BRIDGE: A gift transforming bowel cancer care Researchers at Royal North Shore Hospital have launched a groundbreaking program to transform treatment for one of the most aggressive forms of bowel cancer.
biopsies to track tumour DNA and treatment response over time. Co-lead investigator Professor Nick Pavlakis said advances in genomic technologies allow researchers to match the right treatment to the right patient. The program will explore the tumour’s immune environment and grow patient-derived tumour organoids, enabling safe testing of potential drug combinations before clinical use. Professor Molloy said BRIDGE offers a rare opportunity for translational research. “By combining lab science with clinical expertise, our findings can move quickly from the lab to benefit patients.”
Supported by a $1.3 million philanthropic gift, the BRIDGE program offers new hope for patients with BRAFv600e mutated bowel cancer, a mutation present in around 10 per cent of colorectal cancer cases that drives tumour growth and is linked to poorer outcomes. While two targeted therapies – encorafenib and cetuximab – exist, many patients quickly develop resistance, leaving a critical gap in care. BRIDGE aims to uncover why some patients respond while others relapse and to identify new treatment strategies. Patient Gemma Farquhar said the donation is deeply personal. “Knowing treatments are likely to fail is terrifying. Research like BRIDGE gives people like me time, options and hope,” she said. University of Sydney and Kolling Institute researcher Professor Mark Molloy will lead the program. “Our work is dedicated to changing that,” he said. BRIDGE is the first clinical study of its kind for BRAF mutated bowel cancer, using precision medicine approaches such as liquid first year of practice through structured education, clinical experience and strong workplace support as they transition from study to professional practice. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said it was a proud moment for the District to welcome the next generation of clinicians. “It is always exciting to see the passion and enthusiasm new graduates bring to the profession, and we are proud to support them as they begin this important chapter,” he said. Many of the graduates completed their studies through the University of Technology Sydney and NSLHD Clinical School partnership, undertaking clinical placements across the district’s hospitals and health services, including community and mental health settings. The District also welcomed 10 experienced registered nurses beginning their transition to midwifery through the MidStart program.
Professor Nick Pavlakis, Gemma Farquhar, Professor Mark Molloy and Dr Mudy de Silva
NSLHD welcomes new graduate nurses and midwives Northern Sydney Local Health District has welcomed 126 newly graduated nurses and midwives as they begin their careers through NSW Health’s GradStart program. The program supports new clinicians in their
Orientation sessions marked an important milestone, with the nursing and midwifery orientation held face to face for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Ninety graduates attended the session at the Kolling auditorium, while Mental Health Drug and Alcohol graduates attended orientation at Macquarie Hospital. Across the district, 115 graduate nurses and 11 graduate midwives have joined teams supporting patient care in hospitals and community services.
Claire Harris, Director, Nursing and Midwifery (far left), with NSLHD staff, new graduate nurses and midwives and Chief Executive, Anthony Schembri (fourth from left)
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 19| 4 OCTOBER 2024 NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 4| 13 MARCH 2026
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