Newsletter

Dr Helen Heslop, Texas Children's Hospital Houston

The Leukaemia Foundation's State of the Nation recently released report found blood cancer is comparable in incidence and mortality to breast, lung and colorectal cancers. As a result of the research, the Australian Government announced a $150,000 taskforce to improve diagnosis, treatment and the understanding of blood cancers.

The Next Wave: the future of cancer care from Victoria and beyond

This year’s VCCC Research Conference will close with a conversation involving not only researchers, clinicians and educators but also local members of our community whose lives have been touched by cancer. Natasha Mitchell, multi-award winning journalist and presenter of ABC RN's science, technology and culture program and podcast, Science Friction will host the Q&A style event in the Grand Ballroom at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.  

Advancing Comprehensive Cancer Care

In November, the VCCC will host the 5th Victorian Psycho-oncology Conference in Melbourne, bringing together the latest developments in psycho-oncology; understanding the psychological, emotional, social, and behavioural impacts of cancer.

Psychological challenges following a cancer diagnosis are at least as profound as the medical challenges, but the majority of financial and health professional resources are directed to the latter.

Upskill with a free VCCC workshop

If you haven’t come to a VCCC professional development workshop, you may be missing out on a great opportunity to keep pace with leading-edge practice.

In most cases workshops are free for VCCC member staff and are designed to enhance your existing knowledge by introducing the latest practice, evidence and ideas in cancer care and research.

Wednesday 18 September at Woodward Centre

In an era of precision medicine, biological markers of cancer, known as biomarkers are set to play an increasing role in management of the disease.  From non-invasive tests that directly measure molecules released from tumours, for example using blood samples, to indicators of the activity of the patient’s immune system, the approach to biomarker research is varied.  Increasingly, it seems that combinations of various markers may provide a better picture of the nature and staging of the disease.

Host an intern in 2020

Expanding Victoria's clinical trial activity requires an experienced workforce with good foundations.

Clinical Trial Assistants and Study Coordinators are key positions in an efficient clinical trial unit.

The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre's (VCCC) successful SKILLED internship program will be delivered again in 2020.

VCCC Research Conference 2019

In the past three decades we have seen a significant increase in cancer survival rates from 50 to 70%. Now, as genomics, personalised medicine, immunotherapy, big data, new technologies and major improvements in patient care come together, we are on the cusp of a new upswing in these numbers. Overcoming cancer is closer than ever to reality.

Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care Practitioners

A regional GP has just become the 2,000th person to join a 4-week online course to better help people living with or recovering from cancer. The course, Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care Practitioners was launched just over a year ago and is accessed on the FutureLearn platform as a MOOC – massive open online course.

Next generation of cancer researchers

One of Australia’s most prestigious prizes for excellence in cancer research was awarded for 2019. The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre together with the Picchi Brothers Foundation awarded three outstanding VCCC alliance member PhD students with a Picchi Award in Basic Science, Clinical Science and Population Health.

St Vincent's team provide insights for future planning

VCCC Town Hall meetings kicked off this week at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne followed by a combined meeting at the Royal Children’s Hospital for RCH and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute staff.

The objective of meetings is to provide staff, researchers, educators and administrators in the cancer workforce, as well as consumer representatives, the opportunity to provide feedback to VCCC on planning for its next strategic research plan.

Year one of oncology registry-based randomised trials

New approaches to cancer clinical trials aim to support rapid, cost-effective studies that effectively answer clinical questions to improve patient care. Registry-based randomised trials (registry trials) combine conventional trial methodology with registry systems to produce real-world clinical evidence.

New ways to learn about Cancer in Society - Master of Cancer Sciences

Two leading experts from across the globe have shared their deep knowledge of cancer to help students studying Cancer in Society – one of the subjects in the new online Master of Cancer Sciences developed by Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and the University of Melbourne.

Advancing Comprehensive Cancer Care - Friday 8 November

This event will showcase cutting-edge research, education and practice and is an essential forum for healthcare professionals, researchers and consumers interested in gaining an understanding of emerging issues in psycho-oncology; new ideas, insights and future opportunities. 

Celebrating success

Representatives from the clinical trials sector including alliance members, partners, government, consumers and pharma joined us to celebrate our graduating Clinical Trial Assistant interns. The VCCC Development of Clinical Trials Workforce Capacity and Capability Program has established internships to provide theoretical and practical learning, increasing employability and opportunities.

Alliance supports primary care practitioners 

Primary care practitioners are the frontline of cancer identification. From dentists and general practitioners, to physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other allied health fields these professionals play a key role in reducing cancer incidence. 

VCCC Building Trial Group Capability Program

Austin Health clinician Dr Aaron Wong and research nurse Joyce Chua are passionate about palliative care and clinical trials. "Palliative care is about a team approach towards providing the best quality of life for the patient, incorporating good symptom management and ensuring that the patient and carer are aware of what is happening. Clinical trials in palliative care is essential for establishing and creating new standards for what we do, that are backed by robust evidence," Dr Wong said.

Extensive professional development program

Since October last year the VCCC Education and Training program has presented close to 100 professional development events to nearly 5,000 participants face-to-face and online.

The educational program represents a significant investment into professional learning across the VCCC alliance and impacts on clinicians, researchers, students, cancer patients and carers. 

Dr David Kok and Daniel Sapkaroski medical radiation practitioner collaborate on virtual reality simulation model

From diagnosis to treatment, survivorship and palliative care, the experience of every patient with cancer is different; effects can be physical, psychological, financial and social.

Navigating through encompasses family, friends, medical professionals, health service staff and many others along the way.