 |  | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE Catch up on cancer has begun |
The recent drop in active COVID-19 cases in Melbourne is fantastic news, particularly for the respite it gives for those at the forefront of the pandemic response. I really want to acknowledge our partnership with MPCCC and the magnificent team of cancer specialists, administrators, patients and government representatives who generously gave their time and expertise to the VCCN Taskforce and Network during the challenges of the past few months.
A special thank you is also due to the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) for the data of statewide cancer notifications enabling us to mobilise recovery initiatives in cancer clinical, workforce and research domains. | | |
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Quick Links |  |
Latest News | |
 | Implementing patient-reported outcome (PRO) systems in clinical care A recent VCCC study may be the first of its kind to meaningfully involve cancer consumers in the identification of PRO system requirements, a key first step in the road to PRO implementation in routine clinical care. Members of the VCCC Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee (CCAC) assisted the project team from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Western Health to uncover critical insights into potential PRO system requirements. | | |
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 | Effective Communication in Patient Care new online course An innovative virtual-reality teaching module combines instructional theory with fully simulated patient interview activities in a new online course released by the VCCC. The freely available online program is for clinical staff to practice and refine their patient management skills, particularly in relation to emotionally challenging conversations. |
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 | New Leadership in Clinical and Translational Immunotherapy This month we welcome Professor Riccardo Dolcetti in his new role as Head of Clinical and Translational Immunotherapy, a joint appointment of Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. |
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 | Outstanding mid-career cancer researchers announced MPCCC has announced the prize winners of its inaugural statewide search for outstanding cancer research, as well as the highly ranked nominees who received an honourable mention. |
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Upcoming VCCC Events | |
16 NOV | Dr Seanna Davidson: Exploring systems thinking to transform patient care VCCC Monday Lunch Live Book now › |
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18 NOV | Dr Bhupinder Pal: Understanding cellular and molecular heterogeneity in breast tumour microenvironment VCCC Grand Round Breast Cancer Book now › |
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23 NOV | A/Professor Lesley Stafford: Maintaining mental health in the context of breast cancer VCCC Monday Lunch Live Book now › |
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01 DEC | Providing optimal care for patients with gynaecological cancers VCCC sponsored webinar in collaboration with RACGP Book now › |
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Education & Training | |
 | Clinical Trial Workforce new online modules Are you a scientific undergraduate, a nurse or postdoc researcher keen to kick off the next stage of your career? The VCCC has created free online modules that provide a thorough introduction to cancer clinical trials. The easy-to-follow modules feature real-life stories and videos, as well as templates, guidelines and references. |
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 | Apply - VCCC Internship Program Coordinator The VCCC Clinical Trials SKILLED Intern Program is an established, successful program that supports the introduction, training and embedding of scientists into the Victorian clinical trials sector. We are looking for an organised, talented individual to manage all aspects of administration and coordination for the program. |
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 | Apply - Master of Cancer Sciences online tutor: Foundations of Cancer We are seeking a casual Teaching Assistant in the Foundations of Cancer subject. The successful candidate will support a tutorial group of up to 25 online graduate students. This is a Teaching Assistant, Level A casual role for 13 weeks during the 2021 Term 1 and Term 3 teaching periods, at an approximate time commitment of 5-7 hours per week. |
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 | Virtual GAP is next week -
16-19 November Have you cleared space in your diary for next week? Have you got your free registration organised? Melbourne is all set to host the annual international Global Academic Programs conference, presented 100% online in 2020 by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas, USA. Check out the program and get organised. |
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For your diary | |
Inaugural virtual MDHS Graduate Research Conference 2020 Conference registrations are now open. This event is free for University of Melbourne staff and students. Small fee for external researchers. Abstracts have been extended to Friday 13 November - cancer research abstracts encouraged.
Date: Tuesday 8 December 2020. Abstracts due NOW.
Where: Online |
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Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC) events Cancer Wellness Program - Friday 13 November
The ACSC, in partnership with Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) will present a virtual Cancer Wellness Program on Friday, 13 November, 11.00am – 12.30pm. Join a free education and support program for people who have completed cancer treatment and are living with and beyond cancer. Carers, partners and family members welcome. Specialists will present: Finding a new 'normal', Managing cancer-related fatigue, Physical activity and Meditation.
Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/6216046303147/WN_d1-o1fqaR5W5o0u2kvrKrA
4th Victorian Cancer Survivorship Research Forum - Thursday 19 November
The 4th Victorian Cancer Survivorship Research Forum will be held on Thursday, 19 November, 2.00pm – 4.00pm. The free Forum is open to anyone interested or involved in cancer survivorship research, so if you’re a researcher, clinician, student, consumer, policymaker or other health professional, you are welcome.
Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9716046302487/WN_A9f9-_AYQ4-g4YwkJU07NQ |
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University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research Seminar Series Using whole genome-transcriptome sequencing to identify clinically relevant subtypes in adult ALL
Dr Georgie Ryland, Senior Research Officer, Molecular Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Precision Oncology, UMCCR
Detection of mutational signatures in circulating tumour DNA
Heqi Sun, Masters student, Rare Diseases Oncogenomics, UMCCR and Dept of Clinical Pathology
Date: Wednesday 18 November, 10.30am - 11.30am
Where: Online event |
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Launch of the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health In just a few short months, COVID-19 has propelled digital health from “nice-to-have” to a burning platform, exposing gaps in health systems worldwide.
The Centre for Digital Transformation of Health at the University of Melbourne improves health services and patient self-management through digital innovation, by bringing together researchers, industry, educators, healthcare professionals and patients.
Director Professor Wendy Chapman encourages all to attend a webinar presentation and launch of the Centre, on the eve of the Melbourne Program of the Digital Health Institute Summit.
Date: Thursday 19 November, 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Where: Online event |
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MPCCC Precision Oncology Seminar: Professor Tony Purcell Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) Precision Oncology Seminars are an educational forum in which international and local guest speakers present different perspectives on the latest precision oncology research, clinical trials and treatment options.
Insights into the tumour immunopeptidome and its role in personalized immunotherapy
Date: Friday 27 November 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Where: Online via Zoom |
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Prostate Cancer 2020 Summit The online Prostate Cancer 2020 Summit is being held across two sessions on Friday 4 and Friday 11 December. Both sessions will run 2.30pm – 4.30pm. All clinicians and people affected by prostate cancer are invited to register their interest in attending. The Prostate Cancer 2020 Summit is co-chaired by Professors Jeremy Millar and Damien Bolton.
Date: Friday 4 and 11 December
Where: Online events |
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Melbourne Genomics seminars for oncologists Practical Genomics forOncology Trainees - 2 December, 4.30pm - 6.30pm
This free education workshop aims to equip trainee oncologists with knowledge of the advantages and limitations of different genomic tests, building skills in the application of genomic testing across a range of cancer types. Presented by medical oncologist Dr Kortnye Smith, the workshop will cover principles of variant classification, importance of family history, interpretation of genomic reports and application of therapeutic implications of a genomic test result.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/practical-genomics-for-oncology-trainees-tickets-125861951485
Practical Genomics for Oncologists - 9 December, 4.30pm - 6.30pm
This free education workshop aims to equip oncologists with knowledge of the advantages and limitations of different genomic tests, building skills in the application of genomic testing across a range of cancer types. Presented by medical oncologist Dr Kortnye Smith, the workshop will cover principles of variant classification, importance of family history, interpretation of genomic reports and application of therapeutic implications of a genomic test result.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/practical-genomics-for-oncologists-tickets-126222060581 |
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2020 Palliative Care: The year in review - a panel discussion Join Palliative Nexus hosting an end of year edition of 'Pal-Spectives: In Conversation' for a panel discussion of the year that was..... featuring esteemed experts offering perspectives from research, policy, education and training, and clinical care.
Panelists:
Prof David Currow
Rohan Greenland, CEO
Prof Linda Kristjanson
A/Prof Brian Le
Date: Wednesday 2 December, 4.00pm
Where: Online event |
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October Snapshot | |
 | 13 Education and training events |
|  | 1156 Education and training event attendees |
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| KEY | | Leadership and collaboration | | Clinical trials development | | Consumers |
| | Education and training | | Research development |
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