Latest news
The AGITG ASM has now pivoted to a fully virtual conference...
Updated 7th September
Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group 23rd Annual Scientific Meeting
12-15 October 2021 | Virtual Conference
Convenor: Professor Stephen Ackland
The AGITG Annual Scientific Meeting serves not only as a forum for the presentation of state-of-the art overviews on the pathobiological and clinical aspects of GI cancer, but also affords the opportunity to the Australasian scientific community to explore future directions for research and collaboration. The meeting provides GI cancer researchers and specialists with the opportunity to present their research and discuss the current challenges and recent innovations in a multidisciplinary setting.
Breast Cancer Research Review - Issue 34
Updated 6th September
Welcome to the latest issue of Breast Cancer Research Review.
We begin this issue with research from Germany that has successfully managed to enrol a reasonable number of men with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer to evaluate the impact of standard endocrine therapies on oestradiol levels.
PDF available to view here
Other highlights include:
• Mindfulness-based interventions
• Margin width and local recurrence after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
• Adjuvant pertuzumab and trastuzumab in early HER2+ breast cancer
We hope you find this issue interesting and of clinical benefit, we always appreciate your comments and feedback, please continue sending them in.
Yours sincerely,
Dr David Okonji
davidokonji@researchreview.co.nz
Dr Alex Popadich
alexpopadich@researchreview.co.nz
Initiative to support vaccination
Updated 6th September
Kia ora koutou,
I am writing to you from Doctors Stand Up For Vaccination - which is a grassroots initiative by doctors, for doctors, to create an open letter to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand to stand together to support vaccination against COVID-19. You may have heard of our initiative already. We have the formal endorsement of ASMS, NZMA, RACP, ACEM, RANZCOG, NZCUC, and RNZCGPs. We do expect more endorsements over the next week.
As of this yesterday, ASMS have endorsed us and hosted us on their webpage (links to ASMS and Survey Monkey below).
As of Friday morning, in <48 hours, we had received >2000 signatures. Our aim is to collect as many signatures as possible to show a united and strong stance to the general public. The letter and the FAQs (which you can find at the links above) have been written with public health and IMAC review.
I am writing to seek the support of your societies. In seeking support, I hope that you may be able to email the links above to your members, and if you deem it appropriate, are able to formally support our campaign. We have one chance to show to the general public that vaccines are safe, and stand united on this subject.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have, and thank you so much for considering.
Ngā mihi
Cancer Research Trust - COVID-19 update
Updated 19th August
While we were all braced for the delta variant to show up in New Zealand at some point, it's still an unpleasant shock to find ourselves back in level 4 lockdown. Once we know what impact this lockdown has for researchers with CRTNZ funded projects we will work with you on any delays. For now, stay safe and be kind.
Important information for the funding round
Our main funding round will proceed as scheduled on our website with one major difference. We will NO LONGER REQUIRE PRINTED COPIES of your proposals.
Cancer Research Trust - Funding round applications due 1 September & 1 October
Updated 19th August
Our main funding round is closing soon, so make sure to get your application emailed to us on time.
We fund cancer-related research projects across a range of disciplines including public health, epidemiology, biomedical, or clinical research. We also consider initiatives in the psychosocial aspects of cancer and palliative care. Our grant round is highly competitive with fewer projects able to be funded than we would like, but we give equal consideration to projects across the cancer control continuum.
Closing date: 1 September 2021
Major new projects funded by Cancer Research Trust
Updated 19th August
Cancer Research Trust NZ has just awarded funding to three major new cancer research projects in Aotearoa New Zealand. |
Cancer Research Trust - Help us raise money to fund more research!
Updated 19th August
You can help us to make our special call for public health and clinical trials an annual feature of funding calendar. We're on the lookout for new donors and supporters, and every dollar counts.
There are lots of ways you can get involved. Perhaps you're able to make a donation today, either a one-off amount or a regular weekly or monthly amount. No donation is too small, and as Cancer Research Trust NZ is a registered charity you'll receive a tax receipt for any donation over $5.
We have our own Givealittle page where you can donate, as well as many supporters who set up their own Givealittle pages to fundraise for us.
ESMO Important dates
Uploaded 26th July
- ESMO Virtual Preceptorship on Head and Neck Cancer, 24-25 September 2021 - Online Application deadline: 4 August 2021
https://www.esmo.org/meetings/esmo-virtual-preceptorship-on-head-and-neck-cancer-2021
- ESMO Virtual Preceptorship on Gastric Cancer, 17-18 November 2021 - Online Application deadline: 22 September 2021
https://www.esmo.org/meetings/esmo-virtual-preceptorship-on-gastric-cancer-2021-november
The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is preparing the application form for their next Fellowship round
In the last few years, they have received very few applications for our science fellowship, and none at all for our clinical fellowship. Two other major breast cancer fellowship funders (one in NZ, one in Australia) tell us they’ve had a similar experience.
This fellowship of up to $120,000 is not being applied for, and they would like some input on what needs to be changed.
