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Edith Cowan University (ECU) researcher Professor Elin Gray is set to serve as co-convenor of the 12th Thomas Ashworth Circulating Tumour Cells (CTC) & Liquid Biopsy Symposium in Perth, putting ECU's Centre for Precision Health (CPH) at the forefront of liquid biopsy research.
The national forum will be hosted by ECU's leading biomedical research centre and will bring together researchers, clinicians and industry experts from around the world to explore the latest technological advancements in liquid biopsies: a non-invasive test that takes a sample of bodily fluid – most commonly blood – to detect signs of cancerous tumours.
Compared to traditional tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy represents a paradigm shift in oncology. It is less invasive, enables real-time tumour assessment to guide treatment decisions, and enables personalised cancer monitoring.
As Deputy Director of CPH, Professor Gray's appointment as co-convenor reflects both ECU's national standing in liquid biopsy research, as well as her esteemed position as a leader in the rapidly evolving field.
Ranked alongside 63 fellow ECU researchers in the top two per cent of researchers worldwide by the prestigious annual Stanford/Elsevier study, Professor Gray is proud to be representing ECU and Western Australian researchers on a national stage.
"Convening the symposium is both an honour and a passion," Professor Gray said.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry partners and students to discuss not only the latest advances in liquid biopsy and precision oncology, but also the challenges of translating these innovations into routine clinical practice.
"Hosting the symposium also reflects the growing international recognition of the work being undertaken at the Centre for Precision Health at ECU and it acknowledges the contributions that Western Australian researchers have made to advancing liquid biopsy research."
The symposium is set to take place at Novotel Perth Langley between Wednesday, 4 November and Saturday, 6 November.
Professor Gray will co-convene the symposium with Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute Associate Professor Kevin Spring. Keynote speakers from cancer research institutions in Australia, Belgium and the United States highlight the three-day event.
The Symposium is supported by a proactive organising committee of local, national and international cancer researchers including ECU research fellow Dr Leslie Calapre-Beasley and adjunct oncologist and ECU Alumni Dr Lydia Warburton. Dr Aaron Beasley is an invited speaker, and PhD students My Ngo, Désirée Sexauer and Shajib Dey, all from CPH, are scheduled to speak across the three-day agenda.
Professor Gray says events like the ECU-hosted symposium, and similar events around the world, are pivotal to shaping the future of technological advancements in cancer research.
"Scientific breakthroughs only achieve their full impact when they reach patients, and forums like this are essential for identifying the barriers, opportunities and collaborations needed to make that happen," Professor Gray said.
"By bringing together world leaders and emerging experts, we can help shape the future of cancer diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, moving from promising technologies to real world benefits for patients."
