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Welcome to Episode 29 of The Oncology Podcast's Experts On Point series, brought to you by The Oncology Network. Hosted by Rachael Babin.

How do we tackle inequities in cancer care? What role do collaborative networks play in ensuring better outcomes for patients and their families? And how can molecular tumour boards bridge the gap for those outside metropolitan areas, giving them access to life-saving treatments and clinical trials?

To explore these critical questions, our Host Rachael Babin is joined by Professor Mark Shackleton—Director of Oncology at Alfred Health, Professor of Oncology at Monash University, Chair of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials Ltd, and Co-Director of the Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC).

The Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) is transforming cancer care by creating networks that ensure equitable access to precision oncology across Victoria, regardless of a patient's location.

Did You Know?

• The MPCCC Fellowship program embeds early-career oncologists in partner hospitals to build expertise and connections
• The Precision Oncology Program has processed over 1,000 patient referrals
• 20% of referred patients receive recommendations for targeted therapies matched to their cancer's molecular profile
• 5% of patients connected to clinical trials they wouldn't otherwise access
• Regular molecular tumour boards discuss 5-10 cases per session
• MPCCC has delivered a significant increase in regional cancer patient referrals, especially from Gippsland

Visit our website for information on the simple referral process through the Omico CaSP program and access this incredible resource for your patients. 

So, let’s dive into the groundbreaking work being done to break down barriers and expand access to precision oncology.

We hope you enjoy listening.

For news and podcast updates subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter,  a free weekly publication for healthcare professionals with an interest in oncology. Click here to subscribe.

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Welcome to The Oncology Journal Club Podcast Series 3
Hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke & Professor Christopher Jackson | Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

The Oncology Journal Club team take a deep dive into three standout papers:

• Craig kicks us off with a timely perspective on the long-term toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors—are we ready to widen the lens? He highlights the need for more comprehensive research on survivorship issues including quality of life, financial impact and psychological outcomes.
• Kate brings us the exciting results from the INFINITY study on gastric and gastroesophageal cancers which shows impressive complete response rates in dMMR gastric cancers but at prohibitive costs — and poses a big question: are we ready to rethink treatment paradigms?
• And CJ unpacks the Common Sense Oncology principles for designing better phase 3 trials — Common Sense Oncology principles offer a patient-centred framework for designing and reporting clinical trials.
• Of course, we’ve also got our Quick Bites—those quirky, surprising papers that made us raise an eyebrow or two. From RNA vaccines in pancreatic cancer to updated ASCO guidelines for small cell lung cancer, it’s a rapid-fire segment you won’t want to miss.

For links to the papers discussed and bios of our hosts, head to the show notes on oncologynetwork.com.au.

Subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter for regular updates on the latest cancer research and join our community at oncologynetwork.com.au.
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Welcome to The Oncology Journal Club Podcast Series 3
Hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke & Professor Christopher Jackson | Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

The Oncology Journal Club hosts break from their usual format to discuss the impact of political shifts on diversity, equity and inclusion in cancer research and treatment worldwide.

• Recent political developments threaten progress in cancer research, particularly through attacks on the NIH, CDC and other scientific institutions
• Evidence shows that diversity in healthcare leadership leads to better patient outcomes and financial performance
• Censorship of scientific language related to gender and equity raises serious concerns about academic freedom
• DEI initiatives aren't just political—they are clinical; with evidence that they save lives, with examples from bowel cancer treatment in New Zealand
• Representation in medical fields matters for patient engagement, with data showing improved outcomes when clinicians reflect the communities they serve
• Regional cancer centres can match metropolitan survival rates through targeted funding and research, saving approximately 90 lives annually in one Australian community
• The hosts encourage colleagues to speak up where possible while supporting those who cannot due to political pressures
  
  Please share your thoughts with us via social media or email. We'd love to hear your feedback on this important discussion.
  