Empowering Precision Oncology through Genomics
Uploaded 26th July
Date: 29th August 2021, Sunday (1 day prior to QRW)
Location: Von Room, QT Queenstown (Physical Meeting)
Time: 09:00 am - 05:30 pm (NZT)
Keynote Speakers:
Prof. Cris Print, University of Auckland
Prof. Stephen Fox, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Prof. Clare Scott, Walter and Eliza Institute of Medical Research
Assoc. Prof. Aniruddha Chatterjee, University of Otago
Prof. Kenneth O’Byrne, Princess Alexandra Hospital
2021 New Zealand Melanoma Summit | 10 – 12 September 2021 Auckland
Uploaded 26th July
Focused on the changing landscape of melanoma care in New Zealand and proactive, collaborative action to improve our world leading rates, this two-day multi-disciplinary meeting will officially launch the Quality Statements to Guide Melanoma Diagnosis and Care in New Zealand. Be part of this important conversation, improve your knowledge of best practice melanoma care and connect with other passionate health professionals. With a superb line up of internationally recognised experts, interactive workshops on prevention, diagnosis, clinical management and research, and an optional Certificate of Fundamental Dermatoscopy on the third day, this is an event not to be missed.
Cancer Research Trust Grant Round
Uploaded 26th July
Cancer Research Trust NZ is pleased to announce the closing dates for the 2021 main grant round
Research projects may be in the field of cancer-related public health, or the biomedical, clinical, epidemiological or psychosocial aspects of cancer. Initiatives in the field of Palliative care will also be considered. Our grant round is highly competitive with fewer projects able to be funded than we would like, but we give equal consideration to projects throughout the cancer control continuum.
Closing date Friday September 1st 2021
Professional Development Awards Round 2 (Max $3,000 – for travel after Jan 1st 2022). There will be another PDA round in April 2022 for Travel after June 1st 2022.
Precision Oncology Issue
Uploaded 26th July
Roche has commissioned Dr Angela George (Clinical Director of Genomics at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London) to be the consulting editor on this newsletter, Perspectives of Precision Oncology. This is issue 1 of 5 to be released in 2021, and will include follow on from ASCO meeting, as well as NZSO’s meeting.
The Release of the “Position Statement: Role of the oncology pharmacy team in cancer care
Uploaded 20th July 2021
Vancouver, BC (July 8, 2021) – The International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) is pleased to announce the publication of its “Position Statement: Role of the oncology pharmacy team in cancer care” in the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice (JOPP).
The Position Statement describes the roles of oncology pharmacists and technicians in cancer patient care and provides information that promotes advocacy, especially for countries where the profession has not yet recognized oncology pharmacy as a specialty.
ISOPP developed the Position Statement to provide guidance on five key areas: 1) oncology pharmacy practice as a pharmacy specialty; 2) contributions to patient care; 3) oncology pharmacy practice management; 4) education and training; and 5) contributions to oncology research and quality initiatives to involve the oncology pharmacy team (OPT).
The Position Statement advocates that: 1) the OPT be fully incorporated into the multidisciplinary healthcare team to optimize patient care; 2) educational and healthcare institutions develop programs to continually educate OPT members; and 3) regulatory authorities develop certification programs to recognize the unique contributions of the OPT in cancer patient care.
View the Position Statement at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10781552211017199
ISOPP thanks the 23 ISOPP members, led by co-chairs Barry Goldspiel and Lisa Holle, representing 10 countries for writing the Position Statement.
ASCO Leadership Development Program Asia Pacific
The ASCO Leadership Development Program for the Asia-Pacific region (LDP-AP) teaches culturally-relevant skills in leadership, advocacy, communication, presentation skills, media skills, and conflict management. Participants will be selected based on their commitment to improving cancer care and potential for leadership. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be better able to lead successful advocacy efforts, to build relationships with leaders within their countries, and to lead within their own societies, institutions, and ASCO.
Program Objective – Bring together a diverse pan-Asian interdisciplinary group of emerging leaders in oncology who are empowered to identify and fill leadership roles in oncology, to engage in advocacy efforts, and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the region and within ASCO.
Program Highlights Participants will learn skills through both virtual and in-person sessions. They will participate actively in small group discussions, small group projects, and a 2-3 day in person workshop.
To apply for the ASCO Leadership Development Program Asia Pacific, applicants must:
- Be an ASCO Member (or submit a membership application in conjunction with the application)
- Commit to participating in monthly virtual learning sessions, small group projects, and one in-person workshop to be held August 25-27 in Japan.
- Meet English language fluency requirements
NOTE: The Leadership Development Program Asia Pacific includes mandatory participation in the in-person workshop to be held at the Breakthrough Meeting in Yokohama, Japan, August 25-27, 2022. Travel expenses for participants will be provided.
Key Dates
Online Application Open: May 18, 2021
Application Due: June 30, 2021
Notifications: September 10, 2021
Program Period: November 2021 - November 2022
In-person Seminar: August 25-27, 2022 (Breakthrough in Yokohama Japan)
If you have questions about the ASCO Leadership Development Program Asia Pacific, please email international@asco.org.
