During our trip to the U.S., Claire and I achieved significant milestones in cancer research as it relates to the patients at the coalface of this battle. We facilitated new collaborations between Australia and major U.S. institutions like the NIH and other major hospital and medical institutions. We’re especially proud to have presented a pioneering initiative in Cancer Navigation and in conjunction with Dr Phillip Baird (Senior pathologist, Sydney) initiatives in earlier detection of liver, Bile duct, and potentially Pancreatic cancers in at-risk families.
One of the highlights of our trip was meeting with Dr. Yuman Fong (City of Hope National Medical Center, USA) an internationally recognised liver surgeon known for his innovative approaches to oncology. His insights and expertise are invaluable and his offer to help our foundation to push the boundaries of cancer treatment and research.
We were excited to attend the Imugene briefing, where they presented Dr Yuman Fong’s groundbreaking viral cancer treatments. These treatments have shown promising results in reversing stage 4 cancer in their Phase I ‘Mast’ trial (CF33-hNIS (VAXINIA), an Oncolytic Virus)—a remarkable achievement by an Australian company based in Sydney. We were also able to build on our relationship with Imugenes CEO Lesley Chong and Chief Medical Director Paul McDonald Chief Medical Officer.
So What’s Next
Back on the Gold Coast, we’re already scoping out the feasibility of launching the foundation’s annual augural medical conference. We aim to bring some of the world’s leading medical researchers, surgeons, and oncologists to our shores to showcase all that our vibrant community has to offer.
Your continuous support through the Villager and the Villager Club has been instrumental in aligning the community with our efforts, after all its people in our community who are impacted by cancer every day. We’re grateful for the backing of our business members and all the Villager Club members—every bit of support is crucial as we strive to enhance the survival rates for patients battling aggressive GI cancers.
If you have connections or influence in cancer research or healthcare at the Queensland level, we’d love to connect and explore how we can work together for a greater impact. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for being such an inspirational community. We look forward to making even more progress together.
About Dr Yuman Fong:
Dr. Yuman Fong is widely recognized for his pioneering work in the field of oncology, particularly in liver surgery. He is known for developing innovative surgical techniques and treatments for liver and pancreatic cancer, which have significantly advanced the field and improved patient outcomes. His work often incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including robotic surgery and localized treatments that target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
Additionally, Dr. Fong has been involved in research related to gene therapy and the use of viral vectors to treat cancer, contributing to the development of novel cancer therapies. His contributions have made him a respected figure in surgical oncology and a leading expert in treating complex cancer cases.
Along with Yuman, many of the world’s top medical professionals have expressed interest in attending our inaugural Medical and Patient Conference here on the Gold Coast.
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