ANZGOG’s Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2021 was held over two days: Friday 5 February for the Pure Science Symposium, and Friday 12 February for the main conference program. The theme of this year’s ASM was From Research to Clinical Practice – Patient-Reported Outcomes in Gynaecological Cancers. ANZGOG’s first virtual ASM delivered an interactive and meaningful program to over 340 delegates – researchers, clinicians, nurses and those with an interest in gynaecological cancer research.
“In the tradition of previous ANZGOG meetings, our 2021 virtual ASM provided an excellent opportunity for researchers, clinicians, scientists, nurses, and study coordinators, to hear about the practice-changing research being generated by ANZGOG and our collaborators, that is improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.”
Dr Paul Cohen, 2021 ASM Convenor
The Pure Science Symposium was an excellent opportunity to highlight the variety and significance of work performed by our pre-clinical researchers to better understand gynaecological cancers. It was also an invaluable opportunity for our pre-clinical and clinical researchers to engage and collaborate.
After the postponement of last year’s ASM, we thank our three keynote international speakers who joined us virtually to each deliver outstanding and insightful presentations:
- Prof Nicoletta Colombo (Gynaecological Oncologist, University of Milan, Italy). Secondary debulking surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer – What I do and why.
- Prof Amit Oza (Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada). Ovarian Cancer – Building on BRCA: Where Next?
- Prof Wui-Jin Koh (Radiation Oncologist, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Pennsylvania, USA). Defining optimal care for gynaecologic cancers – how do we incorporate patient-reported outcomes into decision making?
All the presentations across the two days of the ASM were exceptional, and in particular ANZGOG congratulates the following award recipients:
- Pure Science Oral Abstract: Dr Carolina Salazar – Genomics and organoids: Developing 3D-based therapeutic options for mucinous ovarian cancer
- General Oral Abstract: Prof Michael Friedlander AM – Maintenance olaparib for patients (pts) with newly diagnosed, advanced ovarian cancer (OC) and a BRCA mutation (BRCAm): 5-year (y) follow-up (f/u) from SOLO1
- General Poster: Ms Bonnie Werner
- Pure Science Poster: Dr Gwo-Yaw Ho
Other presentations included an update from Wanda Lawson on behalf of the Consumer Research Panel (CRP), updates from the Principal Investigators of ANZGOG trials currently open to recruitment, and an exciting new research concept put forth by a team of nurses, which we hope to hear more about in the future.
The ASM closed with presentations from Prof Michael Friedlander AM, Prof Madeleine King, and Prof Phyllis Butow, highlighting the progress, challenges and strategies in integrating Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) in gynaecological cancer trials and practice. The discussions during this session highlighted the importance and relevance of the theme of this year’s ASM.
“Although exceptional circumstances prevented us from meeting in person, the ANZGOG spirit of collaboration was very evident with interactions through live chat and the outstanding Q&A sessions. The ASM was highly stimulating, and I have no doubt that the outstanding presentations from international and national leaders in gynaecological oncology, and the selected oral abstracts and e-posters, will foster novel research ideas and result in an increasing number of sites in Australia and New Zealand recruiting patients to clinical trials.”
Dr Paul Cohen, 2021 ASM Convenor
Overall the ASM was a successful event made by the enormous efforts and contributions of many. ANZGOG would like to thank Dr Paul Cohen and the ASM Steering Committee for preparing a fantastic ASM program, YRD for their expertise to deliver an engaging virtual conference, and to all the speakers, session chairs and poster presenters for their outstanding presentations.
Please save the date as we look forward to coming together face to face at next year’s ASM on 23-26 March 2022 at the Crown Promenade, Melbourne!
For those who missed or would like to watch the ASM presentations again, recordings will be available for viewing for the next 60 days for registered attendees.
