Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia TOGA

Inspirational Research Grant Returns in 2025

TOGA’s Inspirational Research Grant has been created from philanthropic donations to increase research into prevention, treatment, or improved lives of those living with thoracic cancers.

While lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer, less than six per cent of research funding goes towards thoracic cancers. To bridge this gap, TOGA’s Inspirational Research Grant creates more opportunities for successful clinical trials, giving lung cancer and mesothelioma patients access to lifesaving treatments and world-class care.

ALK Positive Australia Inc and the TOGA are honoured to announce a new grant partnership dedicated to advancing ALK+ NSCLC research in Australia for 2025.

This grant aims to empower researchers with the resources they need to make a real difference in the lives of Australians battling ALK+ NSCLC.

The Inspirational Research Grants are $50,000 to be used over a two-year period. To be a successful recipient, your project must be designed in consultation with consumer representatives.

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TOGA Lung Cancer Preceptorship: Registrations Closing Soon

TOGA’s Lung Cancer Preceptorship is an educational meeting designed for early career clinicians (medical trainees and fellows) with an interest in thoracic cancers. The Preceptorship offers an intensive and active learning program to help develop clinical knowledge and expertise in lung cancer management.

This event enables early career clinicians (Preceptees) to start to develop relationships and receive career advice from experienced clinicians (Preceptors) beyond their own institutions.

Each Preceptee is mentored when conducting a critical appraisal of evidence from a published paper that has contributed to the current treatment of thoracic cancer. Preceptees will be assigned a paper of a practice-changing trial that they will need to present in 10 minutes. Before the event, Preceptors are available to review presentations and to assist Preceptees with their critical appraisal.

Date: 22-23 November 2024
Location: Amora Hotel, Brisbane
Limited spots available. Registrations close 1 October 2024

Register now!

TOGA Podcast hits 10,000 listens

Our TOGA Podcast recently surpassed 10,000 listens, an achievement we wish to celebrate. The podcast is a channel for sharing information and educating our community on the latest in lung cancer and mesothelioma and we are proud of everything we have achieved with it.

Listen to the TOGA Podcast on the latest treatments and topics in lung cancer and mesothelioma. Hosted by a variety of experts to bring together a multidisciplinary and collaborative perspective.

#40: Access to New Medicines: Which Surrogate Endpoints Matter

Do we need to evolve the bar on evidence required for drug reimbursement? The gold standard endpoint for assessing the benefit of anti-cancer drugs has been overall survival (OS) however, more recently, there has been a trend toward using surrogate clinical trial endpoints such as progression free survival (PFS) and event-free survival (EFS). As treatments improve and patients are living longer, using OS as a primary endpoint can mean a longer time until a result is obtained.

Hosted by: Professor Nick Pavlakis, Dr Rebecca Tay, Dr Deme Karikios

Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify

#37: Revolutionising Lung Cancer Healthcare with AI: Unlocking the future

How is Artificial intelligence (AI) transforming medicine?

Lung cancer healthcare professionals are interested in the use of AI in radiology, particularly for early diagnosis leading to better patient outcomes. In this podcast, we explore how AI can aid in early detection, accurate interpretation of imaging scans, and reduction of diagnostic errors.

Hosted by: Prof Catherine Jones, A/Prof Michael Franco, Dr Diane Pascoe

Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify

Kosi Challenge with Prof Nick Pavlakis

Experience Kosciuszko with Nick Pavlakis and the TOGA team. Explore the Main Range Track through spectacular alpine scenery via Blue Lake and climb Australia’s highest mountain to help fundraise for lung cancer research.

Funds raised through the Kosi Challenge will go towards peer‑reviewed thoracic cancer research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with thoracic cancers.

TOGA achieves results by:

• • Delivering cutting-edge clinical trials and translational research
  • Examining the latest treatments and addressing important clinical questions
  • Working collaboratively across Australia and New Zealand and with international peer groups
  • Informing best practice in thoracic cancer care across Australia and New Zealand
  • Raising awareness of thoracic cancers and advocating for best care for patients

Date: 7-9 March 2025
Trip cost: $845
Challenge grade: Easy – Moderate
Fundraising target: $500

Learn more

Want to learn more about TOGA?

Visit the TOGA website or follow our social media channels:

• • LinkedIn
  • X (Twitter)
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

TOGA offers memberships which will give you access to our education program and events to ensure your thoracic oncology knowledge is always up to date.