UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

FDA approval of venetoclax inspired a scientist's passion for bridging research and medicine at WEHI. The collaborative atmosphere and diverse knowledge inspire continuous innovation. The scientist's motivation stems from impacting patient lives through medical and scientific advancements. Immunology's complexity and potential excite, while experiences at NIH and pioneering degrees highlight career highlights and challenges. Collaboration is key, and outside the lab, the scientist enjoys Melbourne's food scene and travel.

Michael Hofman discusses developing new PSMA PET-CT criteria for prostate cancer progression evaluation, aiming to replace PCWG3 guidelines. Using PRINCE trial data, his team shows high inter-reader agreement and earlier progression detection with PSMA PET-CT, correlating well with overall survival. Hofman emphasizes the need for contrast-enhanced CT in PSMA PET-CT protocols and plans further validation across multiple trials.

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy did not improve survival over perioperative chemotherapy alone in resectable gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, according to TOPGEAR data. Median overall survival was 46.4 months vs 49.4 months, with no significant differences in progression-free survival. However, preoperative chemoradiotherapy significantly improved pathological outcomes, including complete response rates and tumor downstaging.

Doherty Clinical Trials seeks healthy volunteers for Phase I trial of Vaxxas' needle-free avian influenza vaccine using High-Density Microarray Patch (HD-MAP) technology, which delivers vaccine to immune cells below skin surface. Previous trials showed promising results in administering seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and measles and rubella vaccines. The study, enrolling 258 participants aged 18-50, aims to assess safety and tolerability, with participants undergoing nine visits over 13 months for medical examinations and blood tests. Participants will be reimbursed for their time and expenses.

Authors Mahmoud Al-Azab and Elina Idiiatullina contributed equally; Yuxia Zhang and Seth L. Masters jointly supervised. Affiliations include Guangzhou Institute of Paediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Centre, University of Science and Technology, Aden, Bashkir State Medical University, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, University of Melbourne, Guangzhou Medical University, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Centre, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and Monash University.

Speakers at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer highlighted the need for health systems to address multilevel factors impeding lung cancer screening access. Harry de Koning discussed optimal recruitment strategies, finding that paper mailings were most effective for low socioeconomic status individuals. Nichole Tanner presented on the Veterans Health Administration's centralized screening approach, emphasizing the importance of a hub and spoke model. Nicole Rankin focused on Australia's preparation for national screening in 2025, advocating for tailored strategies to address health disparities. Raymond Osarogiagbon addressed geographic, socioeconomic, and racial disparities, suggesting a framework starting at the patient level and extending to social policy, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

UMB announces 2024 Founders Week Award winners: Dr. Adam Puche (Educator), Kathleen Hoke (Public Servant), Dr. Luana Colloca (Researcher), Dr. Joga Gobburu (Entrepreneur), and Nicol Tugarinov (Student) for their significant contributions and achievements.

A study by the Doherty Institute found delaying COVID-19 booster doses offers no immunological benefits, supporting immediate booster administration for maintaining high immunity levels. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, showed no difference in immune responses between immediate and delayed booster recipients, highlighting the need for longer-lasting vaccine protection.