Over 300 Gynaecological Cancer Specialists come together for ANZGOG’s 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting

11 Apr 2023

The 17th ANZGOG Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) that took place in Brisbane from March 22-24, 2023 was an event to be remembered. 

The ANZGOG ASM is a yearly conference for healthcare professionals and researchers who work in the field of gynaecological oncology. Delegates meet to discuss the latest developments in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship of gynaecological cancers. The conference is renowned for encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration among attendees to empower those working to and enhance the quality of life for women diagnosed with these diseases. 

This year’s ASM attracted 324 participants from Australia and New Zealand who gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane. The conference’s theme ‘Improving the Lived Experience of Patients with Gynaecological Cancer’ focused on women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.  The passion and zeal of the participants added a high octane energy to the meeting, as they explored the latest research, treatment practices, and survivorship issues presented by global experts in the field. 


Pre-conference day

The conference began with a range of diverse and engaging workshops for early-career researchers, scientists, radiation oncologists, gynae-onc nurses, and study coordinators. A unique and thought-provoking workshop focusing on the rare gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) was particularly popular. This was followed by the Pure Science Symposium – now a staple of the ANZGOG ASM program – which matches pure scientists with clinical researchers to ensure that the findings in the lab are translated to clinical trial development.

The welcome reception offered the attendees a delightful chance to catch up with old friends and long-term collaborators and also facilitated the opportunity to forge new connections with professionals from various specialties. These interactions are important because it can lead to new collaborations and birth innovative ideas by helping participants learn about new research topics and approaches that could help women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.

A big shoutout to all the poster presenters who showcased their incredible research, from psychological and epigenetic studies to drug repurposing and personalised treatment technologies. The vast body of knowledge shared at this meeting ensured that there was something for everyone to learn and be inspired by.

Inspiring future research and collaboration

The main conference featured inspiring keynote addresses by acclaimed international speakers, who discussed the history, advancements, and challenges in treating gynaecological cancers. Valuable insights into the field, spanning from historical developments to recent innovations were discussed.

International Keynote Presentations:

Prof René Pareja (Gynaecological Oncologist, Columbia). “History doesn’t repeat itself but it does rhyme: the tale of cervical cancer surgery.”

Dr Ina Jurgenliemk-Schulz(Radiation Oncologist, Netherlands. “Recent key advancements in locally advanced cervical cancer: A Radiation Oncologist’s View.”

Prof Iain McNeish (Medical Oncologist, United Kingdom). “The key advances and major setbacks in treating gynaecological cancers in the past five years.”

Meet the distinguished winners of the 2023 ANZGOG Awards

We are delighted to congratulate the winners of the 2023 ANZGOG Awards which acknowledge the exceptional efforts of five individuals in enhancing outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer. We express our sincere gratitude to each of the awardees and eagerly anticipate the continued positive influence of their work.

  • Michael Friedlander AM Award – Dr Nikki Burdett 
  • Research Pioneer Award – Professor David Bowtell 
  • ANZGOG Chair’s Community Volunteer Award – Duncan McPherson OAM
  • Clinical Trial Achievement Award – Professor Linda Mileshkin
  • Outstanding Clinical Trial Site Award – Newcastle Private Trials Unit

Read more about the 2023 ANZGOG Awards winners.

Ensuring effective and evidence-based care

The conference highlights included presentations on translational research, and molecular profiling techniques,and best practice recommendations. The translation of scientific findings into clinical practice ensures that patients receive the most effective and evidence-based care.

The conference concluded with a relevant presentation on time management for clinician researchers, reflecting the commitment of the attendees and immense breadth and scope of research displayed throughout the event.

A huge thank you goes out to Dr. Michelle Harrison and A/Prof Yoland Antill, Chair and Deputy Chair respectively of the ASM 2023 Program Steering Committee, and to all the committee members who helped put together this fantastic conference program.