Dear Friend, Welcome to the 2023 Spring edition of WARP NEWS. Firstly, a massive thank you to our fantastic community for supporting our Winter Trials Appeal. With sincere thanks to you, we have joined Monash University, The Australasian Gastrointestinal Trials Group (AGITG), PANCARE Foundation, the Australian and New Zealand Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Association (ANZHPBA) and BioGrid Australia in establishing a National Biliary Cancer Registry. The registry is a clinical quality registry that collects information about the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of individuals with biliary cancer, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and quality of care. |
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“Measuring patient outcomes is critical to improving quality of care. If we can’t measure it, we certainly can’t manage it. Community support for this project, designed to determine how best to diagnose and manage newly diagnosed patients with biliary cancer, will be a critical step in ensuring optimal care is available to all Australians. We are most grateful for the support of WARPNINE for this important, national initiative.” |
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Professor John Zalcberg OAM Head, Cancer Research Program, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University |
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WARPNINE further strengthens the board with two Director appointments. |
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WARPNINE is pleased to announce the appointment of Hon. Liza Harvey and Mr. Vic Jakovich to its Board as Directors. With their breadth of expertise, Liza and Vic will further enhance our ability to address the inequity in research and funding for pancreatic gastro-intestinal and rare cancers. Our new board members bring years of experience in the government, business and philanthropic sectors, and will provide leadership and governance to WARPNINE to pursue its mission and improve patient outcomes, care and survival rates. |
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Hon. Liza Harvey GAICD "I am delighted to join the Board and hope to contribute to addressing the inequity in research funding for, and raise awareness of, rare cancers during my tenure." Liza is a former Deputy Premier, Senior Minister and Leader of the Liberal Party in a Parliamentary Career that spanned twelve years. With her late husband Hal, Liza was also the director of their successful family business for 33 years. |
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Liza is passionate about finding better treatments for people with rare cancers, having cared for Hal during his treatment for pancreatic cancer over a period of three and half years. Having met with hundreds of families experiencing the difficult and often frustrating journey that cancer presents, Liza maintains that the hardest part of the treatment process is maintaining optimism, dignity and hope for patients, carers and families. She sees an opportunity for WARPNINE to fill part of this gap. "I'm a proud fifth-generation Western Australian. WARPNINE facilitates opportunities to take advantage of the extensive knowledge and experience base here in WA, to accelerate the improvements in treatments for patients, carers and families dealing with a rare cancer prognosis. |
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Vic Jakovich Managing Director, Jako Industries ‘I consider that accepting WARPNINE board membership gives me an opportunity with other members to improve the lives of many who are less fortunate than me, in particular those having to deal with illnesses such as cancer. By helping to raise greater awareness and necessary funding we can provide greater opportunities for survival for those impacted in our community.’ |
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Vic is the Managing Director of Jako Industries Pty Ltd and possesses over 50 years of experience in the mechanical services (HVAC) and construction industry. Since establishing the company in 1972, Vic has managed over $600 million worth of mechanical services (HVAC) projects. He brings a wealth of relationship management and business leadership to the board. He has functional experience in strategic planning and execution, business improvement, business case development, operational management and risk and financial management. Vic has chaired and co-chaired numerous community service and fundraising boards and is dedicated to helping to improve Western Australia’s treatment options and cancer outcomes for individuals and families impacted by rare and difficult-to-diagnosed and treat malignancies. |
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iLSTA Clinical Trial This study aims to assess the safety and tolerability of a new cancer treatment drug, LSTA1, in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). |
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It is hoped this research will determine whether adding the new cancer treatment drug, LSTA1 and immunotherapy to currently used cancer treatment drugs is safe and whether it has any effect on cancer cells. If this study finds that LSTA1 is safe to use in combination with the current cancer treatment drugs, it may be expanded to a larger study to further assess the effect of LSTA1 on cancer cells for patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The use of LSTA1 in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy and immunotherapy is intended to both augment chemotherapy delivery into the tumour and facilitate the effects of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and immunotherapy compounds to optimize therapy against cancer of the pancreas. Signs of immune system engagement have been seen in the first three patients enrolled in the study. The iLSTA Trial is potentially the first major opportunity that we have to enable immunotherapy to fully engage against pancreatic cancer as, to date, pancreatic cancer has been resistant to the effects of immunotherapy due to both the hostile tumour microenvironment and the protective layer of tissue surrounding the tumour (called the stroma). The trial is active and recruiting patients. |
