Copy
May 2019

Increasing Meaningful Consumer and Community Involvement

Research projects have the potential to improve health services and outcomes for patients, but effectively engaging consumers and the community can enhance research and translation success, according to Dr Darshini Ayton and Dr Sandy Braaf. Continue reading »

New Drug May Provide Breakthrough in Treating Lung Cancer

The development of a drug to treat the most common type of lung cancer is a step closer, thanks to research from PhD student, Mohamed Saad, and laboratory head, Professor Brendan Jenkins, at Hudson Institute. The breakthrough to potential treatment for lung adenocarcinoma has been the discovery of how to inhibit the cancer-causing gene, KRAS. Continue reading »

Artificial Intelligence Tool to Boost Genomic Data Analysis

An explosion in biomedical genomic data propelled by high-throughput sequencing and a rise in open-access data has left biologists lagging. Now, a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed by a team led by Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) scientists promises to help close the ever-widening gap between sequencing data and the ability to analyse and interpret it. Continue reading »

Monash University Receives Award at International Clinical Trials Day 

Every May 20th marks International Clinical Trials Day, and our School had an opportunity to celebrate in an extraordinary way this year; two of our major clinical trials were recognised with awards from the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA) for their extraordinary contributions to the health and wellbeing of Australians and improvement to the effectiveness and efficiency of the health system. Continue reading »

Day of Immunology at the Monash BDI

The International Day of Immunology offers an opportunity to celebrate the immune system and share our love of science with the general public. This year, the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) invited more than 50 Year 11 students from Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and John Monash Science School to celebrate the Day of Immunology with us on Wednesday 8 May. Continue reading »

Peninsula Health Supports Patients to Lead Normal Lives During Cancer Treatment 

Competitive bowler and local Mum Jeanette was diagnosed with breast cancer last year after having a regular mammogram. “My lump was 9.5cm in diameter – it wasn’t small,” explains Jeanette. When given the choice where to receive her treatment Jeanette quickly opted to have her care at Peninsula Health, because she lives so close to Frankston Hospital. Continue reading »

Alfred Health Celebrates Nurses

As we recognise International Nurses Day on Sunday 12th (the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth) we celebrate all of our nurses at Alfred Health and the vital role they play in delivering quality healthcare to our communities. Continue reading »

Cabrini Highlights What Matters Most During Palliative Care Week

During National Palliative Care Week, 19-25 May, Cabrini is encouraging people to consider how they would wish to live out their remaining days if they had a life-limiting illness. This year’s theme is ‘What matters most?’ and implores people to plan ahead for end-of-life care and to discuss their wishes with their loved ones and health care professionals. Continue reading »

Experimental brain cancer drug cuts tumour growth in half and fuels hope for the future

A new drug being developed by Melbourne scientists has been able to reduce previously untouchable brain cancer cells by half in tests that raise hope for a potential treatment.
Brain tumour cells from six Melbourne patients were removed and treated with the experimental drug in a Monash University laboratory. Researchers found that after three days, the cancer cells had been cut almost in half compared to control samples left untreated. Continue reading »

Re-appointed Federal Health Minister announces $9.6 million for Children’s Cancer 

A re-elected Morrison Government will commit $9.6 million to ensure children with cancer have the best chance in survival through a range of clinical trials and research projects.
The funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research (EPCD) initiative will be provided to the Children’s Cancer Foundation to ensure that every Australian child has access to the world’s best childhood cancer treatments and to establish both Melbourne and Australia as global leaders in childhood cancer research. Continue reading »

Gene defends against onset of acute leukaemia

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists have revealed that a gene called PHF6 plays a powerful role in protecting against blood cancer. The study showed how a breakdown in the gene’s function could accelerate the development of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). Continue reading »

Tool developed for producing F-18 radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging

Recently ANSTO researchers have made progress investigating improved ways to make life-saving radiopharmaceuticals using the fluorine-18 radioisotope so they can be available in more hospitals at lower cost. The fluorine-18 [18F] radioisotope is essential for hundreds of thousands of PET scans annually around the world. It is most often used in the form of [18F]FDG for diagnosing cancer but is also important for diagnosing brain disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading »

Collaborative Australian research advocates for compulsory Hepatitis B testing on cancer patients

All patients undergoing cancer treatment should be tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) to minimise disruption to treatment and the risk of reactivating any HBV infection, according to Aussie experts. Individuals with chronic HBV infection or past exposure to HBV infection have a substantial risk of reactivation during immunosuppressive cancer therapy, the authors say, and HBV reactivation can lead to liver failure, cancer treatment interruption or death.  Continue reading »

