ANZGOG’s Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2022 was held on the 23-26 March at the Crown Promenade, Melbourne. The ASM delivered an outstanding program to over 300 delegates centered around the theme of “Pathways to Precision Care”.

The hybrid model of this year’s ASM brought together national and international experts in gynaecological medicine, radiation and surgical oncology, pathology, basic scientists, translational and quality of life researchers, study coordinators and nurses, as well as pharmaceutical industry partners. The ANZGOG ASM enables delegates to learn about the latest developments in gynaecological cancer and an opportunity to build collaborations among members and industry personnel.

“After so much preparation, anxieties about COVID, and whether (and in what format) our annual scientific meeting would happen- it did, here in Melbourne and in a combination format of live face to face and virtual. It was so wonderful to meet together again. The vibe and enthusiasm for being together was the ONLY infectious presence at the meeting. Already it is clear that the benefits of coming together is so important with plans for future trial and research opportunities afoot.”

Assoc Prof Yoland Antill – Deputy Chair of ASM Steering Committee

Many presentations at this year’s ASM focused on exploring pathways from translational research into the development of clinical trials and reviewing how molecular profiling and genetics are shaping the management of ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Delegates were fortunate to hear from our three keynote international speakers:

International Speakers:

  • Dr Ana Oaknin (Medical Oncologist, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain) Pathways beyond BRCA?
  • Dr David Gaffney (Radiation Oncologist, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA) Clinical Research: Pedestrian, Personal, Personalized & Powerful
  • Prof Anna Fagotti (Gynaecological Oncologist, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation, Rome, Italy). Role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy & CRS in advanced endometrial cancer

Other presentation highlights included those in the Pure Science Symposium, Controversies in Gynaecological Cancer, and Quality of Life and Survivorship sessions. Updates on ANZGOG’s Initiatives – EDEN, OASIS, and TR-ANZGOG and ANZGOG trials currently open to recruitment highlighted some of ANZGOG’s achievements and challenges to date.

Delegates were also provided the educational opportunity to attend The Precision Science to Precision Care Workshop and an array of Specialised Workshops (Radiation Oncology, Gynaecological Cancer Nurses, Consumer Education, Study Coordinators, and Rare Cancers).

For those who were able to attend the ASM in person, the meeting provided a wonderful opportunity for many attendees to connect again or even meet in person for the first time. The conference dinner marked many attendees’ eager return to the dancefloor and overall was an enjoyable event. Following the postponement of the 2020 ASM and the 2021 Virtual ASM, it was fantastic to finally come together to celebrate 20 years of ANZGOG at the conference dinner. Assoc Prof Phil Beale also took the opportunity to recognise the significant contributions of Prof Linda Mileshkin and Ms Sue Brew to ANZGOG.

Prof Linda Mileshkin – Recognised for service of 10 years as an ANZGOG Director, 6 years as the Research Advisory Committee Chair, current EDEN Steering Committee Chair and representing ANZGOG on the Endometrial Committee at GCIG.

Ms Sue Brew – Recognised for service of 10 years as an ANZGOG Director, Chair of the Study Coordinator Committee, member of the OASIS Committee and for her ongoing contribution to ANZGOG Study Coordinator education.

Prof Clare Scott as the Incoming Chair of ANZGOG highlighted the many achievements of Assoc Prof Phil Beale in the last 4 years as the Chair of ANZGOG, and shared her excitement to build upon these successes and those of past Chairs.

Overall, the ASM was a successful event, made possible by the contributions and efforts of many. ANZGOG would like to thank Dr Michelle Harrison, Assoc Prof Yoland Antill and the ASM Steering Committee for preparing a meaningful ASM program, Encanta and EventFrog for the successful management of the hybrid meeting, and to all the speakers, session chairs and poster presenters for their outstanding presentations. In particular, ANZGOG congratulates the following award recipients:

Abstract Awards 2022:

Best Main Conference Abstract Award: Dr Oliver Klein – ‘Ipillimumab and nivolumab combination immunotherapy in patients with rare gynaecological malignancies: results of a multi-centre, phase 2 trial (CA209-538)’

Best Pure Science Abstract Award: Dr Nikki Burdett – ‘The genomic landscape of resistance in HR-deificient high grade serous ovarian cancer’

Best Poster Abstract Award: Dr Dongli Liu – ‘GZD824 inhibits endometrial cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro.

“It was fantastic to see everyone again and what a celebration! The ANZGOG team, ENCANTA and the incredible organising committee did an amazing job at making this happen. As always, thank you to our sponsors. Looking forward to 2023!”

Dr Michelle Harrison – Chair of ASM Steering Committee

Please watch this space for details as we look forward to coming together at next year’s ASM in Queensland!

For those who missed or would like to watch the ASM presentations again, recordings will be available for viewing for a limited time only for registered attendees.