2022 RACP Foundation Research Awards
Applications are now open for the RACP Foundation Research Awards, which provide research funding for 2022. Up to 50 awards up to a total value of $2.5 million and are available to RACP Fellows and trainees from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Funding is available in the following categories:
- Career Development Fellowships for established researchers
- Research Establishment Fellowships for those establishing their research careers
- Research Entry Scholarships providing stipend support for those at the beginning their research careers.
Applications for Education Development Grantsfor funding in 2021 and Research Development Scholarships and Travel Grants for funding in 2022 will open Monday, 1 June 2021.
Awards which may be of interest for your members include:
- Arnott Research Entry Scholarship in Cancer Research
- The Servier Staff "Barry Young" Research Establishment Fellowship
- RACP GSK Research Establishment Fellowship
Full details for these opportunities including eligibility and application closing dates are available on the RACP Foundation Research Awards webpage.
Please forward this email to colleagues who may be interested in applying for these or the other awards available.
Should you have any questions, please email us.
Notice of discontinuation of CeeNU Australia and New Zealand
Bristol Myers Squibb would like to inform you that the sale and distribution of CeeNU (lomustine) will be discontinued in Australia and New Zealand in December 2022. This discontinuation includes all dose strengths (10mg and 40mg). The decision to discontinue CeeNU is due to declining demand and the availability of newer, preferred therapies (recommended by current treatment guidelines) for the treatment of brain tumours, such as glioblastomas. As such, the decision to discontinue CeeNU is voluntary and not related to any quality, safety or efficacy issues regarding the product.
Welcome to the sixth issue of Skin Cancer Research Review.
This issue includes research reporting that patients who relapse after adjuvant targeted therapy for BRAFmutated stage III melanoma respond well to subsequent anti-PD-1-based therapy with outcomes similar to those seen with first-line anti-PD-1 therapy for stage IV melanoma. We have also included a long-term safety report from three of the KEYNOTE trials of pembrolizumab monotherapy for melanoma. Research conducted in participants from a dermoscopy masterclass found that the accuracy of diagnosing lentigo maligna improved after they were trained in the inverse approach, added to the classic pattern analysis. This issue concludes with an Australian study investigating discrepancies between biopsy results and final excised specimens in keratinocyte carcinomas.
We hope you enjoy the research selected, and we look forward to your comments and feedback.
Kind regards,
Dr Annie Wong
Are you a doctor, nurse or allied healthcare professional working in Aotearoa?
We invite Maori and non-Maori healthcare professionals who have provided care for patients with cancer to take part in a brief online survey. iPad Mini up for grabs.
Click here to start the survey.
The call for nominations for medals and awards for the 2021 round is now open.
Please note that the Academy Executive Committee is focused on increasing the diversity of nominations from under-represented groups, particularly with respect to gender, ethnicity and employment context, from Crown Research Institutes and Independent Research organisations.
Podcast episode featuring Diana Safartis
Please see below the podcast episode featuring a really in-depth interview with Diana Safarti, discussing Global Disparity of Cancer Care and specifically in the Pacific. Here’s the link for you to listen: https://oncologynews.com.au/th...
To subscribe to Oncology News Australia, which includes a mix of conference coverage, reviews, news, opinion pieces, podcasts –https://us7.list-manage.com/su...
Openness Agreement on the use of animals in research and teaching in New Zealand
Foreword from Professor Juliet Gerrard, The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor:
Why the Openness Agreement was developed?
The Australia New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) is an independent body that was established to provide a focus for consideration of the scientific, ethical and social issues associated with the use of animals in research and teaching. After years of promoting openness in animal research, ANZCCART has taken the lead in developing this Agreement
Important research featured on Newshub
from our very own Executive Member, Associate Professor Logan Walker
Click here to see the importance of mandatory genetic screenings for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
2021 New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting
On behalf of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) and the 2021 NZ ASM Organising Committee, we are happy to confirm
Friday 6 - Sunday 8 August 2021 | The InterContinental Hotel | Wellington, New Zealand
Given the continuing restrictions on international travel, our overseas speakers have confirmed that they will join us remotely – with pre-recorded presentations and then real-time participation with delegates for live Q & A:
Radiology
Professor Laurie A. Loevner, Chief, Division of Neuroradiology, Professor of Radiology, Neurosurgery, Otorhinolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery and Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Health System, USA.
Specialty Interests: Head and Neck, Neuroradiology
Associate Professor Bruno Giuffrè, University of Sydney at Northern Clinical School, Radiology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Specialty Interests: Musculoskeletal, RheumatologyAssociate
Radiation Oncology
Associate Professor Corrine Doll, Tom Baker Cancer Center, President of Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology, Calgary, Canada.
Specialty Interests: Gynecologic, Gastrointestinal Cancer Rheumatology
Registration and Abstract Submissions open on 8 April. For more information: www.ranzcr2021.co.nz.
