In this episode of 'Conversations in Lung Cancer Research,' A/Prof Mel Moore sits down with A/Prof Fiona Hegi Johnson, a radiation oncologist at the Peter McCallum Cancer Center and senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne. Fiona shares her journey into radiation oncology, highlighting her career progression, the impact of serendipity, and the importance of mentors. They discuss technological advancements in the field, the role of multidisciplinary teams, changes in lung cancer treatments, and clinical challenges. Fiona offers insights into balancing clinical work with research and provides advice for early-career professionals in the field.

(00:00) Introduction and Acknowledgements

(00:32) Guest Introduction: Associate Professor Fiona Hegi Johnson

(01:33) Fiona's Career Journey and Early Challenges

(04:08) Choosing Radiation Oncology

(06:04) Balancing Clinical and Academic Roles

(09:46) Challenges in Radiation Oncology Research

(13:45) Technological Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment

(17:22) Multidisciplinary Team Dynamics

(23:03) Fiona's Role in TROG and Mentorship

(28:32) Advice for Early Career Professionals

(30:02) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, A/Prof Mel Moore speaks with Prof Shankar Siva about his groundbreaking work in radiation oncology, particularly focusing on the PRIME Lung study. They discuss the journey from concept to large clinical trials, the challenges of grant applications, the importance of controversial ideas in research, and the role of industry funding. Shankar also shares insights into his interest in genitourinary cancers and the future of radiation therapy, emphasising the significance of mentorship and practical advice for junior radiation oncologists.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:33 Meet Professor Shankar Siva

01:26 Prime Lung Study Overview

02:32 Building on Previous Research

04:00 From Concept to Large Trial

06:11 International Collaborations

07:16 Tips for Clinician Researchers

12:11 Industry Funding in Radiation Oncology

14:33 Interest in Genitourinary Cancers

19:34 The Role of Mentorship

25:09 Advice for Junior Colleagues

28:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode of 'Conversations in Lung Cancer Research' features Dr. Anna McLean, Dr Mark Adams, and Dr Sagun Parakh, discussing research on the microbiome and its influence on lung cancer treatment outcomes. They delve into the differences between the gut and lung microbiomes, methods for studying these microorganisms, and the potential for the microbiome to serve as biomarkers for treatment response and immune-related adverse events. They also cover the importance of collaboration and larger data sets in advancing this promising area of research.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:47) Understanding the Microbiome

(03:40) Gut and Lung Microbiome Relationship

(05:07) Challenges in Lung Microbiome Research

(05:37) Microbiome's Role in Lung Cancer Risk

(06:57) Techniques for Studying the Microbiome

(10:33) Collaborative Efforts in Microbiome Research

(16:09) Potential of Microbiome Modulation

(20:35) Patient Advice and Future Directions

(25:33) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, we welcome A/Prof Bryan Chan, a senior Medical Oncologist and this years TOGA ASM Convener. 

Bryan, affiliated with multiple institutions including Adam Crosby Cancer Center and Griffith University, discusses his comprehensive career journey from fellowship at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto to his current roles in Australia. The discussion highlights the benefits of overseas fellowships, the development of clinical trials, and his leadership in thoracic oncology at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. 

Bryan also touches upon the challenges and rewards of balancing private and public practice and pioneering quality improvement initiatives. The episode concludes with an exciting preview of the upcoming TOGA Annual Scientific Meeting, which Bryan is convening. Medical professionals and anyone interested in the latest in lung cancer research and practice will find valuable insights in this conversation with Bryan. 

(00:00) Welcome and Introduction

(00:41) Guest Introduction: Associate Professor Brian Chan

(02:12) Brian's Fellowship Experience at Princess Margaret Cancer Center

(03:44) Benefits of Overseas Fellowships

(06:58) Transitioning Back to Australia

(08:29) Balancing Public and Private Practice

(10:08) Establishing a Quality Committee

(15:02) Building a Clinical Trials Unit

(18:15) Advice for Junior Consultants

(21:19) TOGA Annual Scientific Meeting Preview

(25:39) Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, A/Prof Mel Moore speaks with Prof Wendy Cooper, a leading pathologist in cancer research. They discuss Wendy's journey into pathology, the evolution of lung cancer diagnostics, the impact of AI and liquid biopsies, and the importance of international collaboration in research. Wendy shares insights on the challenges of equitable access to cancer diagnostics and the pressures faced by pathologists in multidisciplinary meetings. The conversation concludes with advice for junior clinicians on career development and involvement in professional organisations.

