Dear Colleague,

WACOG Update:

This September edition of the newsletter brings information on the new proton cancer therapy facility in Australia, highlights new cancer planning and new research. Upcoming events are included below, for further enquiries to register for these contact: wacog@cancerwa.asn.au

Cancer radiotherapy with protons coming to Australia

In 2017, the Australian Federal Government committed $68 million to establish Australia’s first proton cancer therapy facility in Adelaide. Although radiotherapy is usually undertaken with X-rays (high-energy light), for some cancer types and patients there would be an advantage to instead use high-energy protons (one of the fundamental particles forming atoms). Protons are particularly suitable for treating paediatric patients and adults with certain cancer types (such as those of the endocrine system and some neurological tumours).

The Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy & Research in Adelaide is soon to be constructed, and will treat patients from around Australia including WA. On the 7th November 2019, WACOG are supporting a public seminar on proton therapy, The Bragg Centre and mechanisms for interstate access. Visiting speakers from Adelaide as well as from the Proton Therapy Centre at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston will address the audience. For more details of the seminar, please see below. Registrations are essential.

Uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma is the second most common type of melanoma after cutaneous, and the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. The incidence of uveal melanoma is approximately 15% higher in Australia than in any other country, with 8 per million in men and ~6.1 per million in women, accounting for 128-180 new cases per year.

There is a 50% higher incidence of uveal melanoma in rural Australians compared to urban highlighting the need for national, coordinated efforts against uveal melanoma.

Radiotherapy in Australia 2017 - 18

The latest Radiotherapy in Australia report, from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that almost 67,800 courses of radiotherapy were delivered in Australia in 2017-18 with 50% of all radiotherapy patients starting treatment within 10 days, and 90% within 26 days. More information on the report is available below.

WA Cancer Plan 2020- 2025

The WA Cancer Plan 2020-2025 is currently under development. This plan will provide direction for WA to achieve a well-coordinated, consumer focused cancer control system and improve cancer outcomes for Western Australians. A key component will be to address the State Government’s commitment for a long term approach for cancer research for Western Australia.

The timeline consists of understanding current state needs, understanding future needs and then developing the cancer plan. It is expected that the WA Cancer Plan will be publicly available in February 2020.

Upcoming WACOG Events

Tuesday 15 October
October WACE Meeting: Post ESMO Highlights
Venue: UWA, University Club
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Saturday 2 November
Haematology Study Day for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
Venue: Trinity on Hampden
Time: 8.00am- 2.00pm

Thursday 7 November
Proton Radiotherapy Seminar - WA Radiation Oncology Workforce Group
Venue: McCusker Auditorium at the Perkins Institute
Time: 5.45pm- 8.30pm

Saturday 9 November
South West Cancer Symposium
'What's new in cancer care' - for GP's, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals
Venue: The Quality Hotel Lighthouse, Bunbury
Time: 10.00am - 3.30pm

Saturday 16 November
A Gut Feeling - Part 2: Providing Holistic Care to GI Cancer Patients - Study Day for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
Venue: Trinity on Hampden
Time: 8.00am - 2.00pm

Newsletter of the Western Australian
Clinical Oncology Group