Latrobe's Biggest Ever Bloke's BBQ supports prostate cancer research

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hodge and larger than life lambassador Sam Kekovich are among the stars scheduled to appear at this month's Latrobe's Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ in Morwell. Now in its seventh year, the event has raised more than $550,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and aims to encourage men to be aware of the dangers of prostate disease. Continue reading »

Anna Maciejewska commenced in her role with SMICS in 2017 bringing with her expertise in the implementation of a wide variety of programs and projects across portfolios including local government, health, education and emergency services. Anna has completed a Bachelor of Science, a Graduate Diploma of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Public Relations. She has also completed a Master of Business Enterprise (Executive Program), and is a certified Trainer and Assessor. Anna is skilled at a broad range of business competencies including leading teams and corporate and community engagement, and enjoys finding workable solutions.

In her role as Senior Project Manager, she has led the development and testing of the Suite of Individualised Patient Tools (SIPI) known as the Cancer Care Plan across three tumour streams in three health services, developed professional education opportunities for clinicians working with prostate patients, and has most recently prepared a business case for a Cancer Care Coordinator. She has also facilitated co-design sessions and developed resources.
Tracey Bucki commenced her role at SMICS in September 2017 bringing her experience in project management and continuous quality improvement. She has worked in both acute and primary health care settings. Tracey has completed a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nutrition). Since joining SMICS she has provided support for the Prostate Optimal Care Pathways (OCP) project and the introduction of a Suite of Individualised Patients Information (SIPI) tools.  Tracey also managed a project for the Geriatric Oncology clinic at Monash Health. 

In her role as Senior Project Manager, Colorectal OCP, Tracey's work is currently focused on the implementation of the pathway across SMICS member health services, collaborating with clinical teams to address identified service gaps. Tracey will also work closely with Cabrini Health on planning, implementation and evaluation of local service improvement initiatives.  

We Can is an Australian supportive care website to help people affected by cancer find the information, resources and support services they may need following a diagnosis of cancer. The site provides easy access to the many excellent resources, services and information developed by other organisations who specialise in cancer and community support. More information here » 



Clinical Consultation Skills Retreat 2019 This retreat is for oncology and palliative care clinicians, and is designed to enhance core communication skills and mentoring capabilities for clinical scenarios, including delivering bad news and discussing end- of-life care. The program will run from 20-23 October, 2019 at RACV Torquay Resort. Early-bird registrations close on Friday 7 JuneMore information and registration here » 
 



Victorian Cancer Registry- Cancer Fact Sheets The Victorian Cancer Registry periodically publishes Cancer Fact Sheets on a variety of cancer topics. Cancer Facts 15: Survivors and Cancer Facts 16: Prevalence have been released this month. Access fact sheets here »
 



Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care Practitioner online course (MOOC) Up-skill in cancer survivorship with learnings from the leading-edge of cancer care, and incorporating patient perspectives. Registrations for the 27 May - 23 June course are now open. More information and registration here » 
 

Journal of Cancer Survivorship (JCS) is calling for submissions for a special section of the journal to highlight innovative approaches to clinical care. Submissions due by 15 July 2019. For more information or application support, contact Larissa Nekhlyuodov or Michele Galioto. Find out more »
 



The HCF Research Foundation is calling for Expressions of Interest in funding for research projects in healthcare areas that provide opportunities for significantly improving health services. EOIs are for research teams interested in funding beginning in 2020. Grants range in value from $80,000 to $275,000. EOIs close on 27 June, 2019. For information, questions or EOI support, contact the HCF Foundation. Find out more »
 



The Department of Defence - Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) has a number of grant opportunities available for cancer research, including in the areas of melanoma, breast, ovarian, prostate, and lung cancers. Grant amounts and deadlines vary, visit the CDMRP website for a full list of grants and research areas. Find out more »
 



NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships is a grant scheme designed to build research capacity in Australia. Funding supports early career researchers to attain a research-based postgraduate degree (Doctor of Philosophy or Research Masters Degree). Grant funding will commence in 2020, and applicants must be applying to study at one of the administering institutions listed in the NHMRC eligibility guidelines. Applications close 12 June 2019. For information, questions or application support, contact the NRMRC Research Help Centre. Find out more »
 


