RNSH team contributes to Clinical Trial of the Year award A team from RNSH has been an integral part of a research project which has been named a dual winner of the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance Trial of the Year award.
The Australian ProPSMA study evaluated the effectiveness of a new imaging technique (PSMA PET/CT) to detect prostate cancer. Of the 10 sites nationally that recruited to the multicentre trial, RNSH was the only site involved in Sydney, and one of only two sites in NSW. Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine A/Professor Paul Roach welcomed the award, saying it highlights the clinical trials expertise at RNSH in the field of imaging and our role in lifting clinical standards and patient outcomes. “The trial, which involved 300 men who had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, used a new technique called PSMA PET/CT, which detects small sites of tumour spread that may not be captured with conventional imaging, such as CT and bone scans,” he said. Each participant had a whole-body 3D scan using a radioactive substance that detects prostate cancer cells. This was then followed by a PET/CT scan that produced detailed images of the cancer spread. “Importantly, the trial found the new imaging technique had an accuracy of 92 per cent compared to 65 per cent with conventional imaging,” he said. “This was an encouraging result which has
A/Professor Paul Roach and Dr Chung Mo Koo
already informed a new standard of care for the assessment of men with prostate cancer. “Our trial has directly influenced clinical practice and improved outcomes for a large number of men. “Prostate cancer is a silent disease, often without symptoms in the early stages of the disease. “Accurate imaging is therefore crucial to detect the cancer as early as possible and determine the best treatment plan. “We are really pleased to have been involved in this successful project, and honoured to be a part of this important study which was a dual winner of the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance Trial of the Year award.” Australian Clinical Trials Alliance Board Chair Professor John Zalcberg said the winning projects demonstrate the exceptionally high calibre of trials currently being led by Australia’s clinical researchers.
Prestigious awards for two RNSH anaesthetists Two Royal North Shore doctors have been bestowed honour by the Australian and New Zealand College Of Anaesthetists (ANZCA). Dr Adam Rehak was named the Steuart Henderson Award recipient, which is awarded to a fellow who has
demonstrated excellence and provided outstanding contribution, scholarship, and mentorship to medical education in the field of anaesthesia and/or pain medicine.
Dr Adam Rehak
Dr Chris Sparks
Dr Chris Sparks received the Ray Hader Award which recognises compassion and a focus on the welfare of anaesthetists, other
colleagues, patients and the community. Congratulations to Chris and Adam on their achievement.
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 10 | 31 MAY 2021
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