PaCCSC & CST Research Forum 2025

The Forum was a vibrant celebration of collaboration, innovation, and community spirit. Over two inspiring days, we welcomed researchers, clinicians, consumers, and advocates from across Australia and around the world to explore the latest in cancer symptom management and palliative care research.

Held in a single-stream format to encourage connection, the Forum attracted 137 delegates, including international guests from the USA, UK, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore.

With a strong focus on collaboration and consumer engagement, it was a space where every voice – from early-career researchers to lived-experience advocates – played a vital role.

Opening highlights

The Hon Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, addressed the Forum and spoke about the importance of research in palliative care and cancer symptom management, and the role of partnerships in driving better outcomes for patients, carers, and families.

The Forum also marked the official launch of the CST Strategic Plan, setting the direction for the next phase of Cancer Symptom Trials and reinforcing the network’s commitment to collaborative, patient-centred research.

Showcasing research and consumer experiences

Research was front and centre at the Forum – alongside powerful contributions from consumers and carers, whose lived experiences shaped conversations throughout the program.

A total of 25 abstracts were presented, with six delivered as oral presentations and 19 as posters. Topics spanned cancer symptom management, palliative care approaches, and innovative clinical trials, reflecting the depth and diversity of work happening across the sector.

Having a single stream meant no one missed out, and discussions flowed naturally between research presentations, consumer-led sessions, and collaborative panels.

Inspiring conversations

We were honoured to welcome three outstanding keynote speakers to the Forum.

Professor William Dale, Dr Steven Pantilat, and Professor Catherine Walshe shared their expertise, insights, and global perspectives, inspiring delegates to think differently about innovation, collaboration, and truly patient-centred research.

Reflecting on the power of partnership in research and care, both William and Steve reminded us of the importance of being part of a team by quoting respected peers:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” said Geriatrician Professor William Dale.

“Work with people you like, or even love,” offered Professor Steve Pantilat, Palliative Care Physician and Researcher.

Their presentations sparked important conversations across the two days and set a powerful tone for the Forum’s commitment to advancing care through research and community voices.

Alongside our keynote presenters, we were privileged to hear from a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, and consumer advocates who shared their work and perspectives across oral presentations, posters, and panel discussions.

We thank all our speakers for sharing their work – your contributions made the Forum a genuine celebration of innovation, collaboration and lived experience.

Cancer-related fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue remains a key research priority for CST, and we were delighted to welcome two outstanding experts in this field – Dr David Mizrahi and Dr Carolina Sandler – to share their knowledge and perspectives.

“Managing cancer fatigue in children requires a balance of science and art – an evidence-based approach that remains adaptable and community-centred,” said Dr David Mizrahi, Exercise Oncology Researcher.

Feasibility studies and flexible delivery methods for clinical trials

Designing and delivering clinical trials in diverse settings requires more than scientific rigor – it demands deep community engagement, practical flexibility, and early feasibility planning. The following insights from Forum presenters highlight what it truly takes to run inclusive, effective research in palliative, rural, and remote care contexts.

“When working in palliative care, it's not just about trial access. It's about ensuring the trial is culturally safe, community-informed, and practically deliverable in the home.” – Professor Jenny Philip, COMET program investigator

 “It’s not enough to build infrastructure. You need trust, education, and genuine partnerships with communities to bring trials closer to home.” – Michelle Tusler, Clinical Trials Support Unit Manaqger, Western NSW Local Health District

“In rural and remote trials, success comes down to governance, flexibility, and clinical responsibility. If you take on the responsibility, people will come on board.” – Dr Tay Gurgenci, Clinician-Investigator, Mater Research Institute

Consumers at the centre

Consumer voices were woven throughout every part of the Forum, reflecting our commitment to genuine partnership and lived experience in research.

The Forum proudly achieved ‘Consumers Included’ status from Cancer Voices Australia, recognising the meaningful integration of consumers in both planning and program delivery. Read more about how consumer voices were included throughout this year’s event.

Supporting access – Regional travel grants

In keeping with our commitment to inclusivity, Cancer Symptom Trials (CST) awarded two $1,000 travel grants to support regional health professionals to attend.

Congratulations to Donna Brown from Gippsland Palliative Care Service and Meg Harrison from Barwon Health, whose participation added valuable perspectives to the Forum. Donna and Meg reflect on the Forum and what they learned.

By offering travel support, the Forum ensured that voices from outside metropolitan centres could join the conversations, share insights, and help shape the future of research in palliative care and symptom management.

Celebrating excellence – CST Emerging Trialist Award

One of the most anticipated moments of the Forum was the presentation of the CST Emerging Trialist Award 2024. This award recognises rising stars in cancer symptom research, and this year’s deserving winner was Dr Aaron Wong from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Dr Wong’s work impressed the review panel with its innovation, impact, and real-world relevance. His achievement reflects the incredible talent and dedication of the next generation of researchers helping to drive the field forward.