Monday 12 February 2024 View in browser

CEO MESSAGE

It’s terrific to have so much to celebrate this month. As 2024 kicks off, the opportunity and momentum to deliver a genuine paradigm shift in cancer has rarely been greater.

In our outstanding Australians of the Year, Professors Georgina Long AO and Richard Scolyer AO, we have an exceptional example of brave, bold and selfless leadership. It’s also an opportunity to see what can be achieved when we throw accelerant on cancer research such as the pioneering treatment for Richard’s glioblastoma.

On a personal level, I am very proud of Georgina and Richard as colleagues and friends, and as a skin cancer specialist, I am delighted that melanoma will be in the spotlight. We have made huge improvements in treatments but there is more to do – particularly in convincing Australians that there is nothing healthy about a tan.

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Latest News

New study seeks to even the playing field for cancer outcomes for Regional Victorians

Victoria has some of the best cancer outcomes in the world. But if you live in regional Victoria, your chances of getting cancer and dying of cancer, are significantly higher than Melbournians.

The story of Rhonda Mowat highlights the importance of a new study being led by the VCCC Alliance, which is exploring the tyranny of distance for many patients who require cancer treatment.

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Big step for cancer care in Regional Victoria

Victoria has become the first state to establish a statewide regional cancer network, after Mildura Base Public Hospital became the final regional cancer centre to join the VCCC Alliance Regional Partnerships Program.

It marks a significant milestone for the state, with all eight regional cancer organisations now part of the innovative program which aims to advance cancer care, research and clinical trials in the regions through joint efforts and collaborations.

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Benefits to flow from Data Connect research projects

A vast data resource developed by the VCCC Alliance is poised to deliver information that will contribute to improving outcomes for cancer patients.

Speaking to an audience of more than 90 people at a research showcase for the Data Connect project, Prof Grant McArthur AO, CEO of the VCCC Alliance said it was a ‘landmark project’ that ‘empowers whole of system data’.

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Master of Cancer Sciences: Breakthrough thinking in student research

When Sarah Fennelly began her pursuit of the Master of Cancer Sciences, her goal was to help cancer patients achieve better outcomes and quality of life. Her capstone project has taken an idea from academic literature and brought it into a real-world context, where it can impact a patient’s treatment and experience.

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PEN-TEST statewide initiative to tackle less common cancers

A new Victorian initiative launched by the VCCC Alliance promises reduce the barriers faced by people with penile and testicular cancer.

PEN-TEST, a multidisciplinary, virtual meeting hosted by Barwon Health, is bringing together experts from across Victoria to discuss case submissions and determine optimal treatment and research opportunities, upskilling clinicians and reducing travel and cost burdens for regional patients.

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Low survival cancers and regional cancer care focus of latest Victorian Cancer Agency Grants

The Victorian Government has announced its latest Grant Recipients who will share in $8.8 million.

 
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Engaging Participants Throughout Clinical Research

Have you participated in clinical research or cared for someone who has? Help VCCC Alliance, CT:IQ and Hunter Medical Research Institute Australia enhance participant communication in clinical research across two remunerated workshops.

 
Learn more and apply ›

Consumers, have your say on genetic tumour testing

Have you or someone you cared for been treated for cancer in Victoria? VCCC Alliance wants to hear from you. We are researching patients’ and carers’ experiences of accessing genomic tumour testing in Victoria. You don’t have to have been offered genetic testing to take part – please share among your networks.

 
Take the survey ›

Article: Collarium sun beds claiming to improve skin are increasing melanoma risk 

Collarium sun beds are being advertised for commercial use in parts of Australia, despite using UV to leave users with a tan. 
 
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Current Opportunities

EOI: Early Phase Clinical Trial Protocol Development Support
Closes 11.59pm, Thursday 29 February 2024 (extended)

Pitch your early phase clinical trial idea and develop it with peer support, consumer input, biostatistics and protocol writing assistance.

Find out more ›

MacHSR Future Leaders Fellowship program

Applications for 2024 close 9.00am, Wednesday 3 April 2024

The MacHSR Future Leaders Fellowship program by Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) is open to fully qualified clinicians (Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health professionals) who are keen to use Health Services Research (HSR) to explore an evidence-based solution to a practical healthcare problem that is pertinent to their health service and take steps towards becoming a leader of innovative care.

Learn more and apply ›

Centre for Cancer Education

Course: Improving Patient Care Through Teletrials

CATEGORY: CLINICAL TRIALS

DURATION: 3 HOURS

This free online course provides participants with a deep understanding of the teletrial model and its differentiation from traditional clinical trial models. It includes a detailed explanation of the modifications required in the processes of feasibility, initiation, maintenance, and closeout of a study in the context of teletrials.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand the overarching concepts of teletrials and how to conduct them 
  • Equip yourself with practical guides and checklists to assist with implementing teletrials
Start course 

Upcoming Events

15

FEB

Thinkwell Workshop: Maximising Effectiveness

Book now ›

16

FEB

Precision Oncology Forum

Book now ›

19

FEB

MLL: Designing and evaluating the Master of Cancer Sciences

Book now ›

20

FEB

Leadership Webinar Series: Managing Difficult Conversations

Book now ›

21

FEB

Breast Cancer Grand Round with Dr Eva Zopf

Book now ›

22

FEB

Cancer Care Fundamentals: Side effects of treatment

Book now ›

28

FEB

Leadership Academy Excellence Program Feb 2024

Book now ›

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VCCC Alliance members