Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre |Annual Report 2017–18 RESEARCH & EDUCATION LEAD PROGRAMS REVIEW HAEMATOLOGY Online Resources Research & Education Lead: Professor Andrew Roberts, Production commenced on a pilot series of online Walter and Eliza Hall Institute resources to harmonise approaches and promote sharing of knowledge across the alliance. These include a case-based discussion and tutorials with further filming and an evaluation planned in the second half of 2018. Clinical Trials Analysis of haematology clinical trial activity among the partners highlighted the need for more effective coordination across the alliance. This was further supported by the Blood Cancer Forum, an Phase II Priorities 2017–18 innovative consumer-inclusive group initiated in 2016 by Professor Roberts. This forum brings together Harmonisation of haematology education and haematologic societies, representing researchers and • clinicians, and cancer charities, representing patients training across the VCCC through a suite of high and carers, to identify shared clinical and research quality, online educational resources priorities for blood cancers. Two meetings this year •Review barriers to cross-institution clinical highlighted the need for better access to clinical trial referrals services and clinical trials for people in rural and Lead Haematology Research and Education regional areas. • Strategy Group to prioritise needs in haematology This aligns with the first VCCC Teletrial (refer to page across the VCCC 59) being a haematology trial (thromboembolism KEY ACTIVITIES prevention in colorectal and lung cancer patients) and thelikelihood of registry trials (refer to page 52) to be Cutting Edge Haematology: Response and Resistance conducted in regional areas. to Targeted Therapies Workshop Professor Roberts is also Chair of the VCCC Cancer Workshop co-hosted by Professor Roberts and Research Advisory Committee; Chair of the Strategic Professor Mark Dawson, Peter MacCallum Cancer Research Plan Working Group and Strategic Research Centre, on Tuesday 17 October at the Walter and Eliza Plan (SRP) program champion for Understanding Hall Institute. One hundred and twenty delegates Response and Resistance to Targeted Therapies. attended this one-day interactive symposium which highlighted key concepts and showcased relevant local studies. The program featured 28 clinicians and researchers from across the VCCC alliance. Significant progress in several key areas within haematology: reaching agreement on shared priorities, promoting consistency in treatment and care and a coordinated approach to help expand clinical trials. Professor Andrew Roberts speaks to the Cutting Edge Haematology: Response and Resistance to Targeted Therapies symposium attendees 18