these abstracts. forums as a way to communicate with like-minded metastasis researchers!

Organising committee and keynote speakers at the 4th Thomas Ashworth Symposium 27 - 28 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

AUSTRALASIAN surgeons as a subspecialty approaches in 2018, the membership multidisciplinary group under the are pleased to announce that the two SARCOMA STUDY Australian Orthopaedic Association. organisations will formally merge and GROUP The ASG’s aims were to ensure that become a single group to address the sarcoma clinicians were well trained needs of the sarcoma community. We and educated to treat this complex look forward to an exciting time ahead disease. The ASSG was established in for the achievements of the combined 2008 when ASG clinician researchers group. identified the need for a sarcoma research organisation, given an Sarcoma Research Grants for 2018 increasing body of research being The ASSG is pleased to announce that conducted in Australia, as well as a we will be able to support four new growing interest in international and sarcoma research grants for funding The ASSG, as a cooperative clinical investigator-driven clinical trials. The in 2018. These grants are directly trials group, has a broad remit to the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group supported by philanthropic groups sarcoma community in Australasia. (ASSG) evolved as an independent that raise funds to support sarcoma We are very proud to be able to group focused on studying the nature research. The ASSG is extremely support a wide range of research and treatment of bone and soft tissue grateful for their ongoing support. To activities that will have direct sarcoma. Since then, the sister groups date the ASSG has been able to award impacts for patients with sarcoma ASG and ASSG, have met together at over 1 million dollars in ASSG Sarcoma and their families. a combined annual scientific meeting. Research Grants! Thank you to our In 1998, the Australian Sarcoma Group As the 10 year anniversary of the ASSG supporters. Please check the ASSG was established by orthopaedic and the 20 year anniversary of the ASG website for further information on how to apply.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW research (reflecting the treatment equity to access research for both paradigm at the time), given patients and clinicians, ANZMTG has ZEALAND MELANOMA the dramatic breakthroughs in been steadfast in the establishment TRIALS GROUP personalised medicine, ANZMTG is of new partnerships with willing now actively shifting our portfolio experts to undertake our research. In ideas to consider research questions addition to the existing collaborations, which were not previously possible. in 2017 ANZMTG established 7 new Reflecting this shift in 2017, ANZMTG partnerships for 6 protocols within In my first year as Chair, it has become members have developed more ANZ and an additional 6 new increasingly obvious that the success medical oncology protocols for partnerships were established for 3 of any collaborative group is reflected clinical-relevant questions for patients studies across major oncology units in by the quality of its research and that with metastatic Melanoma and Skin Slovenia, the UK, and in Brazil. its members are best served when a Cancers than ever before. dynamic and sustainable platform In December 2017, I was delighted for inter/national participation and I am pleased to report that 2017 was a to learn that A/Professor Victoria collaboration is provided. productive year in respect to protocol Atkinson at Princess Alexandra development, patient accrual and new Hospital (supported by a national One of the major highlights from 2017 site and member engagement. Four team of medical oncologists and the was the opportunity to host both a ANZMTG-studies met their enrolment team at ANZMTG) successfully secured Scientific Symposium and our Annual targets and are now in follow up a NHMRC project grant supporting General Meeting coinciding with the enrolment (eg. 01.07 WBRTMel, a brand new clinical trial called the 9th World Congress of Melanoma and 02.09 MelD Trial, 03.12 MelMarT, 01.14 ANZMTG 01.17 STOP-GAP trial. 14th International Congress of the ABC, alongside continuing active The ANZMTG 01.17 STOP-GAP Trial is an Society for Melanoma Research in enrolment of 7 ANZMTG-studies exciting project and is a partnership Brisbane (18-21 October 2017). It was (eg. 01.07 WBRTMel Hairspare, 01.09 between the ANZMTG and the delightful to meet many ANZMTG RTN2, 01.10 CARPETS, 01.12 EAGLE FM, Canadian Clinical Trials Group. STOP- members from both ANZ and abroad 02.12 RADICAL, 02.14 CombiRT, 01.15 GAP protocol is an internationally in person in Brisbane. The congress CHARLI) and 10 brand new protocols recruiting, investigator-led, also showcased many ANZMTG trial were authored. results as part of its program and we multicentre, randomised phase III trial acknowledge and thank the Study In terms of hospital and member of anti-PD-1 treatment duration for Chairs for presenting their work in this engagement, I am pleased to report patients with metastatic Melanoma. forum. that this continues to grow year on This trial hypothesizes that interrupting year with many institutions now anti-PD-1 therapy after maximum Although ANZMTG has traditionally conducting >1 ANZMTG protocol. In an tumour response is non-inferior in supported surgical and radiotherapy effort to speed up accrual and ensure overall survival or progression-free

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Australian Sarcoma Group ASM The meeting was a success by October 2017 any measure with important 2017 Annual Sarcoma Meeting, which multidisciplinary presentations the Australian Sarcoma Group and with a focus on AYA sarcomas. We Australasian Sarcoma Study Group were pleased by a record number jointly convened, was held in Adelaide, of delegates and are encouraged to Australia 13-14 October at the Flinders maintain our broad appeal. The 2018 University. The theme for this year’s ASM will be in Perth for the first time. meeting was “AYA Sarcomas: Current Scenario and the Way Forward”.

Professor Sander Dijkrsta - orthopaedic surgical oncologist Leiden University Medical Centre and Associate Professor Chandrajit P. Raut - Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Associate Surgeon Jayesh Desai in the Division of Surgical Oncology Chairman, ASSG at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Denise Caruso and Surgery Director of the Center Dr. Raut speaks to a packed house Executive Officer for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology at at the Australian Sarcoma Annual Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, were our Scientific Meeting in Adelaide Oct 2017. brilliant invited VIP speakers. www.australiansarcomagroup.org

survival compared to continuous groups, I am pleased to announce that Most importantly as we reflect on treatment for up to 24 months in ANZMTG has also recently launched the year, I would like to thank the patients with metastatic Melanoma. the formation of an ANZ-member- patients and families who have We anticipate that interrupted dosing based Scientific Advisory Committee participated in ANZMTG trials and will result in less treatment toxicity, supported by Discipline-Specific are the cornerstones of our activities. improved quality of life and decreased Advisories, including advisory groups These people choose to participate in costs of treatment. ANZMTG are for rare cancers (the Australian Ocular and contribute to research activities planning to engage at least 20 ANZ Melanoma Alliance (AOMA); and from which they themselves may not centres who will contribute the bulk of the Australasian Merkel Cell Cancer derive benefit, but will help future patients. If the results of the STOP-GAP Interest Group (AMIGOs)). This will generations affected by Melanoma trial supports interrupted dosing, we support the development of new and Skin Cancer. They are heroes in believe this will have wide implications research ideas and allow us to further our community. given emerging use of PD-1 based grow our inter/national networks. I look forward to sharing more therapy for other cancers. Whilst we have only recently launched ANZMTG news with COSA members at Presently the ANZMTG team are this initiative, I take this opportunity the next opportunity. working closely with A/Prof Atkinson to acknowledge the effort and and her fellow investigators on the commitment of the 60+ members STOP-GAP trial and I look forward to participating in these advisories sharing more updates of this practice- (representing institutions across all changing trial with COSA members in states, territories in Australia and due course. throughout New Zealand) who are generously giving their time and Importantly given the growth of energy to strengthen the national ANZMTG and as clinical research in commitment to Melanoma and Skin Melanoma and Skin Cancer increases, Cancer research. In case any COSA the environment in which we operate member is interested to learn more is becoming more complex and or participate, please contact the competitive. To meet this challenge ANZMTG team. the Executive and I have felt that ANZMTG needs to be able to act I am most grateful to the ANZMTG quickly to generate ideas and develop members for their continued support them into sound trial concepts whilst and for the support afforded by maintaining rigorous academic our strong partnership with Cancer standards. Towards these aims, and in Australia, to improve health outcomes Mark Shackleton line with other collaborative research for patients. Chair, ANZMTG

