Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting

The 34th COSA ASM promises a series of stimulating and exciting presentations from international and national experts covering the many disciplines of oncology research and clinical practice. The conference is held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on November 14-16, 2007.

On Day 1, Wednesday November 14 Gene discovery could improve brain cancer treatmentEvery brain tumour is different, yet patients all get the “standard” treatment, with limited success. In a world leading study, Australian researchers have found a series of genes that will help guide neuro-oncologists to tailor treatments for brain cancer patients, potentially extending survival and improving quality of life.Possible new gene link to endometrial cancer New research is indicating that those with a significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Women who carry a BRCA gene mutation have up to a 60 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and a 40 per cent risk of developing ovarian cancer. But a new study by the Queensland Institute of Medical Research is indicating that some endometrial cancers may be also caused by the BRCA gene abnormalities.ABC breast cancer clusterDespite detailed investigations over two years, the cause of the ABC breast cancer cluster in Brisbane remains unclear. But could more have been done? Head of the investigation and one of Australia’s leading authorities on environmental carcinogens, Professor Bruce Armstrong, reviews the findings and explores what else might have been done to explain the increased risk.Parental attitudes to cervical cancer vaccine The invention of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine by Australia’s Professor Ian Frazer was heralded with worldwide acclaim. However, when the vaccine was introduced, claims were raised in the media that it would encourage promiscuity among adolescents. So what do parents really think? University of Adelaide researchers conducted a householder survey to find out. Also, hear the latest from Professor Frazer on the vaccine’s efficacy in older women and where the focus will be following implementation of the vaccine program.Researchers determine risk of secondary cancersIn the most comprehensive Australian study undertaken, researchers in Victoria have determined the risk of cancer patients developing second primary cancers. Examining data from more than 230,000 cancer diagnoses over 22 years, the researchers found the cumulative risk for a second cancer 15 years after diagnosis of the first primary was 12 per cent for males and 10 per cent for females. The overall relative risk of a second cancer was higher for females than males. Younger males had higher relative risk than younger females, while older females had higher relative risk.Gene syndrome behind a significant number of endometrial cancers New research has found that one in five endometrial cancers amongst younger Australian women may be caused by a specific inherited genetic syndrome. The Queensland Institute of Medical Research is one of the first Australian studies to reveal such a high frequency of endometrial cancers in women suspected to have Lynch Syndrome. Researcher Michael Walsh will deliver his findings at the COSA meeting in Adelaide today.See www.cosa.org.au for ongoing info.(Source: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting November 2007 : Cancer Council of Australia : November 2007)