  
• Subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter for regular updates on the latest cancer research and join our community at oncologynetwork.com.au.
  The Oncology Podcast - An Australian Oncology Perspective

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Welcome to The Oncology Journal Club Podcast Series 3! Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

Three respected oncologists dive deep into the most significant research presented at ASCO GI 2025, bringing you practice-changing insights amidst a backdrop of political uncertainty affecting medical research.

Professor Chris Karapetis joins hosts Professor Craig Underhill and Professor Christopher Jackson to unpack ground-breaking colorectal cancer studies that are reshaping treatment paradigms. The conversation explores how targeted therapies are dramatically improving survival rates, with the DEEPER study demonstrating cetuximab's superiority over bevacizumab for left-sided RAS wild-type disease, achieving an impressive 50-month median survival when combined with chemotherapy.

The experts dissect the BREAKWATER trial, which shows promising benefits of combining encorafenib and cetuximab with chemotherapy for notoriously aggressive BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer. This combination achieved a 61% response rate versus 40% with standard care, with responses lasting significantly longer – representing a potential new standard of care for this difficult-to-treat subgroup.

Perhaps most surprisingly, our panel discusses how an inexpensive, familiar medication – aspirin – could reduce colorectal cancer recurrence by 40% in patients with PIK3CA mutations according to the ALASCCA study. This finding highlights how molecular profiling is becoming essential across treatment stages, not just for expensive targeted therapies but also for optimising use of accessible interventions.

The discussion extends to exciting developments in pancreatic cancer with a novel pan-RAS inhibitor showing meaningful activity, and advancements in immunotherapy for MSI-high colorectal cancer, confirming combination therapy's superiority. For gastrointestinal oncologists navigating an increasingly complex treatment landscape, this episode offers crucial insights to optimise patient outcomes through precise, personalised approaches.

Subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter for regular updates on the latest cancer research and join our community at oncologynetwork.com.au.

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Confronting the Fear of Cancer Recurrence

Welcome to the latest Series of Supportive Care Matters, a podcast hosted by Medical Oncologist and International Cancer Survivorship Expert, Professor Bogda Koczwara AM.

The fear of cancer returning is a silent struggle for many survivors, often overshadowing their recovery. In Episode 1 of this new Series, Bogda explores this deep-seated anxiety with experts Professor Sophie Lebel and Associate Professor Ben Smith.

They unpack the realities of recurrence fears — why they persist, who is most affected and how they impact daily life. Research shows nearly every cancer survivor experiences some level of worry, but for 40%, it becomes a significant source of distress. Caregivers, too, often share in this burden.

Sophie and Ben highlight the need for better interventions, especially for underrepresented groups, and share practical strategies for managing fear in clinical settings. From open conversations to structured support pathways, they highlight ways to help survivors move forward with confidence.

Join us for an insightful discussion on breaking the cycle of fear and fostering a more supportive, hopeful survivorship journey.

Visit www.oncologynews.com.au for show notes and more information about Supportive Care Matters.

This conversation is proudly produced by the Podcast Team at The Oncology Podcast, part of the Oncology Media Group Australia.

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G’day G’day G’day! Or should we say Ho! Ho! Ho!

Welcome to The Oncology Journal Club Podcast’s Christmas Special!

Where we take our fun and educational oncology learning resource for medical professionals to new festive heights.

Produced by Rachael Babin, from The Oncology Podcast. Joined by our esteemed hosts: Professor Craig Underhill, Dr. Kate Clarke, and Professor Christopher Jackson.

Join us as we reflect on the year's most impactful studies and developments of 2024. You'll discover the best papers of the year, the worst papers and of course, our favourite ‘blow your own trumpet' paper. You’ll also find out which host’s most listened to track of the year was by Beyonce.

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This episode is dedicated to the memory of Russell Conley. Join us as we honour Russell's extraordinary contributions, whose legacy in GI cancer research will continue to resonate for years to come.

For papers, bios and other links visit the Show Notes on our website.

For the latest oncology news visit www.oncologynews.com.au.