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AUSTRALIAN & NEW ANZCHOG also celebrated grant Hudson Institute of Medical Research funding success through both and Monash Health to implement a ZEALAND CHILDRENS competitive and philanthropic platform for clinical diagnostics testing HAEMATOLOGY application processes, which will for paediatric brain cancer, using ONCOLOGY GROUP enable us to expand our portfolio of state-of-the-art molecular genetic ANZCHOG-sponsored international and epigenetic techniques. This will trials, facilitating access to new ensure Australian children have access therapeutic agents for Australasian to an accurate diagnosis of their brain children and adolescents diagnosed cancer sub-type, which is critical in with a range of tumour types. In determining the clinical course of their As the peak professional body particular, our collaboration with the disease and the most appropriate representing paediatric oncologists Australasian Sarcoma Study Group treatment. We are very grateful for the and other healthcare professionals (ASSG) to secure NHMRC funding for support from the Robert Conner Dawes who care for children and adolescents a Phase II HDACi study in targeted Foundation and Cancer Australia in Australia and New Zealand, tumours for children and AYA who are co-funding this vital research the Australian and New Zealand patients, was a great achievement project. Children’s Haematology and with the study on track to open early We continue to develop high quality Oncology Group’s (ANZCHOG) focus in 2018. Dr Rishi Kotecha, a member concepts through our tumour specific is on quality research, facilitation of ANZCHOG’s Leukaemia and sub-groups and support our multi- of innovative clinical trials and Lymphoma sub-group successfully disciplinary membership to seek and promotion of best practice in clinical secured funding through the Australian secure funding to undertake their care. ANZCHOG also represents the Government’s Medical Research Future research across a broad range of areas. paediatric oncology interests of Fund’s Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases COSA. and Unmet Needs Clinical Trials Through the increased support of Program to open an international trial The Kids Cancer Project, ANZCHOG Research and Clinical Trials at several Australian sites, facilitating an are able to access funding assistance During 2017 we saw several new important treatment option for infants to open international trials, ensure collaborations with international trial diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic quality assurance processes are well consortium come to fruition with leukaemia. embedded in our trial and research preparation work commencing for conduct and continue to work towards Another highlight of 2017 was the new trials across the major tumour standardised collection of paediatric Access to Innovative Molecular profiling streams to open in 2018. Two studies cancer data. On-going support from for paediatric BRAIN cancer (AIM in particular included complex trial the Federal Government through BRAIN) project. In August, members diagnostics and therapies, and we Cancer Australia’s Support for Cancer of ANZCHOG joined the Minister for would like to acknowledge the Clinical Trials program enables Health, Greg Hunt, to officially launch support of Australasian paediatric ANZCHOG to provide trial development the AIM BRAIN project, which will neurosurgeons and pathologists that support and expertise to our members. enable Australian researchers at the will enable these studies to proceed. 31 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Mentoring and education details available on our ASM website ANZCHOG continues to facilitate a ANZCHOG 2018 ASM. range of education and mentoring Other projects/activity opportunities for our members focusing in research and clinical ANZCHOG continued to work trial skills and expertise. Targeted with RedKite to develop a national national workshops were held for framework to guide psycho-social Clinical Research Associates/Data care for children with cancer and their Managers, and ANZCHOG’s consumer families. group, National Patient and Carer The Senate Inquiry into Funding Advisory Group (NPCAG), both of for Research into Cancers with Low which provided excellent educational Survival Rates provided ANZCHOG with program while also enabling important an opportunity to highlight the unique group discussion and networking challenges for funding of research in opportunities. paediatric oncology, and in clinical trials in particular. We welcomed the ANZCHOG’s Annual Scientific announcement of a dedicated funding Chris Fraser Meetings stream through Cancer Australia’s Chair, ANZCHOG Our 2017 ASM was held in Adelaide, Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer where a highly educational and Research Scheme for children’s cancers diverse program included outstanding of low survival. national and international speakers and specialised workshops. Sessions ANZCHOG also celebrated the focussed on new challenges facing announcement of the Federal clinicians given the enormous strides Government’s Brain Cancer Mission in our understanding of the biology in October with implementation of of paediatric cancers, as well as new the strategy incorporating support for opportunities for patient care provided ANZCHOG’s trial capacity to further through advances in technology and facilitate our international brain cancer e-health, and a greater degree of research. We look forward to additional consumer involvement. A range of details in 2018 as information on the sub-group meetings was also held investment strategy is released. including the first meeting of our ANZCHOG always welcomes new National Biobank sub-group. members. Please visit our website Our 2018 ASM will be held in Sydney (www.anzchog.org) for more from 14 – 16 June. The program is information about ANZCHOG and currently being finalised with further membership application.

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AUSTRALIAN AND NEW in Amsterdam. Further keynote The best overall paper was presented addresses were provided by Dr Anil to Dr Courtenay Henrys for her paper ZEALAND HEAD & NECK Chaturvedi, also from the USA, and Modifying the clinical use of a novel CANCER SOCIETY Dr David Rosenthal, a Radiation PKC activating drug. Best poster, Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer. Management of the N0 Neck in Our Society’s leading keynote metastatic cutaneous SCC to the address, the Chris O’Brien Oration, parotid gland, was awarded to Dr was delivered by our own Professor Anthony Rotman and the best Allied Liz Ward, from the School of Health Health paper was presented to Dr and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Teresa Brown for her paper Adherence The ANZHNCS continues solidly in University of Queensland, with two and barriers to tube feeding during its role as a truly multidisciplinary decades’ research experience in treatment for head and neck cancer. body aiming to ‘minimise the impact improving swallowing and speech The judging was very competitive, of head and neck cancer through outcomes for Head and Neck Cancer as the standard of oral and poster leading the multidisciplinary patients. Between them, they presentations throughout the meeting approach to education, research, brought an enormous experience in was high. care and advocacy.’ Some 27 new bringing research into the clinic in Our Society had the opportunity to members joined the Society over the the field of Head and Neck Cancer. engage with the community through last 12 months and there are exciting Some 280 delegates were present to activities related to World Head and opportunities to strengthen our benefit from this experience, and the Neck Cancer Day, an initiative of the numbers in the coming years. meeting was a great success at all International Federation of Head and The Society’s main educational event levels. Neck Oncologic Societies celebrated on for the year, the 19th Annual Scientific Also at ASM were the recipients of and around July 27. Now in its 4th year, Meeting took place in Brisbane from International Grants offered by the the event was marked in a number October 12 to 14 with the theme: Society. The ‘Developing Nations of activities in the form of awareness ‘Head and Neck Oncology: translating Visitor Scheme’ grant was awarded campaigns, education and screening research into practice’. The invited to Dr Abhishek Mahajan from India, opportunities were held throughout international faculty included Dr Luc who attended the meeting and also the country. The first ANZHNCS Morris, a surgeon and translational completed a clinical visit to the Royal fundraising event in support of WHNCD researcher from the Memorial Sloan- Brisbane. The “Travelling Lectureship took place in in Brisbane in July - 'The Kettering Cancer Center, Professor Grant’ was awarded to Dr Sepiuta Winter Ball'. Hosted by the Society Quynh-Thu Le, Chair of Radiation Lopati from Tonga, who, after the Chairman, Prof Martin Batstone and Oncology at UCSF; and Dr Jacqueline ASM, spent time at the Royal Brisbane others, the evening allowed patients, Languis, a dietitian researcher at Hospital. carers, nurses, allied health, specialists the VU University Medical Centre and their family and friends to come

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together for a good cause. The event award of $25000 went to Associate are greatly appreciated. He will raised awareness of the day, and raised Professor Eng Hooi Ooi, and his team now move on as Past Chairman to funds to support ongoing research, this from Flinders University for their represent the Society on the Board year’s event providing $6000 to our project Development and Validation of of COSA. Coming into the Chair is Research Foundation. The Society will new breath analysis tools for the non- Julia McLean, becoming the first encourage and support these events in invasive detection of head and neck Allied Health Professional to lead the future years. cancers. Two further awards of $5000, Society. She will be supported by went firstly to Ms Merran Findlay new Vice-Chairman, Professor Brian The year was very successful for the from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Stein. In the coming year, our 20th ANZHNCS Research Foundation. in Sydney for the project, Enhanced Annual Scientific Meeting will be a Fundraising efforts in the 2016/2017 Recovery After Surgery: Feasibility of joint meeting with the International year resulted in donations of $22 Pre-operative Carbohydrate Loading Society for Maxillofacial Rehabilitation 000. In the latter half of this year, in Patients Undergoing Major Head (ISMR), in Melbourne in July, and will in addition to the $6000 from the and Neck Cancer Surgery with Free coincide with World Head and Neck Winter Ball, a further $29 500 was Flap Reconstruction, and also Mr Cancer Day. raised at the ASM Meeting Dinner. Giri Krishnan from the University This included generous donations of of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide $27 600 from members of the Plastic Hospital for their project, Magnetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Head Nanotechnology For Sentinel Lymph and Neck Team at the Royal Brisbane Node Mapping In Oral Cancer. This Hospital. This particular donation will brings the total to 9 grants for research help establish a Reconstructive Head into Head and Neck Cancer made and Neck Surgery Research Fund in the last three years, totaling $70 within the Foundation. Two additional 000, a magnificent outcome for the Special Funds have been established Society, and the Foundation Board, by the Foundation through the efforts again led energetically from the chair of Society members, firstly an Adenoid throughout the year by Professor David Cystic Carcinoma Fund supported Wiesenfeld. by a family from Adelaide, and more recently a Skull Base Cancer Fund, October saw the end of the term in the supported by industry. Chair for Martin Batstone, who during his time oversaw governance changes, The need for the foundation was worked hard to keep the Society to highlighted by the receipt of 12 task with its current Strategic Plan, excellent applications for grants. At but also represented the Society as Kerwin Shannon the ASM, the Foundation Board the Chris O’Brien Travelling Fellow. His Past President, ANZHNCS awarded three grants. The major efforts on behalf of the membership

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AUSTRALIAN AND NEW We continued to recruit strongly to By the end of January 2018 we our active trials in 2017 and were had recruited over 700 patients to ZEALAND UROGENITAL pleased to open two new trials in the ENZARAD, over 140 to BCG Mitomycin, & PROSTATE CANCER last quarter: UNISoN (ANZUP 1602) for over 40 to phase 3 accelerated BEP, TRIALS GROUP non-clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and over 150 to Pain Free TRUS B, 4 to PCR- KEYPAD (ANZUP 1601) for post-first- MIB, and 25 to e-TC. Our co-badged line treatment of clear cell carcinoma. studies (NMIBC patient-reported A third trial, TheraP (lutetium-177 symptom index and RCC FASTTRACK PSMA versus cabazitaxel in metastatic II) also continue to recruit strongly. castration-resistant prostate cancer, Other trials (ENZAMET, BL.12) have ANZUP 1603), opened in early January completed accrual are now in follow 2018. up and new trials at various stages of As we head towards our 10th development include TIGER (poor risk The UNISoN trial studies an interesting anniversary, ANZUP continues to germ cell) and RAMPART (adjuvant immunotherapy strategy in non-clear work towards making a positive RCC immunotherapy). Expansion of cell renal cell carcinomas, an area difference for people affected by other studies is also planned pending where there is considerable clinical genitourinary cancers (prostate, grant funding (BCG/mitomycin; germ need as no treatments are approved kidney, bladder and testis). Bringing cell translational research). in Australia for these diseases. KEYPAD together all of the different studies a novel immunotherapy Provision of support and clearly professional disciplines and groups combination in post-first-line clear cell defined processes for concept involved in researching and treating renal cell carcinoma. By year end, 8 development remain cornerstones urogenital cancers means ANZUP sites had been activated for UNISoN for the future of our clinical trials can focus on the core business of with recruitment tracking ahead of portfolio. During the year we held four conducting clinical trial research to projections, while KEYPAD was open tumour-specific concept development improve treatment of GU cancers. at 5 sites. workshops, enabling us to review and support numerous new concepts. In The lutetium-177 PSMA ‘TheraP’ the trials space, it is an exciting and (ANZUP 1603) advanced prostate busy time, particularly as ANZUP cancer trial is highly significant as it moves towards taking responsibility for is a translation of previous work done sponsor functions. in Australia; it will be one of the first randomised trials of this therapy; and In 2017 the ANZUP membership it addresses an area of unmet clinical grew to almost 1,300 members need with the potential for significant from multidisciplinary backgrounds, patient benefit. It also brings together including medical, research, science, several groups that without ANZUP allied health, nursing and consumer. probably would not have been able This growth was reflected in record to work together; and it represents attendance at ANZUP’s 2017 ASM in the first project supported through Melbourne which delved into ‘The the agreement between ANZUP Art of Science & Best Practice’. The and Prostate Cancer Foundation of program featured sessions to suit Australia. Other support for the trial everyone working in GU cancers is provided by ANSTO and Endocyte. including a highly successful new Having received ethics approval earlier Translational Research Symposium, in 2017, site validation commenced in the popular MDT Masterclass, an the last quarter with the first site open expanded PCFA ANZUP Nurses in early 2018. Symposium and the Community Engagement Forum. We were One of ANZUP’s strategic goals is to fortunate to have more than 50 be able to undertake trials without speakers, panellists, session chairs waiting for the uncertainties and and e-poster presenters as well as a limitations of competitive grant highly engaged international faculty, funding and TheraP is a great example providing a global perspective on the of how this might work in the future. key issues facing GU cancer experts. ANZUP’s other active trials collectively ANZUP has been present at major involve thousands of patients, both international meetings over the from Australia and internationally and past 12 months both promoting and include working closely with those presenting our work. We also continue doing basic or translational research, to devote considerable time and supportive care research, health resources to mentoring and fostering economics, and many other areas. the ongoing development of our members. In 2017, this included the