Genomics Health Futures Mission - Flagships - Pathogen Genomics is a funding scheme for large-scale pilot research studies into pathogen genomics late in their research and development pipeline. This is the first round of GHFM's Flagships stream, which will be delivered over 9 years. Grants from $1million to $10million are available and applications close on 11 July 2019. Grant guidelines can be viewed here. For information, questions or application support, contact GHFM enquiries. Find out more »
 



Cancer Council Victoria’s Postdoctoral Fellowships are available to Victorian scientists and are intended to enhance research established in a PhD. Research must be within the fields of cancer aetiology, prevention, diagnosis or treatment. Those who have submitted or had their PhD passed within the past six months are eligible to apply. Fellowship funding is $76,798 AUD per annum (pro-rata over 6 months). Applications close on 30 September 2019. For information, questions or application support, contact Cancer Council Victoria’s Grants teamFind out more » 
 

NHMRC European Union Collaborative Research Grants are available to Australian institutions and researchers participation in leading international collaborative research selected for funding through the EU's funding program Horizon 2020. A full list of the research topics eligible for funding can be viewed here. Grants of up to $500,000 are available over 5 years, beginning in 2020. Applications close on 30 October 2019. For information, questions or application support, contact the NRMRC Research Help Centre. Find out more »
 

Monash BDI Three Minute Thesis Competition
Date: Tuesday 4 June
Where: South 1 lecture theatre, 43 Rainforest Walk, Clayton
Information and Registration

ImmuMon 2019
Date: Friday 7 June
Where: Alfred Research Alliance Lecture Theatre, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 
Information and Registration

3rd VCCC Postdoctoral Symposium: New Frontiers in Cancer Research 
Date: Friday 14 June 
Where: Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Level 7, Lecture Theatre B
305 Grattan Street, Melbourne
Information and Registration 

ANZCHOG Annual Scientific Meeting 2019 
Date: 13 - 15 June 
Where: Ridges Latimer, Christchurch, New Zealand
Information and Registration

The Why and How of Consumer and Community Involvement in Research and Healthcare Improvement  
Date: Monday 19 June
Where: Monash University, Public Health and Preventative Medicine, 553 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Information and Registration

The Complexity of Cancer Care - 22nd Annual Congress
Date: 20 - 22 June 
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Information and Registration

The Why and How of Consumer and Community Involvement in Research and Healthcare Improvement  
Date: Thursday 27 June 
Where: Monash Health Translation Precinct, Clayton Road, Clayton
Information and Registration

Implementation and Healthcare Improvement  
Date: 3 - 4 July
Where: Monash Medical Centre, Clayton Road, Clayton
Information and Registration

ALTG Annual Scientific Meeting: Delivering Precision Medicine for Lung Cancer
Date: 18 - 19 July 
Where: Swissotel Sydney
Information and Registration

CSIRO 20th Annual Protein Expression Workshop
Date: 24 - 26 July 
Where: CSIRO Parkville, 343 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC
Information and Registration

Women in Leadership
Date: 15 - 16 August; 16 -17 October
Where: Monash Medical Centre (Clayton)/Monash University, Public Health and Preventive Medicine (St Kilda Rd)
Information and Registration (August)
Information and Registration (October)

The International Conference on Genome Informatics 
Date: 9 - 11 December
Where: Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney
Information and Registration
 

High ductal proportion predicts biochemical recurrence in prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Read article »

Mechanism of Apoptosis Induced by Curcumin in Colorectal Cancer. Read article »

Health Technology Assessment Challenges in Oncology: 20 Years of Value in Health. Read article »

Electrochemical DNA biosensors for label-free breast cancer gene marker detection. Read article »

Hepatitis B management during immunosuppression for haematological and solid organ malignancies: an Australian consensus statement. Read article »

Prognostic Utility of a Whole-blood Androgen Receptor-based Gene Signature in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer. Read article »

Circulating Estrogen Receptor Mutations and Splice Variants in Advanced Prostate Cancer. Read article »

Psychological issues in cancer survivorship. Read article »

Fertility preservation in women with cancer and afterward. Read article »

Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) is a strategic alliance of health service and research organisations working in partnership to improve cancer outcomes through integrated, collaborative and innovative research, service improvement and clinical care programs. MPCCC is the Cancer and Blood Diseases Theme of Monash and is aligned with the Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS). Our partner organisations include Monash University, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Alfred Health, Monash Health, Peninsula Health, Cabrini Health and Eastern Health.
If you would like to contribute to the MPCCC e-Newsletter email info@monashpartnersccc.org
Copyright © 2019 MPCCC, All rights reserved.