NORTH STAR to offer a new generation of cancer therapy Close to 200 people attended a fascinating event in the Kolling auditorium where they heard patients in Northern Sydney will have early access to international clinical trials and some of the most promising new cancer therapies.
cancer. “In the research lab, we are customising cellular immunotherapy designs by altering the immune cell genes to enable the engineered cells to maintain their functions in the hostile cancer environment.” The audience was moved by a deeply personal presentation by Joanne Goyen who shared her experience after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was overwhelmed with the support she received from her RNSH specialist Associate Professor Connie Diakos, who encouraged her to keep working and planning special trips during her treatment. “This experience has changed a lot of my assumptions about having cancer. I thought it would make me feel weak. Instead, it’s shown me how strong I am, even while vulnerable,” she said. The NORTH STAR centre will help ensure clinical trials are part of normal therapy across Northern Sydney, where patients will have access to the very latest drugs and medical devices. NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet said they are looking to build on their achievements and are seeking community help. To learn more about how you can support vital cancer care, visit https:// northfoundation.org.au/projects/northstar
A collection of leading cancer specialists addressed the event, exactly 12 months since the launch of the NORTH STAR VNP Clinical Trials and Research Centre which was made possible by a remarkable $20 million philanthropic donation. The specialists, who are all juggling clinical and research responsibilities, detailed the exciting new breakthroughs with CAR-T cell therapy, liquid biopsies and genetic testing. Haematologist Professor Cameron Turtle said it was an unprecedented time in cancer therapy where new technologies were driving an evolution in their approach. “After many years of traditional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we are increasingly using new strategies like immunotherapy, and with some forms of immunotherapy, we can modify or supercharge immune system cells in the lab, then give them back to the patient to target cancer cells,” he said. “This approach is being used for lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma, but we expect it will also assist in the treatment of other types of
Cancer specialists alongside NORTH Foundation ambassador Sophie Scott and patient Joanne Goyen at the NORTH STAR VNP Clinical Trials Showcase
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