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ANZUP GU Preceptorship in Prostate new trial ideas aimed at future ANZUP mark the milestone that is a decade of Cancer in Melbourne and the Best of clinical trials. Call for applications ANZUP. As our 2018 Convenor Henry GU Evening Symposium in Sydney. will open in February. We are also Woo says: “If you want to be where it’s very excited to be staging our first all happening, #ANZUP18 is where you The Preceptorship initiative was Melbourne Pedalthon in March 2018. need to be”. developed by Eva Segelov, initially in GI and lung cancers but is This year, more than 2,500 ANZUP now successfully expanding into consumer magazines were distributed genitourinary cancers. This novel and across Australia and New Zealand to highly effective model of learning waiting rooms and clinics for patients exposes delegates to key papers to learn more about urogenital cancer and provides a platform for in-depth treatment, research and supportive discussion with the input of expert care. We are also very fortunate to preceptors. have an extremely active and engaged Consumer Advisory Panel (CAP) who The Best of GU is a fabulous way to contribute to our clinical trial program catch up on the key advances in GU as well as raise awareness in the wider cancer happening both in ANZUP and community. elsewhere. In 2017, we were honoured to be joined by international mRCC As we look towards 2018, a major focus expert Daniel Heng and a number of will be our Annual Scientific Meeting acclaimed Australian multi-disciplinary celebrating ANZUP’s 10th anniversary professionals. at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney from 8-10 July. The theme ‘Putting Throughout the year, the ANZUP team People First’ will bring us back to the were involved in many other activities Ian Davis management of GU cancers from a outside of clinical trials, not least the Chair, ANZUP holistic, people-centric perspective. 4th annual Below the Belt Pedalthon. The convening committee has secured The event was held at Sydney’s an outstanding international faculty, Eastern Creek in September with 48 featuring both key opinion leaders and teams comprising almost 250 cyclists up and coming clinicians. battling it out to ride the most laps. The Pedalthon raised over $255,000 Popular ANZUP sessions will of course for the Below the Belt Research Fund, return in 2018; however delegates can which will be reinvested in supporting also expect the unexpected as we

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AUSTRALIA Our Symptom-Benefit study has led to and my thanks to Phil Beale who co- a number of publications and a greater ordinated the project and the many NEW ZEALAND recognition of the importance of people who made it such a success. GYNAECOLOGICAL including patient reported outcomes ONCOLOGY GROUP in clinical trials in recurrent ovarian Consumer engagement cancer. The results of this study have My thanks to the members of our influenced clinical practice and Consumer and Community Committee help physicians and patients make (CCC), led by Helene O’Neil who more informed decisions regarding is an inspiring and enthusiastic treatment options based on the In 2017 members of the Australia New ambassador for ANZGOG. Our likelihood of benefit and potential Zealand Gynaecological Oncology consumer representatives are critical to impact on symptom control. Group (ANZGOG) have dedicated their ANZGOG’s research review process. Our CCC members are co-investigators on time to no fewer than 17 clinical trials Many of these trials could not have ANZGOG studies. Their review of all our and research projects – with the goal been completed in a timely fashion trials and input into tumour working of improving outcomes and quality of without ongoing collaboration with groups is of tremendous value and life for women with gynaecological other clinical trials groups around importance. cancer through research. Our research the world. It is a strength of ANZGOG has impacted clinical practice both that we are highly regarded globally. One testament to our strong ties locally and globally. We will continue to strengthen our with consumers was the inaugural partnerships to ensure women in Research impacts Survivors Teaching Students program, Australia and New Zealand have a consumer-led program in ovarian Our PARAGON study pioneered a access to the very latest and best in cancer awareness. It is funded by unique and novel clinical trial design clinical research, and rapid adoption the Australian Government though a – the “basket trial”- to facilitate the of improved clinical practices and Cancer Australia “Supporting people recruitment of patients with rare treatments. with cancer” Grant initiative. tumours, within a single trial. The trial design was very successful and Enabling research through funding Financial sustainability allowed us to recruit 350 patients, Our Fund for New Research achieved 2017 saw the amalgamation of which represents the world’s largest a milestone this year when two ANZGOG with the Women’s Cancer rare tumour cohort. Results from some of the inaugural recipient studies Foundation in Melbourne, increasing of the rare tumour cohorts will be commencing recruitment, allowing an our fundraising capacity and increasing published soon. early career researcher to be involved the funds available for our research. The MOST trial is the first large in a clinical trial and providing funds Our fundraising team has raised comprehensive prospective study to for a pilot study which we expect will more than $300,000 in community include a follow up relating to Patient- develop into a phase 3 trial in the support through the fundraising Reported Outcomes. The findings future. campaigns: We Can Walk It Out, Team demonstrate the high symptom Teal, Night at the Trots, GO Step for Our OASIS initiative has attracted burden that patients experience Gynae, and Save the Box. I encourage tremendous philanthropic support, towards the end of chemotherapy all our members to get involved in such that the funds available for signal- and after completing chemotherapy; these worthy campaigns either as seeking studies in ovarian cancer is and have established a proven way to ambassadors or participants as a team now $2.8 million. Initially established detect the symptoms associated with or individual. with the aim of funding two to three recurrence, earlier. studies that could yield fast-tracked Changes within ANZGOG results, the OASIS initiative has funded Inaugural Directors of ANZGOG Danny five projects. Rischin and David Bernshaw stepped Developing the next generation down from the Board in October. Both have made a significant contribution Our first Preceptorship – focussing over a long period of time and I am on ovarian cancer – provided junior very grateful for their commitment to doctors in medical oncology and the organisation. gynaecological oncology as well as translational researchers, the Linda Mileshkin reached the end of opportunity to gain a greater her 6 year term as RAC chair. The work understanding of best current clinical of the RAC Chair is considerable and I practice. Thirty seven doctors from appreciate the expertise and the time all over Australia and New Zealand she committed to the role. Alison Davis attended. Current clinical practice was appointed as the new RAC chair, was debated, gaps in knowledge with Michelle Vaughn as Deputy. Pearly were identified and potential research Khaw was appointed as new Quality ideas were floated. The 2 day event Assurance Committee chair. Alison was highly rated by all who attended Davis and Pearly Khaw were elected Board Directors. 37 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

I would also like to thank Karen Livingstone who has stepped down from the Board after 10 years contribution to the ANZGOG Board as our inaugural consumer Director. Karen established ANZGOG’s Consumer and Community Committee and this year was a Victorian finalist for the Australian of the Year Award. Karen has been appointed to a new staff role in Development – Philanthropy and Major Gifts. Karen is well placed to lead this area of fundraising as she was instrumental in gaining philanthropic funds for the OASIS Initiative.

Finally, I reach the end of my six year term as Chair in March 2018. I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors have elected Associate Professor Philip Beale as Chair Elect for ANZGOG.

It has been a pleasure to lead such a fantastic group of medical and research professionals, and consumers. It was steep learning curve for me in the beginning, but I was fortunate to have a great team around me to guide me. I am grateful for all the support I have had over the past 6 years, so that together we were able to bring ANZGOG where we are today. Today we are in a solid financial position, with a wide variety of trials and projects open, in development or in planning stages, and a culture of professional mentoring and leadership.

Alison Brand Chair, ANZGOG

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BREAST CANCER We are the largest, independent, oncology clinical trials research group TRIALS in Australia and New Zealand and our research program involves multicentre national and international clinical trials, bringing together almost 800 researchers in 90 institutions.

For 40 years, our research program has explored and tested new and better ways of treating and preventing Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) is a group breast cancer. Our work has improved of world-leading breast cancer the treatment of breast cancer, researchers who conduct clinical led to changes in the way breast trials research for the treatment, cancer is managed and has saved prevention and cure of breast cancer. millions of lives through international collaboration.