We invite healthcare professionals to join The Oncology Network for free - you'll also receive our free weekly publication The Oncology Newsletter.

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What if we told you that cancer care could be kinder to both the planet and the patient? Join us for another enlightening and educational conversation with Professor Craig Underhill, Dr. Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson.

Laugh along with Craig who, despite battling 'man flu,' sheds light on reducing the climate toxicity of cancer care. Meanwhile, Kate reassures listeners by debunking myths about the safety of oestrogens in hormone replacement therapy and IVF in patients with breast cancer, shifting focus to the real culprit—progesterone. CJ guides you through the intricacies of cross-trial comparisons in advanced melanoma, breaking down Professor Georgina Long's study on nivolumab-based therapies with a focus on the utility of propensity scores.

We also spotlight initiatives aimed at improving cancer outcomes for First Nations communities in Australia, such as the introduction of cancer navigators.

Dive into the latest episode of The Oncology Journal Club Podcast for a blend of humour, hope and hard-hitting discussions that promise to challenge and inspire.

For papers, bios and other links visit the Show Notes on our website.

For the latest oncology news visit www.oncologynews.com.au.

We invite healthcare professionals to join The Oncology Network for free - you'll also receive our free weekly publication The Oncology Newsletter.

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As we head toward the end of the year, the Oncology Journal Club Podcast team reflect on learnings from the last big international conference of the year.

With 15 papers across various specialties, we've got you covered with an insightful exploration of all the pivotal studies. You can expect expert analysis alongside our unique blend of humour, banter and bad dad jokes.

With our incredible Hosts - Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson.

For papers, bios and other links visit the Show Notes on our website.

For the latest oncology news visit www.oncologynews.com.au.

We invite healthcare professionals to join The Oncology Network for free - you'll also receive our free weekly publication The Oncology Newsletter.

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Welcome to Episode 28 of The Oncology Podcast's Experts On Point series, brought to you by The Oncology Network. Hosted by Rachael Babin.

Are you talking to your patients about sex enough? Research suggests that most healthcare professionals aren’t having these conversations as often as patients would like. 

Sexual health should be a core component of holistic patient care.

To shed light on this critical topic, Rachael is joined by Associate Professor Safeera Hussainy, Senior Pharmacy Research Manager at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia.

From lifestyle changes and psychosocial interventions to hormone replacement therapies, lubricants, and sexual aids, learn about the diverse approaches to enhancing sexual satisfaction and body image. Emphasizing the critical role healthcare professionals must play in addressing these topics to provide comprehensive care and break through the barriers of taboo and stigma. 

With great resources and top tips on how to approach communications with patients and their partners about how treatment will impact sexuality. 

We hope you enjoy listening.

For news and podcast updates subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter,  a free weekly publication for healthcare professionals with an interest in oncology. Click here to subscribe.

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Unlock the secrets of the ever-evolving oncology landscape as Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson take us through another brilliant OJC update.

Craig reviews new sarcoma research and also looks at a mortality comparison study of six high-income Anglophone countries. Kate delves into the exciting advancements in precision oncology, particularly the impacts of on children, adolescents, and young adults. CJ looks at a groundbreaking cohort study from Christchurch, New Zealand, revealing how Faecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT) could revolutionise colonoscopy referrals and optimise healthcare resources.

Craig announces his career change, stepping away from clinical practice  to a research-centric career, after many years of dedicated practice and impassioned advocacy for regional and rural patients. His passion for changing the healthcare scene in regional Australia, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, shines through as he reflects on the emotional yet rewarding transition.

With a focus on enhancing patient care, this episode of The Oncology Journal Club provides a comprehensive look at how precision medicine and innovative research are shaping the future of oncology.

For papers, bios and other links visit the Show Notes on our website.

For the latest oncology news visit www.oncologynews.com.au.

We invite healthcare professionals to join The Oncology Network for free - you'll also receive our free weekly publication The Oncology Newsletter.

The Oncology Podcast - An Australian Oncology Perspective