(00:00) Introduction and Acknowledgements

(00:36) Introducing Prof Wendy Cooper

(01:32) Wendy's Path to Pathology

(04:42) The Evolution of Lung Cancer Pathology

(08:18) The Role of AI in Pathology

(10:30) Translational Research and International Collaboration

(14:09) Molecular Testing Guidelines in Australia

(18:05) Challenges and Future Directions in Pathology

(26:52) The Impact of Lung Cancer Screening Programs

(29:08) Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of 'Conversations in Lung Cancer Research,' Professor Tom John from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne discusses the significant progress and excitement surrounding cancer vaccines, particularly their emerging role in lung cancer treatment.

He is joined by Professor Ken O'Byrne, a medical oncologist and clinical scientist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queensland University of Technology, and Professor Georgina Long AO, the medical director of the Melanoma Institute of Australia and co-recipient of the 2024 Australian of the Year.

The experts delve into technological advances spurred by COVID-19 vaccine development, promising results from recent melanoma and lung cancer vaccine trials, and the potential for personalised neoantigen mRNA vaccines. They also discuss historical challenges in vaccine efficacy and the promising future of immunotherapy and cancer vaccines, including patient perspectives and the logistics of rapid vaccine production and distribution.

00:00 Introduction

03:15 Historical Context of Cancer Vaccines

05:13 Technological Advances in Vaccine Development

06:53 The Promise of mRNA Technology

14:03 Personalised vs. Off-the-Shelf Vaccines

18:02 Identifying Neoantigens for Vaccines

21:13 Caution and Optimism in Vaccine Development

23:18 Exploring Tumour Mutation Burden and Vaccine Bias

29:35 Challenges and Opportunities in Metastatic Disease

33:53 Immunotherapy and Vaccine Hesitancy

37:52 Future of Cancer Vaccines and Rapid Innovation

42:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, Dr. Malinda Itchins, Dr. Annie Wong, and A/Prof Stephen Kao discuss the concept of liquid biopsy, its advantages and limitations, and its clinical applications in lung cancer treatment. They explore how liquid biopsy can provide faster diagnosis and treatment options, especially for patients who cannot undergo traditional tissue biopsies. However, they also address the challenges of sensitivity and the need for further research to integrate liquid biopsy into routine clinical practice.

This episode is sponsored by: 

• AstraZeneca  
• Daiichi Sankyo Australia  
• SOPHiA Genetics  
• Thermo Fisher Scientific

(00:00) Introduction and Acknowledgements

(01:16) Meet the Experts

(02:10) Understanding Liquid Biopsy

(03:01) Advantages of Liquid Biopsy

(06:21) Limitations of Liquid Biopsy

(09:15) Clinical Scenarios for Liquid Biopsy

(13:15) Barriers and Future Directions

(19:39) Conclusion and Thank You

In this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, A/Prof Mel Moore, along with thoracic oncologists Dr. Malinda Itchins and A/Prof Surein Arulananda, delve into the characteristics, detection, and treatment of EGFR exon 20 insertion mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The podcast discusses recent advances, the efficacy of various treatments including small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, and the potential future of targeted therapies. Special focus is given to the Phase 3 Papillon study and the drug Amivantamab, highlighting the need for next generation sequencing in clinical settings. Key challenges and questions in the field are also addressed, including the impact of co-mutations and optimal therapy sequencing.

This episode is sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson

(00:00) Introduction and Acknowledgements

(00:48) Introducing the Experts

(01:29) Understanding EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations

(05:04) Challenges with Current Treatments

(06:30) Emerging Therapies and Clinical Trials

(11:03) Papillon Study Insights

(21:27) Future Directions and Unanswered Questions

(29:34) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, A/Prof Mel Moore interviews Prof Michael Boyer, AM about his extensive career in medical oncology and his current role as CEO of Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. They discuss his early interest in oncology, the influential mentors in his career, and the evolution of lung cancer treatment and research. Michael shares his perspectives on leadership in medical and research roles, the importance of building relationships, and the balance between industry-sponsored and cooperative group research. They also touch upon professional challenges, emotional resilience in oncology, and Michael's vision for the future of his career and the field of oncology.

(00:00) Welcome and Introduction

(01:04 )Guest Introduction: Professor Michael Boyer

(02:25) Michael Boyer's Early Career and Mentorship

(07:27) Leadership Roles and Challenges

(11:33) Involvement in Clinical Research

(21:03) Emotional Aspects of Oncology

(29:38) Future of Oncology and Career Advice

(33:06) Conclusion and Farewell

Resources and Links:

International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer https://www.iaslc.org/

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/

Schwartz Rounds https://www.theschwartzcenter.org/programs/schwartz-rounds/

In this introductory episode, Associate Professor Mel Moore, medical oncologist and education chair at TOGA, announces the evolution of TOGA podcasts to 'Conversations in Lung Cancer Research.' 

The podcast will continue to deliver the latest breakthroughs in lung cancer research while expanding to include deeper dives and engaging discussions with experts in thoracic oncology. Listeners can look forward to unique insights from researchers, clinicians, and key thought leaders shaping the future of lung cancer care.