2017 was an ambitious and busy year for BCT and highlights included:

Rebranding of the ANZBCTG Professor John Forbes AM In September 2017, we brought our research activities under the Australia Board Appointments and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Professor Bruce Mann became Group and our fundraising activities Chair of our Board of Directors in under the Breast Cancer Institute of July 2017, after Professor Stephen Australia, together under one name – Ackland completed his term. We Breast Cancer Trials. sincerely thank Stephen for his years of dedication on the Board and to the Our new name represents who we are group’s research program. The Board today: a unique collaboration between also welcomed three new Directors researchers, women who participate this year – Professor Sunil Lakhani, in our clinical trials, and our donors Professor Rik Thompson and Ms Marg and supporters. Together we are O’Donnell AO. Dr George Morstyn grounded and defined by one simple stepped down from the Board in belief: We can and we will find new May 2017 and we thank him for his and better treatments and prevention contributions. strategies for every person affected by breast cancer, that saves lives today, New Clinical Trials tomorrow and forever. The EXPERT clinical trial is the first Retirement of Professor John Forbes large-scale randomised trial that will AM investigate the use of a multigene expression panel (PAM 50-based One of the founders of BCT, Professor Prosigna Assay) to enable safe and John Forbes AM, retired from his individualised de-escalation of position of Director of Research at adjuvant breast radiation in early the start of 2017. In his extraordinary breast cancer. In a first for BCT, we research career which spans more are the international co-lead group in than 40 years, Professor Forbes has collaboration with BIG and we aim to made national and international recruit 1,170 participants globally. The contributions to the development BCT Study Chair of EXPERT is Professor and conduct of breast cancer clinical Boon Chua. trials, which have improved survival rates and treatments available to The PATINA clinical trial aims to women at risk or diagnosed with find out if people with metastatic breast cancer. He was the National breast cancer could benefit from the Group Coordinator of BCT from 1984- addition of a new drug, Palbociclib, 2008, was a BCT Board Director from when given in combination with 1991-2008 and 2013-2016, and was the anti-HER2 therapy (trastuzumab and BCT’s Director of Research from 2008- pertuzumab) and endocrine therapy. 2017. Previous research indicates that palbociclib in combination with anti- HER2 therapy, may prevent the spread 39 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

of cancer cells. PATINA will investigate Comprehensive Cancer Center at if the addition of palbociclib will delay UCLA. the onset of therapeutic resistance Janemary Hughes from the Royal and prolong survival, as well as find out Melbourne Hospital, received the more about the side effects, safety and Study Coordinator Prize, for her effectiveness of the drug combination. outstanding work and commitment to The BCT Study Chair of PATINA is our research program. Associate Professor Elgene Lim. Katie Frankiewicz, Helen Barry, Mun $5.9 Million in NHMRC Grants Hui, Anuradha Vasista, Alison Zhang, The National Health and Medical Sayeda Naher, Anna Hobinchet, Julia Research Council awarded $5.9 million Hoffman and Maria Hadfield, all to two innovative breast cancer clinical received Avon Travel Grants to attend trials which will be conducted in the ASM. Australia by BCT. BRCA-P is the first international clinical trial of breast ClinTrial Refer App cancer prevention in BRCA1 mutation BCT launched our ClinTrial Refer App carriers and the CAPTURE study is with the rebranding in September the first trial to assess the role of 2017. The app is free and users are able circulating tumour DNA testing to to search for trials based on breast improve outcomes for women with cancer type, location, trial status and metastatic breast cancer. trial name. The app is available to download on the Apple App Story or 39th Annual Scientific Meeting on Google Play for Android. The BCT’s 39th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) was held at The 2018 is our 40th Anniversary Langham in Melbourne in July 2017 Meanwhile 2018 will be BCT’s 40th and attracted approximately 250 anniversary and we look forward to delegates. The ASM is a fantastic celebrating this fantastic milestone opportunity for our members throughout the year. and breast cancer researchers to For more information about discuss current and new clinical Breast Cancer Trials, visit trials and developments in breast www.breastcancertrials.org.au. cancer research in Australia and internationally, and to network with colleagues from Australia and New Zealand. Our international guest speakers were Professor Fatima Cardoso, Associate Professor Richard Finn and Professor Shelley Hwang.

Breast Cancer Trials Awards Associate Professor Jacquie Chirgwin was presented with The Alan Coates Award for Excellence in Clinical Trials Research. Jacquie is from the Maroondah Hospital in Victoria and has contributed to our breast cancer clinical trials research program for many years. She was also our first female Board Chair. Bruce Mann Associate Professor Richard Finn Chair, BCT was presented with The Robert Sutherland Award for Excellence in Translational Research. Richard was one of our international guest speakers at the ASM, and is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/ Oncology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and co-director of the Signal Transduction Program in the Jonsson 39 - 40 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

CANCER NURSES With the maturity of our organisation steering committee—explores the comes opportunity, we have seen use of innovative therapies in many SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA real growth in our capacity and different forms of cancer and how you ability to contribute at a national can prepare cancer patients in the and international level through future. The first course of the series representation on a number of is “Innovative Therapies in Cancer committees. One example of this Care: Moving Beyond the Traditional is CNSA's recent collaborative Chemotherapy Era” provides an partnership with the Royal Australian introduction to innovative therapies. and New Zealand College of Clinical CNSA members also receive access Following on from a period of growth, Radiology (RANZCR); taking up a to the Sosido suite of resources consolidation and review, the position on the Tripartite Committee. which has been extended in 2017 CNSA has had a year of maturation This appointment is seen as an to include Elsevier PracticeUpdate and renewal. On the 6 September important step in the planning content. CNSA and CANO have 2017, CNSA was converted from of the care of patients affected recently embarked on a project to an Incorporated Association to a by cancer requiring radiotherapy share our educational resources. As Company Limited by Guarantee through the contribution that part of the CNSA partnership with (CLG). This outcome was the cancer nurses make to patient the Canadian Association of Nurses in culmination of dedicated activity care. Tripartite representation also Oncology (CANO/ACIO), a number of involving a constitutional review provides an opportunity for CNSA high quality webinars developed by and company restructure process to work to better address the CANO are now available via the CNSA to ensure the CNSA is functioning in educational and professional needs Professional Development Bank. line with contemporary governance of Radiation Oncology nurses in principles. The National Executive Activities undertaken in the Society Australia. Furthermore, partnerships Committee members transitioned to build capacity in cancer nurse with New Zealand, Canadian and to Elected Directors within a Board researchers in recent years was American cancer nursing professional structure in accordance with the new reflected in the high calibre of organisations are yielding fruitful Constitution. The previous President research grant applications worthy of outcomes benefiting members. and President Elect became the funding. Extra-ordinary funding was President and Vice President within CNSA membership is currently sitting allocated for two additional research the new company structure. Much at over 1100 members. This sustained projects. These projects will produce of this activity has been completed membership is testament to the resources for nurses caring for patients under the stewardship of Professor value that members receive from the with cancer to enhance care. In Raymond Chan who concluded Society. Members have access to high addition to allocation of funding to his Presidency after three years in quality professional development these research projects, the Board has the role in November. This work is opportunities offered through the approved funding to the CVAD & IT being continued by Jane Campbell, Regional Groups (RGs) and Specialist Specialist Practice Network (VAD&IT President and Board Chair. The Practice Networks (SPNs) along with SPN) to lead a project that will see contribution of the members of the access to Professional Development the update of the CNSA Central Board of Directors, Constitution and Travel Grants, the Australian Venous Access Device Guidelines, Review Committee, and staff in Journal of Cancer Nursing, discounted originally published in 2007. On making this major initiative a success Congress registration and a suite of completion, the guidelines will be is acknowledged. member professional development hosted on Cancer Council Australia’s resources. Wiki platform to ensure content is up to date and relevant as practice and Collaborative partnerships evidence evolves. Special project grant CNSA and COSA held a pre-ASM funding will also contribute to the workshop on Sunday 12 November redevelopment of the CNSA Position – a Nutrition and Cancer Masterclass Statement on the minimum safety for Nurses. The session on the impact and education standards for nurse of social media nutrition messages administration of antineoplastic drugs, on cancer care “What clinicians due for release in 2018. need to know in the post Belle Gibson world” was well received CNSA 20th Annual Congress as a topic not covered in tradition The Annual Congress was held in cancer conferences. CNSA has Adelaide June 15-17, 2017 was a collaborated with Amgen Australia success. The theme was “Evolving in the launch of an exciting new Cancer Care: Enhancing Quality educational resource – ONE Online – Embracing Innovation” where Nurse Education. The series of online delegates were challenged to reflect education modules—developed on the use of technology now and with input from the CNSA and with into the future and how it may the assistance of an independent influence our interactions with people

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affected by cancer. Professor Sanchia Aranda, CEO Cancer Council Australia, was recognised for her significant contribution to the Society and to the cancer nursing profession at a national and international level, with a Life Member Award. Over the last 12-month reporting period, in support of the professional development of our members, CNSA offered eight professional development grants and many local education events across the states.

The 21st Annual Congress will be held in Brisbane 21 - 23 June, 2018 with its theme “Science, Symptoms and Service Deliver”.

In February we welcome our new CNSA CEO Sonja Cronje. Sonja brings to the role extensive senior management experience in not-for- profit organisations gained across the health, international development and higher education sectors. We are looking forward very much to her joining the society. Many thanks to Samantha Gibson (current CEO) as she leaves us and returns to clinical practice. Sonja will be based in Sydney.

We trust 2018 will bring greater interdisciplinary collaboration and see the strengthening of our national and international partnerships as we work collaboratively in addressing the inequities in Cancer Control.

Jane Campbell President, CNSA

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FACULTY OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY

The Faculty of Radiation Oncology has been very productive this year, with some of our achievements including increased government engagement, raising awareness of radiation therapy through the Targeting Cancer campaign, a review of the Radiation Oncology Practice Standards, playing a leading role in the introduction of particle therapy to Australia.

The Minister for Health’s office hosted a roundtable discussion with RANZCR and several other stakeholders in the radiation oncology sector on Tuesday 31 October at Parliament House. It was a productive discussion around sector-wide priorities, which we hope will become a regular event in future, leading to improved understanding of Dr Dion Forstner with the Minister the critical role of radiation therapy in for Health the Hon. Greg Hunt MP cancer care.

