• Category eNews
  • DATE 27 Sep 2022

COSA Lung Cancer Group & TOGA

September 2022

 

Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting

The Dynamic Face of Lung Cancer was certainly showcased as our theme at our 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, with presentations illustrating the latest research and clinical practice in surgery, diagnostics, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and prevention of risk factors for thoracic cancers. At the ASM2022 dinner, we were honoured to present Prof David Ball OAM and Mr Barry Robson with our inaugural TOGA Life Member Awards.

You can read more about the presentation highlights and Prof Ball’s and Mr Robson’s contribution to thoracic cancers here.

TOGA Clinical trial program

The ASPiRATION study that evaluates the feasibility of implementing broad-based molecular testing into standard care by offering up-front comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), and conducted in collaboration with Omico and University of Sydney NHMRC CTC, has reached 50% accrual. As this comprehensive testing for oncogene-driven NSCLC is not yet available through the Medicare benefits Schedule, ASPiRATION has enabled 500 metastatic NSCLC patients to access this testing and potentially benefit from a therapy specifically targeted to their particular NSCLC subtype through companion TOGA signal seeking trials or other access programs. Patients on these targeted treatments can live for many years, with manageable side effects, so even though the incidence of each mutation is rare, being able to specifically target any that are present is of great significance. See more information on ASPiRATION.

TOGA's SHERLOCK clinical trial, conducted in collaboration with NHMRC CTC at University of Sydney, is open to recruitment. KRAS G12C is one of the more common 'oncogenic driver' mutations where targeted therapies have enabled improved survival for some patients with NSCLC over the last decade. For years KRAS was considered 'undruggable' but the discovery of sotorasib and adequate molecular testing to identify the KRAS G12C mutation significantly expands treatment options for this subset of patients. Read more on TOGA’s clinical research program

TOGA Podcasts

TOGA’s podcast program presents 20 minute ‘fireside chats’ of topical areas in thoracic cancers, clinical practice and cancer survivorship. Our most recent podcast discusses the emerging field of cardiotoxicity after radiotherapy treatment, and other podcasts feature diverse topics such as teletrials, smoking cessation, smoking-related stigma in lung cancer, lung cancer screening and many different podcasts featuring the incredible advances that targeted therapies have made in lung cancer treatment. Podcast can be accessed through Spotify, Apple podcasts or through the TOGA website.

TOGA Lung Cancer Preceptorship

Held annually, the TOGA Lung Cancer Preceptorship is an active learning two-day workshop for medical trainees and fellows to develop clinical knowledge and expertise in thoracic cancer management and engage with mentors.

The event is ideal for any trainees or early fellows with an interest in thoracic cancers, as it provides insight into career paths of the preceptors, provides opportunities for networking and developing mentoring relationships, as well as developing a solid understanding of the clinical management of thoracic cancers and how clinical trials research has contributed to the evidence base for what is practised today.

TOGA podcast 5 gives some insight into preceptors' and preceptees' experience of the event. Registrations close on 2 October, or bookmark yourself a reminder to keep an eye out for registrations opening around August next year.

Would you like to learn more about TOGA? Become a member, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or visit our exhibit at the COSA ASM.

COSA and TOGA

Outside of the close affiliation COSA and its members have with TOGA, we have represented COSA in the 2022 Cancer Australia Lung Cancer Screening Implementation Workshops and continue to offer our active support of this ongoing application to Government. We look forward to an updated MSAC response, which may be available for the closing Presidential Session to be delivered by Hon Greg Hunt at the upcoming COSA ASM. In May 2023 we plan on hosting an inaugural early NSCLC management consensus round table meeting, followed by a wider MDT Masterclass. Details to follow.

Dr Megan Sanders, Executive Officer, TOGA
Dr Malinda Itchins, Chair, COSA Lung Cancer Group
Prof Michael Millward, TOGA Representative, COSA Council
Prof Nick Pavlakis, Chair, TOGA Board of Directors

 

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