ANZGOG was established to foster and support collaborative research throughout Australia and New Zealand and to improve outcomes for women with gynaecological malignancies through randomized clinical trials. The group was formed in late 2000 and shortly after joined the US GOG, the pre-eminent US based collaborative trials group and at the same time became a member of the Gynecological Cancer Intergroup (GCIG). ANZGOG has opened a number of clinical trials within Australia and New Zealand and is playing an increasing role in a growing number of pivotal international trials. The important links that have been forged with international groups, recognized for their contribution to our current clinical practice in gynaecological malignancies, are essential as gynaecological cancers are a global problem and require collaborative efforts to improve outcomes.
It is a privilege to be the current chair of this exceptional research group. I accept this role with the solid commitment to advance our focus on collaborative research of gynaecological cancers in an attempt to help improve the quality and length of life in the patients who entrust their care in our hands. On behalf of ANZGOG, I would like to gratefully acknowledge the steadfast dedication of my predecessor, Professor Michael Friedlander who is a friend and colleague. There is little doubt that any success we have had with ANZGOG, both nationally and internationally has been due to his energy, his vision and his drive. I look forward to his continued guidance and support in promoting ANZGOG as a prominent player in the international arena of gynaecological oncology research.
I would also like to recognize the hard work and commitment of our team of dedicated clinical investigators and clinical trial coordinators throughout Australia and New Zealand and the talented support staff housed in the NHMRC Clinical Trials Center all of whom continue to maintain the highest standards of research and adhere to our mission to improve the outcome of women with gynaecological malignancies.
As a non-profit organization we continue to struggle with funding. Clinical Trials are costly and costs remain the major barrier we face in opening new trials and expanding our clinical trial portfolio. I will endeavor to work out a strategy to acquire increased Federal and State infrastructure funding for clinical trials. We need more resources, particularly support for data management and research nurses if we are to see our clinical trial accrual numbers rise. This is a priority. We will also continue to expand community awareness of gynaecological cancers and we are ever grateful to the individual donors and other community organizations that donate funds and/or their services to help promote our cause.
On behalf of the Australia and New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, thank you for visiting our website.
Professor Michael Quinn