Targeted treatment focus for cancer conference

15/06/2009 | Cancer conference

Up to the minute approaches to targeted cancer treatment will be the focus of a gathering of top medical minds at the 2009 New Zealand Society for Oncology Conference in Palmerston North this week.

Hosted by MidCentral Health Medical Oncologists Dr Richard Isaacs and Dr Helen Winter, cancer specialists from around the country will gather for three days of discussion and presentations from national and international speakers.  The conference runs from tomorrow, Tuesday 16, to Thursday 18 June.

Dr Winter says it is an honour to host the national conference reflecting MCH Regional Cancer Treatment Service’s continuing development as a hub of excellence.
Oncologists, scientists and nurses will use this forum to consider how they may target those who would benefit most from both new and established interventions.

“Recently we have seen dramatic changes in cancer treatment not only with increasing use, but also now significant benefits, of targeted therapies, Dr Winter says. “There is also activity in some cancers where previously we had no realistic treatment options.”

“We are particularly proud to welcome the high calibre of speakers - five from overseas. International speakers include Dr Penelope Bradbury, who worked in Palmerston North Hospital, progressing lung cancer treatment approaches in New Zealand, and more recently in Canada,” Dr Winter says.

Dr Bradbury, now based in Canada, will bring the latest angles on targeting signalling pathways in lung cancer. She’ll present recent work on the application of biomarkers into treatment option analysis.

A presentation from Dr Peter Ravdin, creator of decision making tool Adjuvant! Online, will provide another highlight. “Adjuvant! Online is used around the world, by health professionals and patients with early cancer, to discuss the risks and benefit of getting additional therapy,” Dr Winter says.

Dr Ravdin will also provide insight into the reasons behind for a 50 percent decrease in breast cancer mortality in many parts of the world over the last 30 years.

Professor Ian Hickson from Oxford will discuss targeting the DNA repair machinery, Associate Professor Grant McArthur will review targeted therapy in melanoma, and Associate Professor Boon Chua will review more refined radiotherapy treatments in breast cancer.

“We anticipate a thought-provoking meeting providing stimulating exchanges,” Dr Winter says.

CONTACT:
Communications Unit: (06)350-8945