On 7 September, we hosted our 4th annual Virtual Researcher Symposium, which was an insightful day filled with knowledge sharing and inspiring stories. It was led by some of the brightest minds in cancer research, alongside the voices of patients who champion hope and progress.
This month, Cure Cancer hosted its 4th annual Virtual Researcher Symposium, which brought together our researchers, who are all driven by a shared mission to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of all cancers. Our event was a celebration of the brilliance of cancer research, a platform for knowledge sharing and continuous learning, and offered a glimpse into the lives of inspiring cancer survivors.
The Symposium opened with a warm welcome from CEO Nikki Kinloch and Prof Caroline Ford, who is Cure Cancer’s Research Committee Chair and leads the Gynaecological Cancer Research Group (GCRG) at UNSW Sydney. Prof Ford is a celebrated member of Cure Cancer’s alumni and is known for her groundbreaking work in gynaecological cancer, particularly in developing a reliable screening test for ovarian cancer.
Prof Roger Reddell AO, the Director of Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) and Sir Lorimer Dods Professor of the University of Sydney, led a professional development session on Leadership Skills. A Cure Cancer alumnus with over 30 years of involvement, Prof Reddell is internationally recognised for his work in cancer cell immortalisation, which is an integral process in the development of cancer. During the session, he described leadership as an “endless journey” of learning and emphasised the importance of developing an arsenal of authentic leadership styles for different personalities and contexts.
- Prof Roger Reddell AO, Research Committee Member
We were particularly proud to showcase our 2023 research cohort, a group of outstanding scientists making significant contributions in diverse fields:
Immunotherapy: Chaired by A/Prof Paul Beavis
Dr Adel Aref (CMRI): Identifying a predictive response to immunotherapy in patients with mesothelioma
Dr Susan Christo (University of Melbourne): Investigating the radioresistant properties of cancer-specific resident T cells
Dr Mara Zeissig (WEHI): Improving response to KRAS inhibitors in lung cancer
Dr Chen Li (Monash University): Understanding tumour immunogenicity and drug resistance of triple negative breast cancer
Developing new cancer diagnostics and treatments: Chaired by A/Prof Susan Woods
Dr Yuchen Feng (University of Newcastle): Detecting and destroying hidden devils for bowel cancer treatment
Dr Lauren Aoude (University of Queensland): Defects in DNA damage repair genes & predisposition to oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Targeted inhibitors: Chaired by Dr Emily Colvin
Dr Danielle Bond (University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute): Testing new ways to improve the treatment of blood cancers
Cancer survivor stories: Buzz Wilson and Clint Trofa
The highlight and final session of the Symposium was the highly anticipated Panel Discussion on Blood Cancer. Our guests were Dr Ashley Ng, a 2011 Cure Cancer alumnus and haematologist involved in a cutting-edge clinical trial for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL); Buzz Wilson, a Cure Cancer fundraiser and ALL survivor who participated in this clinical trial; and Clint Trofa, one of our steadfast fundraisers who currently lives with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).
- Buzz Wilson, Cure Cancer fundraiser and cancer survivor
Buzz and Clint shared their cancer journeys, touching on diagnosis and treatment, the impact of cancer on mental health, and how they’re using their experiences to advocate for cancer research and awareness. Dr Ng, who is based at WEHI and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, brought his scientific expertise to the table. He discussed his Cure Cancer-funded work on the link between the Erg gene found in Down Syndrome and leukaemia, the process of designing clinical trials, and the importance of seeking additional support as a patient.
- Clint Trofa, Cure Cancer fundraiser living with CLL
What if a breakthrough in blood cancer research just needs you? By making a donation, you can fund more brilliant researchers like Dr Ashley Ng.
