Latest news: 27 March 2025

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

More than 310 delegates gathered for the TROG Cancer Research 37^th ASM in Brisbane (Meanjin), Queensland, from 18-21 March 2025, for three days of fantastic collaboration, networking and shared learning.

Convened by Ms Narelle Wallace, Dr Lachlan McDowell and Mr Rob McDowall, the ASM program saw more than 65 speakers share their expertise and learnings. From the moving Welcome to Country by Songwoman Maroochy, the meeting 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.

2025 ASM by Numbers

Delegates: 313 across the four days.
Speakers: 69
Presentations: 98
Clinical Education Research Workshop (CREW): 58 participants (including 17 virtual attendees)
Technical Research Workshop (TRW): 81 participants
SMART workshop: 57 participants
Coffees consumed: 2500+

We were delighted to host international guest speaker Prof 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 Prof Le presented an outline of the themes, funding cycles and opportunities for collaborative research.

Other international speakers included Dr Laird Cameron from the University of Auckland (Waipapa Taumata Rau), a medical oncologist who leads an innovative project on optimising immunotherapy for Māori with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, and Dr Gabriel Adrian, from Skåne University Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Sweden, whose research focus is on fractionation studies and FLASH radiotherapy.

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 to discuss practical and meaningful ways to optimise collaboration in research.

The workshops were also a wonderful opportunity for exchange of ideas and practical learning experiences: the Lego-themed Technical Research Workshop (TRW) attracted 81 participants; the Clinical Education Research Workshop (CREW) included virtual participants for the first time; and 51 trainees attended the RANZCR SMART workshop.

TROG President A/Prof Puma Sundaresan shared with delegates that the meeting topped off a very successful 12 months for TROG, which included 14 manuscripts being published, 16 conference presentations, recruitment of 211 trial participants and several international collaborations being forged, including with NRG Oncology.

TROG Cancer Research CEO Susan Goode thanked all who took part in the ASM.

“The Meeting has been a wonderful opportunity to advance collaborations for future radiation medicine research, to learn from each other and to progress TROG’s strategic goals, including our goal of diversifying our research and enhancing access,” she said.

She expressed thanks to the Co-convenors, Organising and Program Committees for their tireless efforts in curating the thought-provoking and exciting ASM program.

Gala dinner goes back to the 80s

Attendees donned their brightest leg warmers, loud suits and glitter to take to the dance floor at the fun Gala Dinner which was themed 80s Neon. The evening also offered an opportunity to recognise the TROG Award winners for 2025.

More than 200 delegates attended the Welcome Reception, which proved a great opportunity to meet peers from far and wide. Two catered breakfast sessions on adaptive radiotherapy and the future of interventional oncology, as well as a special lunch education session workshop on small cell lung cancer, were also well-attended.

Our 2025 Exhibitors & Sponsors

We extend our gratitude to the many exhibitors and sponsors whose support enabled us to host an ASM of this magnitude. Special thanks to Event partners Varian, Platinum sponsor Elekta, Gala Dinner sponsor Genesis Care and Welcome Reception sponsor Brainlab.

We also express our thanks to ASN Events, whose tireless work over many months ensured the meeting’s success.

A full gallery of ASM photos and conference presentations will be made available via our Members’ portal in coming weeks.