Funding for Radiation Oncology will continue to assess the impact of prepared when the Federal and South Advocacy for affordable patient access the ROHPG changes on our sector and Australian governments announced in to modern radiation therapy has been our patients in the long term. May 207 that they would support the a priority work area for the Faculty. first proton facility in Australia, to be Raising Awareness of Radiation established in Adelaide. The Faculty’s The Oncology Clinical Committee Therapy recently established Particle Therapy (OCC) of the Medicare Benefits Through the Faculty’s Radiation Working Group is in a good position Schedule (MBS) Review Taskforce Oncology Targeting Cancer campaign, to lead the significant policy and completed its work at the beginning we actively engaged consumers and advocacy work required in coming of 2017. We are yet to see the final key stakeholders in raising awareness months and years to help ensure this report from the OCC and the proposed of radiation therapy as an effective, facility will ultimately benefits patients changes to the radiation oncology safe and sophisticated treatment for in the region. schedule, but we expect significant cancer. changes to the Schedule which will The Faculty also participated in the better reflect current practice. The The current focus of the campaign inaugural National Particle Therapy MBS public consultation will be an is prostate cancer management, Symposium, held in Adelaide on 6 opportunity to emphasise the need encouraging men to fully investigate November. It is essential that particle for a pilot / modelling of the proposed their treatment options by consulting therapy in Australia is introduced in changes, to ensure there are no both a radiation oncologist and a collaborative way, for the ultimate unintended adverse consequences urologist before making a decision benefit of patients. for either the sector, patients or the or commencing treatment. This Radiation Oncology Practice government. message has the support of consumer organisations and other Standards The Faculty and consumer groups key stakeholders, including Cancer The Practice Standards, which also advocated strongly against recent Australia, the Cancer Institute NSW were first published in 2011, provide changes to the Radiation Oncology and Prostate Cancer Foundation of a framework of requirements to Health Program Grants (ROHPGs) Australia (PCFA). assist radiation therapy facilities to scheme, which affect capital funding achieve best practice across various for radiation oncology and could Particle Therapy in Australia domains (e.g. machine calibration, threaten patient access to radiation The Faculty published its Position documentation, safety and quality therapy services, further reducing its Paper on Particle Therapy in 2015, improvement). current underutilisation. We have had and established a Particle Therapy The Faculty, in collaboration with the some success in the short term, and Interest Group in 2016, so we were well Australian Society of Medical Imaging 43 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

‘Closing the Gap’ Prof Michael Poulsen, Chair of the Faculty’s Indigenous Working Group, attended the roundtable on “National Policy Priorities in Indigenous people's health and access to health” hosted by Minister Ken Wyatt in Canberra on 31 and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) and March 2017. the Australasian College of Physical Scientists & Engineers in Medicine Dr Kelly Needham is Australia’s (ACPSEM), has undertaken a review of first Indigenous trainee in radiation the Practice Standards to make sure oncology, and we are very fortunate they reflect current radiation oncology that she is also an active member of services, as well as maintaining their our Indigenous Working Group. role as the point of reference for Both Prof Poulsen and Dr Needham high-quality, safe radiation oncology represented the Faculty at the treatment for patients. Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Dion Forstner Discussions with the Australian Council Association (AIDA) Conference in the Dean, Faculty of Radiation on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) Hunter Valley, NSW in September Oncology, RANZCR are underway to develop a national 2017, where they participated in the accreditation program for radiation ‘Growing our Fellows’ workshop to oncology that will dovetail with other promote the exchange of ideas on health accreditation requirements. ways to progress pathways and build Implementation of the Practice opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Standards supports continuous Strait Islander doctors into medical quality improvement and provides colleges. reassurance to both practitioners and The Faculty will continue its advocacy patients of the safety and high quality efforts to positively influence of services provided. Indigenous health in Australia. 43 - 44 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY Educational Activities and Events delivered a series of one day protocol development sessions as part of the GROUP OF AUSTRALIA In 2017 MOGA managed many successful educational programs. Australia and Asia Pacific Clinical With the assistance of Dr Rachel Oncology Development Workshop Wong and A/Prof Mathew Links, the Program in India, Taiwan and the ASCO Essentials program was added Philippines. to our trainee offerings, providing Both the ASM and Immuno-Oncology In 2017 MOGA has continued to grow access to over 400 online resources. Forum in Melbourne provided great and thrive as the national body for Our Communications Skills Training opportunities for our members Australian medical oncology, with Program, a mandatory requirement, to come together for networking, a strong and valued membership incorporated three sessions of research, education and professional of 519 consultants and 141 trainees. advance training in effective patient development. The ASM Real World MOGA would like to acknowledge communication. MOGA Travel Awards Oncology-Translating Discovery into the invaluable contribution that gave 20 trainees the opportunity Practice proved to be a valuable the members of the Association to attend the Annual Scientific professional experience and we have made to the Executive, sub- Meeting (ASM) and over 40 trainees thank the Planning Committee committees and College Training participated in the Sciences of members and above all, the Convenor, Committee, along with the staff of the Oncology Program, convened by A/Professor Linda Mileshkin. The secretariat. The Association thanks Professor Mark Shackleton. committee put together a well- our membership for their continued The Young Oncology Group of rounded scientific and social support and contributions. Australia provided support and program with a strong line-up of guidance for junior consultants, international and national speakers. organising both educational and The international speakers, Professors professional initiatives throughout Cardosa, Ellis, Muss and Stintzing and the year. Professor Martin Stockler Dr Chris Jackson delivered a spectrum of high-calibre presentations.

Annual Scientific Meeting 2017: (l-r) International guests Professors Mathew Ellis, Hyman Muss, Hironobu Minami and Sebastian Stintzing with MC, Professor Ken O’Byrne 45 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

In August, Professor Michael developments was directed to key In Conclusion Boyer, AM and his planning team, decision–makers. The Final Report on the Audit of Public including Professor David Thomas, Patient Cancer Care in NSW, published Partnerships presented our second biannual in late November proved very positive, Immuno-Oncology Forum: Insight In 2017 MOGA’s strategic alliances with over 1800 case records reviewed and Advances. The Forum’s program grew, strengthening the Association’s and no 'red flags’ identified nor any provided a comprehensive update global standing. In particular, the practice recorded that fell outside of on the current clinical data for many Association actively networked across the Audit’s specified range. This is a cancer streams. The program also the Asia Pacific region, attending the testament to the high quality care explored the practicalities of working Japanese Society Annual Meeting. provided to the NSW community by with this treatment modality in MOGA was also represented at members of the medical oncology clinical practice, including a range of the Korean and Singapore Society profession. immunotherapeutic strategies. The meetings as well as ESMO Asia, which program considered the direction of included presentations on Voluntary In the last quarter of the year MOGA immunotherapy and included sessions Assisted Dying and the Australian surveyed our membership to establish on key advances that will impact both Medical Oncology Workforce. their views on voluntary assisted dying present and future clinical practice. in order to develop a position paper. MOGA also collaborated with International keynote speaker, A/ The responses have been invaluable numerous organisations on successful Professor Leora Horn was joined by in allowing us to better understand projects and submissions. In particular numerous Australian speakers who are the views of our members. We the Royal Australasian College of global leaders in immuno-oncology. appreciate there is a wide range of Physicians through the Adult Medicine views on this controversial topic across Oncology Drugs and Treatments Council, the Training Committee, as our membership and needed to get well as supervisor support for trainees In 2017 MOGA continued to provide a detailed understanding of stances and the provision of Fellows for representation for the Medical in order to speak on behalf of the College Programs. Oncology profession through profession in the ongoing debate about this matter. lobbying and advocacy work, advising Workforce regulators, industry, government The Medical Oncology workforce is and our own members in response rapidly evolving, therefore medical to ongoing and newly- emerging oncology workforce planning and treatment and oncology issues. This development is of paramount resulted in some major milestones. importance. The MOGA Workforce In August it was announced that Taskforce led by Dr Zarnie Lwin and nivolumab monotherapy would A/ Prof Rosemary Harrup finalised become available to Australian lung the Association’s second Australian and renal cancer patients, accessed by Medical Oncology Workforce Study around 4500 cancer patients a year, in 2017, successfully publishing and in part thanks to MOGA’s continuing presenting the results. advocacy work. In July after a two year campaign, the Pharmaceutical Our Members Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Professor Grant McArthur received recommended an extension to the this year’s MOGA-Novartis Oncology listing of goserelin for the prevention Cancer Achievement Award for his of anticipated premature ovarian ‘outstanding contribution to medical failure. Chris Karapetis oncology in Australia’. Professor Chair, MOGA The year also saw MOGA make McArthur is an eminent clinician a record breaking number of and scientist whose innovative work submissions addressing key national in melanoma has changed the way issues; including Proton Beam we treat this debilitating and often therapy, Sentinel Lymph Biopsy for deadly disease. Professor McArthur has intermediate thickness melanoma made a substantial contribution to the and the Senate Inquiry on Funding advancement of oncology in Australia, for Research into Cancers with Low both as a medical oncologist and Survival. leader in clinical trials and research, as well as his continued support and The Oncology Drugs Working Group, mentoring work. led by Dr Deme Karikios, met regularly with the PBAC to address oncology issues under consideration by Australian regulatory bodies. They also ensured that current, accurate advice on clinical practice and trial

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ONCOLOGY SOCIAL Psychosocial Challenges in Oncology Gountras. Each state, territory and Social Work’. For more information, go New Zealand have a nominated WORK AUSTRALIA to the OSWA website www.oswa.net. representative who, along with au . clinical experts in various oncology sub-groups, take responsibility One of the advantages of assembling for convening local professional as a national group, is the enthusiasm development events. The organisation generated that invigorates the is thriving! organisation as a whole. A positive outcome of each conference is As an Affiliated Organisation of the willingness demonstrated by COSA and the primary professional OSWA is pleased to report another members to contribute fresh ideas to organisation for oncology social year of strong growth; both in stimulate the ongoing development workers, the priority areas and terms of numbers and in ongoing of the organisation by volunteering interests of OSWA are closely aligned professional development activities. for committee positions and working with COSA’s strategic direction to Our reach is broad, with members party membership. Each conference provide excellence in evidence-based based in all states and territories sees enrichment of the membership cancer care across the treatment and encompassing a broad range with an injection of new members. continuum in an equitable manner. of service delivery: clinical work in These are exciting times as innovative Several OSWA members from various hospitals and community settings, developments in cancer treatments, jurisdictions provided valuable academics, researchers, service changes to population demographics, insights and information about the managers and social work students the genomic “explosion” and draft implementation plan for the who will take on roles as future personalised and targeted therapies National Health Genomics Framework. oncology social workers. raise new challenges both in service Comments centred around the provision and resource allocation. A major undertaking this year has importance of ensuring adequate These issues are “core business” for all been the revision of our Constitution, access to psychosocial support in the oncology health professionals. We for which we acknowledge the emotionally challenging domain of look forward to the continuation of a generosity and expertise of our legal genetic mutation and cancer risk. This mutually productive and collaborative collaborators at Slater and Gordon. information was incorporated into association between COSA and As well as ensuring the probity of the joint submission from COSA and OSWA. Kim Hobbs will continue to our organisation, the additional Cancer Council Australia. be the OSWA representative on COSA challenge in updating the Constitution OSWA members are involved in Council. is to incorporate our New Zealand a research initiative ‘Social work colleagues with equal membership interventions in cancer care: a quality status and a name change to reflect assurance project’. Recruitment our international expansion. It is has concluded in six health sites hoped that this formidable task will be across three states (NSW, Victoria completed in the upcoming year and and Queensland). Dr Rosalie Pockett members will be advised accordingly. from the University of Sydney is the The annual OSWA conference has project lead and the first cut of the been judged as a calendar highlight data will be presented at the Canberra by oncology social workers. In 2017 we conference. This is the first step in an continued the tradition by hosting the ambitious body of work that will help 12th national conference in October to define and document the nature in Perth. The theme was ‘Working and range of social work interventions Creatively with Today’s Families’. Two with cancer patients and their international keynote speakers Dr Amy caregivers. Following the conference Chow from the University of Hong presentation endorsement from Kong and Dr Liz Beddoe from the members will be sought to inform and University of Auckland, New Zealand develop other research projects. Kim Hobbs complemented the local talent to The OSWA Executive and Council representative, OSWA produce another highly rated learning management committee continue to and networking opportunity. Each year be the dynamic (and voluntary) forces we see the bar set just a little higher. behind the day to day administration 2018 will see the conference move to of the organisation. Monthly Canberra in November, with Invited teleconferences are lively and well International Speaker Professor attended. I would like to acknowledge Matthew Loscalzo from the City of in particular, our current president Ray Hope, Duarte California making a long Araullo, our immediate past president awaited return to Australia. The theme Alison Hocking, our president elect is ‘The Things We Don’t talk About: Nick Hobbs and our secretary, Olga

