Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG)

TROG 2025 ASM champions inclusivity and innovation

With a theme of inclusivity and innovation, our Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) brought together more than 300 researchers, health professionals and consumers from across Australia and New Zealand with the common goal of advancing cancer care through vital research.

The TROG Cancer Research 37th ASM in Brisbane (Meanjin), Queensland, from 18-21 March 2025, offered updates on current TROG trials and new trial opportunities, the latest radiation oncology research developments and a focus on improving access and diversity in clinical research.

We were delighted to host international guest speaker Professor Quynh-Thu Le from Stanford University, who is co-chair of the NRG Oncology Group of the NCI-sponsored US National Clinical Trial Network. TROG was accepted as a member of NRG Oncology in 2024, opening the way for participation in NRG trials, and Professor Le presented an outline of the themes, funding cycles and opportunities for collaborative research.

Other meeting highlights included an enlightening session on access and inclusivity to clinical trials for under-represented populations, and an inspiring panel discussion bringing together consumers and researchers from Australia and New Zealand to discuss practical and meaningful ways to optimise collaboration in research.

We extend our thanks to the convenors Ms Narelle Wallace, Dr Lachlan McDowell and Mr Rob McDowall for their tireless work in compiling a fantastic program, the 65+ speakers, the delegates, as well as the many exhibitors and sponsors whose support enabled us to host an ASM of this magnitude.

Read more about #TROG2025ASM

TROG Awards recognise research excellence

TROG Members who have made significant contributions both to the work of TROG and to advancing radiation medicine clinical trial research more broadly were recognised in our 2025 Research Excellence Awards that were announced at our ASM in March.

Congratulations to the following recipients on their well-deserved awards:

• • Lifetime Membership Award: Professor Farshad Foroudi
  • Trial Excellence Award: Professor Trevor Leong and the AGITG AG0407GR/TROG 08.08 TOPGEAR trial team.
  • Outstanding Contribution Award: Professor Val Gebski
  • Emerging Clinical Researcher Award: A/Professor Sweet Ping Ng
  • Secondary Data Analysis Award: A/Professor Wee Loon Ong
  • Peer Recognition Award: Ms Kelly Skelton

Read more about this year’s impressive award recipients.

TROG Ambassador Program launched

We're excited to announce the launch of the TROG Ambassador Program, an initiative aimed at engaging passionate individuals to champion our mission of improving treatment and outcomes for those affected by cancer.

We're inviting people from diverse backgrounds to join us as volunteers in raising awareness, inspiring action and fostering community support for our groundbreaking clinical trials and research.

We’re looking for individuals who have a personal or professional connection to cancer research, treatment or advocacy, and are passionate about making a tangible impact on cancer care and patient outcomes. This could include cancer survivors and carers, advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers, media personalities, athletes or community leaders.

You can help us make an impact by sharing this invitation or applying to become a TROG Ambassador. Find out more and apply to be a TROG Ambassador

Support the Trek4TROG 2025 Light-to-Light Challenge

We've just announced details of our 2025 Trek4TROG adventure – an amazing 30km hike along the stunning NSW Far South Coast on 30 October–2 November 2025.

Led by experienced guides, trekkers will enjoy three unforgettable days exploring the pristine coastline, sleeping under the stars in comfortable tents, and enjoying delicious, freshly cooked local produce.

Join our CEO, Susan Goode who will be trekking for the third year in a row. Places on this trek are strictly limited, so register now to ensure your place.

If you can't join the trek, we’d love you to show your support by sponsoring the trek team. Register or support Trek4TROG 2025

Trial milestone: all Australian sites open for SOCRATES HCC trial

The TROG 21.07 – SOCRATES HCC study, investigating the use of an advanced radiotherapy technique for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), reached a milestone in February 2025. With the opening of the final Australian clinical site at St George Hospital, Sydney, there are now 20 centres across Australia recruiting patients.

While curative surgical options are recommended for early-stage HCC, most patients are not eligible for surgery. Instead, they are often faced with difficult treatment choices (such as thermal ablation or embolisation) which can be invasive, risky, or only partially effective.

Led by Chief Investigator Professor Alan Wigg from Flinders University in Adelaide, the SOCRATES HCC trial aims to determine whether stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) can offer a safer, more effective treatment for early-stage HCC.

We have recruited more than 80 participants to the study, and a recent $200,000 grant from charity Tour-de-Cure has enabled the trial to expand its outreach till October 2026, with the aim of recruiting a total of 218 participants to gather the vital evidence that is needed about the use of SABR therapy in HCC.

More about TROG 21.07 – SOCRATES HCC – A randomised controlled trial of Standard Of Care versus RadioAblaTion in Early Stage HCC.