Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG)

AGITG at ASCO 2025

This year, we are proud to have had a significant presence at the 2025 ASCO Meeting. Three AGITG studies and one endorsed study were presented. Congratulations to the study teams of DYNAMIC-III, NEO-IMPACT, STOPNET and CHALLENGE.

The DYNAMIC-III trial compared treatment informed by ctDNA results to standard care for patients with stage III colon cancer. Primary analysis of the ctDNA-positive cohort was presented in the Oral Abstracts Session. The study found that patients who tested positive for ctDNA after surgery have a high risk of recurrence after adjuvant therapy, and that the use of ctDNA-informed treatment escalation does not reduce risk of recurrence for these patients. View the DYNAMIC-III abstract

NEO-IMPACT is the first study to report outcomes from the addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy prior to surgery for patients with resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Preliminary results were presented at the poster session and showed that this approach may be beneficial for patients at this stage of cancer and a larger, more definitive randomised study is encouraged. View the NEO-IMPACT abstract

The STOPNET trial was also presented as a poster. Opening in 2024, this NETs study is investigating the cessation of somatostatin analogues (SSA) for patients prior to commencing peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). View the STOPNET abstract

CHALLENGE is an AGITG-endorsed study presented at ASCO as part of the Clinical Science Symposium. The study found that a 3-year structured exercise program initiated shortly after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy improved disease-free survival, overall survival, patient-reported physical functioning, and health-related fitness for patients with colon cancer. View the CHALLENGE abstract

Furthermore, the Deputy Chair of our Community Advisory Panel (CAP), Jodie Collins, was awarded a scholarship to attend the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, through the Conquer Cancer Patient Advocate Award Program. Her lived experience and passionate advocacy bring an invaluable perspective to the broader conversation on cancer care. We congratulate Jodie on the well-deserved achievement.

Read our wrap-up of the ASCO 2025 Meeting

27th ASM 24-27 November 2025 Tarntanya/Adelaide

Early bird registration is now open, along with opportunities to be involved in the region’s leading GI oncology conference. Don’t miss this discounted price, and join us for:

• • an all-star panel of international faculty
  • the chance for your abstract to be included in the program and published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology
  • the always-popular New Concepts Symposium, where delegates can present embryonic new ideas for discussion with the audience
  • a bevy of awards to recognise a range of work and disciplines in GI cancer care and research.

This year’s theme "Transforming Trials through Collaboration" highlights the significance of collaborating for greater global impact, such as reducing barriers for patients to join clinical research studies. Register now for early-bird tickets

New Concepts Symposium open for submissions

The New Concepts Symposium is designed as a novel way to reach out to a wider spectrum of the AGITG membership. This session provides an opportunity for delegates to present embryonic new concepts for feedback and discussion with the audience, as well as comments from invited faculty in terms of perspective and international interest. Winners will be announced at the Annual Scientific Meeting.

Submissions are open until Monday, 8 September at 9am AEST. Submit your concept now

Russell Conley Anal Cancer Grant

We are pleased to announce a one-off anal cancer grant in memory of Russell Conley. Russell was AGITG’s Chief Executive Officer for 22 years, until he passed away in November 2024 from anal and rectal cancer. Russell openly shared his personal journey with the GI cancer community in a fundraising appeal to raise funds for new anal cancer research, and we are pleased to now be awarding some of these funds.

Up to $50,000 will be awarded to a research project that drives new knowledge in anal cancer and/or raises awareness of the disease. Applications close on Monday, 28 July at 9am AEST, and the winner will be announced at our Annual Scientific Meeting. Apply now

Neo-POLEM trial for colon cancer now open

We are thrilled to announce that Neo-POLEM is now open and recruiting at the first site in South Australia. The phase II trial is exploring the efficacy of PD1-Vaxx, which has shown a preliminary promising response for lung cancer and is hoped to have a similar response for tumours with defective mismatch repair.

Neo-POLEM is the second ever trial to be coordinated by the AGITG Clinical Research Centre. Learn more about Neo-POLEM / Learn more about the AGITG Clinical Research Centre

Idea Generation Workshop for Early-Phase Study Designs

Our eighth annual Idea Generation Workshop saw five ideas on early-phase study designs presented. Thank you to presenters, attendees and our convenors Dr Charlotte Lemech and Dr Abhijit Pal for another successful workshop. Read the IGW recap

Join the AGITG

There has never been a better time to join the AGITG. Access member-exclusive opportunities, concept development pathways, the AGITG Clinical Research Centre, and various funding opportunities. Become an AGITG member at gicancer.org.au/membership.

2024 Annual Report now available

We invite you to read our proud achievements throughout 2024. Read our Annual Report

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