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PALLIATIVE CARE Kochovska, PhD has been appointed RAPID Pharmacovigilance Program as the inaugural PaCCSC/CSCCSC CLINICAL STUDIES RAPID is an international, multi-site, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow. consecutive cohort, post-marketing COLLABORATIVE Dr Kochovska holds a Doctorate study of the real-world net clinical of Philosophy in Linguistics from effects (benefits and harms) of Rutgers University, and a Master of medications and non-pharmacological Arts in Linguistics (First Class Honours) interventions used in palliative and and a Bachelor of Arts in Russian & supportive care. Linguistics (Highest Honours) from The University of Auckland. Between Unlike other post marketing 2013 and 2016, Dr Kochovska worked surveillance studies that are in healthcare project management, in conducted retrospectively using the areas of volunteer services, quality clinical data of varying quality, the improvement and implementation RAPID methodology uses active science. Since joining UTS in 2016, Dr surveillance that collects, analyses Annual Research Forum Kochovska has worked on numerous and provides data on widespread and longer-term use of medications or The Palliative Care Clinical Studies systematic reviews and commissioned non-pharmacological interventions Collaborative (PaCCSC)/Cancer reports to build the evidence base for captured prospectively from the time Supportive Care Clinical Studies improving the healthcare provision of prescribing. Collaborative (CSCCSC) Annual for people living with life-limiting Research Forum will be held at the illnesses. RAPID uses minimal resources, is Aerial Function Centre, UTS, Sydney Dr Kochovska’s academic background timely, involves prescribers from on Tuesday 27 February 2018. The in theoretical linguistics and over around the globe, and publishes Program has been released and ten years’ research and teaching each series to genuinely add to the includes guest presentations from experience in linguistics and language knowledge for clinical prescribing and Professor Matthew Kiernan, Co- education at both the undergraduate use of non-pharmacological therapies Director of the Brain and Mind Centre and postgraduate level will be that are common place in palliative and Bushell Chair of Neurology at invaluable to improving the science of care practice. By defining the net the University Sydney and Ms Tanya consenting palliative and supportive benefit (clinical response together Symons known internationally in the care populations. with toxicity) on data from the target trials world for her work in developing audience, in this case palliative care trial strategy and resources and practices around the world. working with government bodies to drive trial efficiency. The program Objectives also includes three new study To prospectively collect information presentations; three presentations on on: the results of Phase 3 studies which 1. The therapeutic benefit of have recently closed and a number of medications and interventions member presentations. Registrations commonly used in palliative and will remain open for some time and supportive care; anyone with an interest in clinical research in palliative care is invited to 2. The toxicity of medications and attend. interventions commonly used in palliative and supportive care; and The Forum provides an opportunity for the Collaborative to bring 3. Any significant drug/drug members of its various governance interactions of medications committees together to meet face commonly used in palliative and to face. The Management Advisory supportive care. Board, Scientific Committee, and Trials Management Committee. Meetings of Primary outcome the recently formed Symptom Node ŸŸ The primary outcome is to Subcommittees and the Qualitative evaluate the benefit and toxicity Research Subcommittee will also be of medications and interventions held for the first time face to face. For of commonly used medications in more information on the PaCCSC/ these populations. CSCCSC Annual Research Forum visit www.uts.edu.au/paccsc

Inaugural Post-Doctoral Research Dr Slavica Kochovska, newly appointed Fellow Appointment PaCCSC/CSCCSC Post-Doctoral I am delighted to announce that Research Fellow after an extensive search Dr Slavica 47 - 48 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

ŸŸ Secondary outcomes include: ŸŸ May include the conduct of PRIMARY CARE to describe the indications for literature reviews, that provide medications and interventions an opportunity to build the next COLLABORATIVE being used, and to document generation of clinical researchers, CANCER CLINICAL the frequency of prescribing and from these build projects TRIALS GROUP of common medications and that are feasible for a registrar or interventions. advanced trainee to complete as part of their wider discipline Program training; The program has ~40 active sites ŸŸ Includes proposing and developing from ~15 counties around the world pilots, authorising papers, and that are participating, and with 10 inviting experienced or expert publications the series continues to people to join the SNSC from attract new participating sites and PC4 has continued to provide outside the Collaborative interested palliative care clinicians support and infrastructure to assist and researchers. The program has Each subcommittee has a Chair to in the development and successful expanded to include a medication lead the program of work and COSA funding of cancer in primary care series across six symptom areas members with a particular interest in clinical trials. 2017 brought PC4 both commonly experienced in palliative any of these symptom areas can use change and renewal. Kristi Milley care including: pain; breathlessness; this as a point of contact for new study (National Manager) and Kara-Lynne gut dysfunction; nausea; cognitive, concepts or to engage in the area of Cummings (Project Officer) joined neurological and mood disorders; interest. the PC4 Office Team. We restructured and appetite and cachexia. our Scientific Working Groups into For more information on any of the a single Scientific Committee which A non-pharmacotherapeutic above, please contact the PaCCSC/ is now co-chaired by Patsy Yates intervention series and a number of CSCCSC National Office. (QUT) and Ray Chan (QUT). We also extraordinary series have now been Wishing all our members a Happy disbanded our Operations Committee developed using this methodology 2018. and created an Advisory Committee and are running concurrently with which is now chaired by Nik Zeps the six medication series. (Epworth HealthCare). PaCCSC/CSCCSC Symptom Node Cancer and Multimorbidity Think Subcommittees Tank The Collaborative has recently PC4 hosted its first Think Tank in established a series of six Symptom August. Focused on the management Node Subcommittees in the areas of cancer patients with multimorbidity, of: nausea; appetite and cachexia; this event brought together nearly 20 gut dysfunction; breathlessness; experts and consumers from a range cognitive, neurological and mood of fields. The issues raised have helped disorders; and pain. One or more us focus a program of work that will of these symptoms are common in better contextualise current evidence the palliative and supportive care gaps and provide the foundation to population. The subcommittees will needed to develop a primary care help to guide, inform and progress intervention to help manage cancer a program of work that: patients with other chronic conditions. David Currow ŸŸ Includes identifying any Please visit our website for the final Chief Investigator, PaCCSC underpinning or preliminary report. activities that might be required Peter Allcroft to inform a work program for the Council representative, PaCCSC PC4 Scientific Symposium symptom of interest; The PC4 Scientific Symposium was Linda Brown held in Melbourne. The theme for ŸŸ The activity is manageable, National Manager, PaCCSC 2017 was ‘Establishing partnerships, broken down into bit size pieces, creating opportunities’. Our that link to the entire symptom international guest speaker was and more broadly to the strategic Prof Eva Grunfeld, Director of the directions of the Collaborative; Knowledge Translation Research Network at the University of Toronto, Canada. Eva spoke about the CanIMPACT trial, a Canadian program to improve integration between primary care and cancer care. The day also featured updates from ten of our

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studies. Following the success of this began a new project exploring event, the 2018 Scientific Symposium the organisational and personal will be held the 25 May at the Novotel, barriers and facilitators to consumer Darling Harbour in Sydney. involvement in cancer in primary care research development. Early Career Researcher Network We continue to support building PC4 in a snapshot capacity in cancer in primary care ŸŸ 10% growth in membership, nearly research with the development of 600 members strong an Early Career Researcher (ECR) ŸŸ Members represent over 30 different Network. Our goal is to provide tailored health and research disciplines learning opportunities that assist members with career development ŸŸ We reached 300 Twitter followers and their research skills. ŸŸ Presented our first plenary session The network has 12 members, at at the Primary Health Care Research different career stages from current Information Service (PHCRIS) PhD students to those ready to Research Conference in Brisbane take the next step to becoming ŸŸ Results from our Improving Rural a mid-career researcher. Our first Cancer Outcomes trial (IRCO) were workshop, held in October, gave published. The IRCO trial is led by members a crash course in media Jon Emery and is the largest trial to skills. Nicki Webber who is a public assess the separate and combined relations senior consultant, digital Jon Emery effects of community campaigns editor and journalist from the Chair, PC4 and GP interventions on cancer University Melbourne shared her symptom awareness and reducing Lyndal Trevena wealth of experience from her time the time to cancer diagnosis Council representative, PC4 the University of Melbourne and her experience from a variety of print ŸŸ Danielle Mazza and Geoff Mitchell media roles in both Australia and the brought the management of cancer UK. patients with other chronic diseases to the forefront with their editorial Listening to consumers on cancer, aging, multimorbidity Consumer involvement is a central and primary care the European feature of PC4’s research support Journal of Cancer Care model. Our consumer group plays an ŸŸ We hosted Greg Rubin from important role in the development Newcastle University, who presented of new concepts as well providing the latest data from the English advice to active trials. In 2017, we National Cancer Diagnosis Audit 49 - 50 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY In November 2017 PoCoG hosted As part of our Concept Development its inaugural Scientific Meeting at process we identified three new CO-OPERATIVE Darling Harbour. The theme for concepts were selected for further RESEARCH GROUP the meeting was Bright Ideas and development by the PoCoG SAC. After Big Opportunities and close to 100 spending a full day workshopping psycho-oncology clinicians and these concepts we look forward to researchers came together at this sell tracking their progress as PoCoG out event to present and learn more Supported Studies. about the most significant programs In addition, to better meet the needs of work current underway in Australian of our membership we launched a psycho-oncology research. The last year was busy and productive review of our Special Interest Groups for the Psycho-oncology Co- The resounding success of our last year. PoCoG Special Interest operative Research Group (PoCoG) inaugural meeting prompted our Groups offer members an opportunity as we continued on our mission Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), to further their research goals by of improving the psychological currently under the leadership of Chair facilitating collaboration, currently wellbeing of cancer patients through Professor David Kissane and Deputy we have groups for Early Career our diverse program of research. Chair Dr Haryana Dhillon, to commit Researchers, researchers working in to holding this event every two years in the AYA area, clinician researchers with the next meeting to be held in and psychosocial researchers based in late 2019. South Australia. Late last year our SAC agreed to support the launch of three Progress on our Flagship Program new theme-based Interest Groups for of Work: Transforming Psychosocial researchers working in Fear of Cancer Care of Patients in Australia: Recurrence, Cognition and Cancer Implementation of a Comprehensive Prevention. Training and Service Delivery Program, continued and expanded in 2017. If you are interested in joining a PoCoG Interest Group, or want to learn more This ambitious program of work is about our activities, be sure to visit evaluating new models of care delivery http://www.pocog.org.au/ or email our for patients with the most prevalent office at [email protected]. psychiatric disorders met in cancer care - Depression, General Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder aims to build the psycho-oncology workforce and provider greater access to psycho- oncology services across Australia.

This significant program of work complements the Cancer Institute NSW Translational Program Grant ADAPT Program (2015-2020), which achieved a huge milestone in implementing the Clinical Pathway for identification and management of anxiety and depression in cancer care a reality at the end of 2017.

After working through the Engagement Phase of the ADAPT Jeremy Couper cluster RCT, the ADAPT Program is Chair, PoCoG now live at the first cancer services participating in the ADAPT trial, with staff and patients using the system to identify and respond to the psycho- oncology needs of cancer patients.

This enormous step marks the culmination of more than 30 months’ work within the ADAPT Program, not to mention years of preparation and research in the lead up, countless working group meetings and the tireless dedication of the entire ADAPT team. 51 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

ROYAL COLLEGE OF www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/Practising- local draft guidelines will be updated, Pathology/Macroscopic-Cut-Up/ circulated for comment and published. PATHOLOGISTS OF General-information/Fixation AUSTRALASIA MBS Funding of pathology tests The Australian College of Nursing and In the last year, the RCPA has Royal Australasian College of Surgeons submitted a number of applications to were advised of the new guidelines Medical Services Advisory Committee with the aim of improving tissue (MSAC), in an attempt to address handling procedures in the operating the shortfall in funding of essential theatre. testing for cancers. This is an important The Royal College of Pathologists Cervical small biopsy/pre-neoplasia process to ensure that Medical of Australasian (RCPA) has had a protocol Benefits Schedule (MBS) funding of very busy 2017 and has progressed a pathology testing remains current and In 2016, the RCPA’s National Structured number of key projects and activities appropriate, reflecting rapidly changing Pathology Reporting of Cancer related to raising the standard of testing methodologies particularly for (NSPRC) Project was awarded a pathology and cancer information cancer. via the Cancer Services Advisory contract from the Department of Committee (CanSAC). CanSAC is a Health to develop a protocol for the Seeking second opinions structured pathology reporting of multidisciplinary committee which The growing complexity of modern small biopsies taken at colposcopy has oversight for all cancer related medical practice, particularly to coincide with the changes to the activities within the RCPA. sub-specialisation, has increased National Cervical Screening Program the frequency and widened the 8th edition TNM Staging (NCSP) implemented in Dec 2017. The circumstances under which second new protocol addresses small biopsies, The 8th edition of the Tumour-Node- and subsequent opinions may be LOOP and LLETZ specimens and Metastasis (TNM) staging system was requested on a variety of pathological provides a structure around reporting published at the end of 2016. TNM specimens, but particularly those of Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions staging is used in approximately 80% of which involve evaluation of cell or and glandular abnormalities etc. It all cancers. tissue morphology. The process for supports consistency of reporting and seeking a second opinion from another The introduction of a new staging adequate data capture for histology laboratory/pathologist and under what system is complex involving specimens and is directly aligned with circumstances this evaluation is funded familiarisation with the changes by the terminology and data required for by the MBS was a matter discussed pathologists and clinicians, updates to the NCSP. The protocol was published by CanSAC. To facilitate the process the Laboratory Information Systems, in March 2017 in advance of the NCSP the existing policy was revised and an co-ordination with cancer registries roll out to allow time for familiarisation example request form drafted to help and updates to the reporting standards and implementation of the protocol. published by the RCPA (http://www.rcpa. clarify requirements and streamline the edu.au/Library/Practising-Pathology/ HER2 Testing Guidelines for Breast process. Structured-Pathology-Reporting-of- Cancer Cross-discipline testing and training Cancer/Cancer-Protocols). To guide In 2013 the American Society of Clinical As cancer reporting becomes pathologists in their practice the Oncology (ASCO) and the College of increasingly a multi-disciplinary RCPA published a policy statement American Pathologists (CAP) revised undertaking there is a need to ensure recommending laboratories commence their guidelines for the assessment of both clarity around who can undertake use of TNM 8th edition as soon as HER2 status in invasive breast cancers. what testing, as well as the need to practicable ensuring that any stage Many countries have since adopted provide cross-discipline training and incorporated into a report also includes these guidelines. Feedback from trainee positions. With the rapid the version and source ie AJCC 8th these various countries has prompted increase in the evaluation of molecular edition, to avoid any potential confusion another revision of the ASCO/CAP markers as an adjunct to other types during the transition to the new edition. guidelines. Australia’s HER2 testing of testing such as histopathology, algorithms are unique, and have not Tissue fixation guidelines microbiology etc, the scope of practice lent themselves to an easy transition of pathologists has been a matter for Recognising the importance of tissue to the adoption of the 2013 ASCO/ significant discussion throughout 2017. preservation in immunohistochemistry CAP guidelines ‘as is’. Therefore, in The RCPA has identified a number of and molecular analysis, in which antigen early 2017 CanSAC brought together a strategies to address this issue and 2018 and DNA preservation is vital, CanSAC in multidisciplinary group with specific will see progress in this area. conjunction with the Macroscopic Cut- HER2 expertise, to draft guidelines up Manual Project and the Anatomical for implementation of the HER2 National Structured Pathology Pathology Advisory Committee (APAC) guidelines for pathologists in Australia. Reporting Project (NSPRC) published a set of guidelines for optimal These guidelines were well advanced http://www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/ tissue fixation. but then suspended pending the The guidelines are published to the publication of the latest revisions of following page of the Macroscopic Cut- the ASCO/CAP guidelines which are up Manual: expected shortly. Once published the 51 - 52 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Practising-Pathology/Structured- TRANS-TASMAN Trial halves prostate cancer Pathology-Reporting-of-Cancer/ RADIATION ONCOLOGY treatment time Cancer-Protocols Results of the TROG 08.01 PROFIT GROUP With funding from the federal trial were also released in 2017. The Department of Health, the trial showed that radiation therapy Australasian National Structured for prostate cancer can safely be Pathology Reporting of Cancer compressed from a standard eight (NSPRC) Project has now published weeks of daily treatment down to 31 cancer protocols over the last four weeks with the same cure rate 7 years. Standardised structured and no difference in side effects. The pathology reporting is now best trial involved Canadian and French practice in cancer reporting as researchers, included over 1200 men. evidence shows it improves both Australian Trial Chair, A/Prof Jarad the quality and completeness of Over the past year, TROG has Martin, said after several years of reporting. continued in its mission to conduct monitoring these men, there was no In 2017, the RCPA was awarded world-class research involving difference between cure rates or side further funding to develop 19 new radiotherapy to improve outcomes effects between the eight and four protocols, and update 11 existing and quality of life for people affected week groups. by cancer. protocols over the next 3 years. “The duration of treatment is a major Each protocol to be developed We recognise the important issue for many of our patients. The or updated will incorporate contribution made by the community message from them is that the shorter the internationally agreed in 2017 who supported us in our the treatment period the better. standards from the International research endeavours including our There are also economic benefits to Collaboration on Cancer Reporting membership, patients, families, shorter treatment times which reduce (ICCR). In addition, the 8th edition donors, supporters and sponsors. hospital workload and costs as well of TNM staging will also be as the time off work and transport for World-first trial pioneers new standard included where applicable. men and their families. www.ICCR-cancer.org of care for skin cancer "PROFIT is another step in us exploring Patients with advanced skin cancer Pathology Update novel ways to make a good treatment can now be spared from having to more convenient,” said A/Prof Martin. Each year, the RCPA holds the undergo chemotherapy, with results Pathology Update Conference and from the TROG 05.01 ‘POST’ study Core trial launched Exhibition. http://www.rcpa.edu.au/ showing that surgery combined A new trial, which will examine Events/Pathology-Update with radiotherapy is a more effective whether the addition of a new type of treatment. This conference is a must attend targeted radiation treatment is more on the pathology calendar. The Professor Sandro Porceddu who effective for patients with advanced next conference will be at the new headed the trial said the results lung, breast or prostate cancer, Sydney Convention Centre from 2-4 showed that for patients with kicked off in 2017. TROG will lead the March 2018. advanced squamous cell carcinoma of trial in Australia collaborating with the head and neck, surgery and post- researchers from the United Kingdom. operative radiotherapy resulted in high The TROG 16.03 ‘CORE’ trial will cure rates, in excess of 85 per cent. examine if adding a novel type of “This confirms that surgery and treatment called stereotactic body post-operative radiotherapy should radiotherapy (SBRT) to standard be considered the standard of care treatment is more effective for patients for treating this disease. The trial with early metastatic spread. also showed that the addition of A/Professor David Pryor from the chemotherapy did not improve cure Princess Alexandra Hospital in rates. This will save patients from Brisbane is the Australian co-chair of the added side effects associated the trial. He said doctors are looking with chemotherapy,” said Professor for better ways to help patients with Porceddu. advanced cancer. More than 320 patients from 23 “Treating the visible metastatic hospitals and cancer centres from tumours with stereotactic Australia and New Zealand took part radiotherapy may reduce the risk of in the 10-year trial, which began in Chris Hemmings the cancer coming back and may 2005. Council representative, RCPA allow our current drug treatments to work better for longer.”

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Professor Sandro Porceddu with trial volunteer Robert Schampers.

“For people with metastatic disease “For many years we’ve been giving On the final day, six proffered papers radiotherapy is generally used in low conventional radiotherapy, which is were presented at the very first TROG doses to help when symptoms such as less precise and therefore normal ASM abstracts session which provided pain arise. The CORE trial uses a much tissue can be damaged in the a great insight into some of the hard higher dose of targeted radiotherapy treatment process. The safest way work that is always going on behind (SBRT) with the aim of eradicating of giving those doses was in small the scenes for TROG trials. early metastatic deposits when they amounts over six or seven weeks. With The research we undertake occurs first emerge,” said A/Prof Pryor. SABR we can give the treatment in through enormous commitment and three to four treatments over a two “The treatment can be delivered in teamwork from the TROG community week period, with a much higher only a few short outpatient treatment and with that support we will continue dose,” said Professor Ball. sessions. We hope this new treatment our endeavours in cancer research. will allow people to continue enjoying One hundred and one patients from We look forward to further exciting improved quality of life and ultimately across Australia and New Zealand took opportunities for collaboration in 2018. give them more time free from their part in the randomised trial, which cancer.” began in 2010.

The CORE trial will involve 50 patients TROG 2017 ASM highlights in Australia. The 29th TROG Cancer Research Chisel trial show SABR more effective Annual Scientific Meeting was held than conventional treatment Auckland in 2017. More than 200 radiotherapy professionals from all The results of TROG 09.02 ‘CHISEL’ over Australia and New Zealand came trial were also released in 2017, which together for the meeting which was showed for the first time that a new themed ‘Precision Treatment, Quality radiotherapy technique produced Research’. This theme also provided a greater survival rates in early stage platform for six invited international inoperable lung cancer patients, speakers to share their experience and compared to conventional radiation recent work. treatment. Professor Andre Dekker from the Prof David Ball from the Peter MAASTRO Clinic in the Netherlands Farshad Foroudi MacCallum Cancer Centre who gave a fascinating presentation President, TROG headed the trial presented the results on machine learning and how of this study at the World Conference Puma Sundaresan outcome prediction models are on Lung Cancer in Japan. Council representative, TROG being generated from global cancer “Our trial found that for patients data. Professor Michael MacManus Joan Torony with early stage lung cancer SABR discussed the ground-breaking CEO, TROG was more effective in controlling results of his 99.03 TROG study, cancer growth, resulting in a longer which will change the management life expectancy and is just as safe as of early stage low-grade lymphoma traditional radiotherapy.” worldwide.

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COSA TELE-TRIAL Richard Vines (Rare Cancers Australia). Coast and Princess Alexandra Hospital. Queensland Health have drafted In addition, three advisory groups PROJECT standard operating procedures are guiding the project; a Medicines and a streamlined SSA form which Australia Industry advisory group, a incorporate the tele-trial model. This Cancer Cooperative Trials advisory work will greatly assist adoption of the group and a Department of Health model in other states. Advisory Group. The selection of suitable trials is a key The 5 primary sites for the project have part of the project. Following a tele- been established and these primary trials project presentation to the MA sites are in the process of establishing The project to pilot the Research and Development Taskforce clusters with satellites sites. St implementation of the Australasian in October, Eli Lilly confirmed they Vincent’s Hospital will form a cluster Tele-Trial model officially commenced would like to conduct a trial using with Wagga Wagga and Tamworth, on 1st August 2017. The project the model in Queensland. Work and Westmead will form a cluster provides funding for a part time towards opening this trial under the with Orange. Peter Mac will form a project manager, Chantal Gebbie as model is well underway with patient cluster with Albury Wodonga and well as 0.2 FTE support for 5 primary recruitment expected to start in the Warrnambool, The Royal Brisbane and sites, two in NSW and Victoria and first quarter of next year. Women’s Hospital in Queensland is one in Queensland. This funding forming a cluster with North Lakes and In the meantime, outside of the will be used by sites to assist with Prince Charles. The second primary site COSA project, Orange-Dubbo has implementation of the model. in Victoria - Alfred Health will confirm commenced the ASCOLT trial using The project is co-chaired by myself and satellites sites early next year. the model and Flinders University John Zalcberg, Chair of the Australian has been awarded a grant by cancer Queensland is taking a state-wide Clinical Trials Alliance. A Steering council SA to establish tele-trial approach to adopting the tele-trial Committee with representatives satellites with their partners. model through the Cancer Clinical from each of the funding consortium Network so in addition to the Royal With the support of the Department partners has been convened and along Brisbane and Women’s Hospital of Health advisory group, we hope that with a smaller Executive Committee which is the nominated primary this model is adopted across Australia provide project governance. Executive site for this project there are four using common processes so that rural Committee members are myself more primary sites forming clusters and regional patients can gain access and John, Larissa Karpish (Medicines – Townsville, Gold Coast, Sunshine to clinical trials closer to home. Australia), Clare Scott (WEHI) and

Australasian Tele-trial Model This project also receives funding I would like to take this opportunity through the MTPConnect to thank our funding consortium Project Fund Program – a dollar- partners for this project; Rare Cancers for-dollar matched program Australia, Cancer Voices NSW, investing in big, bold ideas Australian Institute of Tropical Health to improve the productivity, and Medicine, The Garvan Institute of competitiveness and innovative Medical Research, The Walter and Eliza capacity of Australia’s medical Sabe Sabesan (Top) Hall Institute of Medical Research, technology, biotechnology Co-Chair Pilot Implementation of the Icon Group, St John of God Hospital, and pharmaceutical sector. Australasian Tele-Trial Model Medicines Australia, AbbVie, Jansen, MTPConnect is supported by the John Zalcberg OAM (Bottom) Novartis and Pfizer. Australian Government Industry Growth Centres Initiative. Co-Chair Pilot Implementation of the Australasian Tele-Trial Model 55 - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

CANCER COUNCIL The President of COSA is a standing sun protection behaviours by many member of HSAC, as are a number of Australians. other COSA members, underscoring We also continue to encourage our two organisations’ close Australians to participate in relationship in policy development. screening programs, while we Priorities established by HSAC range produce guidelines that help health from enhancing diagnostic services to professionals diagnose cancer early making better use of health data to and treat cancer effectively. A key improve system performance. There example is the National Bowel Cancer will also be a key focus on cancer The 2016-17 reporting year has Screening Program, which has the types and populations where cancer reinforced the role of Cancer Council potential to prevent 84,000 premature outcomes are poorer. in helping to inform the Australian deaths over the next two decades public about cancer, as well as being Our focus on highlighting cancer if we can increase participation a voice for those people directly inequities is coupled with our ongoing from around 40% to 60% through affected. efforts to educate Australians about targeted communications. These Recently I was the co-author of an cancer prevention. The biennial compelling figures were estimated as article highlighting the “financial Behavioural Research in Cancer part of our recent work in publishing toxicities” some Australians with Control conference, showcasing the comprehensive new guidelines cancer face. Published in the Medical important prevention and public for the prevention, diagnosis and Journal of Australia, our editorial health research undertaken by Cancer management of colorectal cancer explored the excess costs cancer Council staff across Australia, was held – a highlight in a busy year for our patients are hit with, as well as in May 2017. There were more than guidelines unit. the lack of transparency regarding 100 presentations across the spectrum Our vision is a cancer-free future. alternatives that are cheaper but just of behavioural research, exploring We look forward to another good as effective. This paper set the scene everything from reducing risk factors year of working towards our goals, in for our media and policy agenda over for cancer and increasing screening partnership with key allies such as the last financial year. While overall participation to the delivery of support COSA. cancer survival rates are now 68%, services, all demonstrating the there are stark differences in outcomes important independent contribution between different cancer types, and our researchers make to improving an individual’s cancer experience can cancer control. vary greatly depending on cultural Tobacco continues to be the background and where they live, leading preventable cause of cancer as well as their financial situation. in Australia. Evidence shows tax Cancer Council is playing a key role increases, plain packaging and other in highlighting these issues and interventions are continuing to drive proposing solutions. smoking rates down. While we must Since then we have highlighted the not lose sight of what’s working, we need to continue to address inequities continue to remind Australians to in access to cancer drugs following a quit smoking and highlight the need government review, and in May 2017 for tailored campaigns for vulnerable we responded to the Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander review of medical research, populations. highlighting the opportunities to use Likewise, we have continued to the existing health system to improve remind Australians about skin survival rates for poor-prognosis cancer cancer prevention. Our national Sanchia Aranda types. Sun Protection Survey data shows CEO, Cancer Council Australia More recently we have established that most Australians do not use all a new national committee, the five forms of sun protection – and, Health Services Advisory Committee importantly, that the use of hats (HSAC), which brings together a has declined. With two out of three wide range of experts across health Australians developing a skin cancer services research, clinical practice, and by the age of 70, we continue to consumer perspectives to develop a seek investment by the federal new agenda aimed at improving the government in skin cancer prevention delivery of cancer services in Australia. campaigns to help redress declining

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EDUCATION 2017

COLLABORATION

Level 14, 477 Pitt Street ADVOCACY Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 4708 Sydney NSW 2001 EDUCATION RESEARCH COLLABORATIONADVOCACY Telephone: (02) 8063 4100 RESEARCH Facsimile: (02) 8063 4101 www.cosa.org.au

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