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Microbiome Sub-Study Our Research Fellow, Olivia, is researching the gut microbiome of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that may provide significant insight into predicting how a patient will respond to chemotherapy. |
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This research has the potential to be used to alter the microbiome of pancreatic patients to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and provide patients with more tailored, unique treatment plans. This would increase tumour response to anti-cancer therapies, improving patients' survival rates. Thus far, all research has been pre-clinical. Therefore, this study will be the first time the gut microbiome has been analysed in patients with pancreatic cancer as part of a trial. |
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Patient Story: Beau Tann and SOCK IT 2 CANCER |
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On the 21st of October 2021, The Tann Family’s world was turned upside down. Beau, a 38-year-old dad of two, who was running half marathons ‘just for fun’, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Beau’s cancer had spread to his groin, stomach, abdomen, and liver. The tumour on his liver had a BRAF mutation, making it resistant to chemotherapy. Beau was given a terminal diagnosis and referred to palliative care. |
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Although grateful and respectful of the care provided by his surgeon and medical team, Beau and his family DID NOT accept the prognosis. Determined to beat the odds and prove the surgeons wrong, Beau entered the fight of, and for his life. The Tann family moved from the Pilbara to Bunbury, ultimately finding hope after a referral to oncologist Dr Andrew Dean in Subiaco. “We walked out with renewed confidence, scared for what the future would hold but confident that we had a future.” said Beau. In January 2022, after numerous rounds of debilitating chemotherapy, immunotherapy, antibody therapy and trial medication to unlock the BRAF mutated cells, to the disbelief of his Oncologist and care team, Beau's PET scan showed almost no signs of cancer. After several months of his cancer being in remission, in January 2023, it returned with force. Undergoing his third major surgery, over 10 hours on the table, a 35 mm tumour on his adrenal gland was removed along with his left kidney, spleen, and a section of his liver. Today, with the support of his family and community, Beau is continuing his fight, never giving up, not giving in. |
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A beloved local, Beau's hometown sports teams and a local primary school have joined him in his fight, creating the SOCK IT 2 CANCER and Freaky Footwear community fundraisers. In August, football teams in the Southwest and Pilbara donned their SOCK IT 2 CANCER socks and played passionately to raise awareness and funds for rare cancers and WARPNINE. On the sidelines and in the schoolyard, parents, supporters, and students sported WARPNINE beanies and ‘Freaky Footwear’, raising a phenomenal $10,606.00 for clinical trials and research into rare cancers. |
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Clinical research and trials are fundamental to the future of cancer treatment. They are the final link in the chain of medical research, moving discoveries made in laboratories into treatments to improve the quality of life for patients. We are unbelievably grateful to the clubs, players and communities for their support and generosity in helping raise vital awareness and funds for difficult-to-diagnose and challenging-to-treat cancers. You can help us put the spotlight on pancreatic and gastro-intestinal and rare cancers by becoming a WARPNINE fundraising hero or making a donation today. |
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On Saturday, November 4th, 2023, from 9 am, our CEO, Meg, will complete 24 hours of bag work at Agoge Boxing Gym in Myaree to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic, gastro-intestinal and rare cancers. Each round will be 3 minutes long, with a minute’s rest in between. |
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15 ROUNDS = 60 MINUTES (1 HOUR) 90 ROUNDS = 360 MINUTES (6 HOURS) |
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180 ROUNDS = 720 MINUTES (12 HOURS) 360 ROUNDS = 1,440 MINUTES (24 HOURS) |
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The mantra at Agoge, ‘Molon labe,’ is a classical Greek expression of defiance. According to the Greek Platonist Plutarch, Leonidas responded with this phrase when Xerxes demanded the Spartans surrender their weapons. “The resilience shown by those diagnosed with these under-researched and underfunded malignancies is nothing short of remarkable. I am inspired by their strength and total defiance to accept what is often a devastating prognosis. Those diagnosed with cancer do not get to choose their challenge; it is forced upon them, so if I can challenge myself and do some good for others, why not!” - Meg Croucher, WARPNINE CEO All funds raised will go to WARPNINE to support vital clinical trials and projects that directly benefit patients in WA. If you would like to donate or know more, please follow this link: 24-hour-boxing-challenge Keep an eye out on our social media channels for more details. |
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Monday, 4 September, marks the beginning of Include a Charity Week 2023. This annual, nationwide social change campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of having a Will. It encourages Australians to expand their impact on society by leaving a charitable gift in their WILL. Include a Charity Week, which runs this year from September 4th – 10th, highlights the impact you can make for a cause close to your heart by leaving a gift in your Will. |
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Making a Will is an essential part of planning for your future, and we are deeply grateful to people who make the thoughtful decision to leave a gift in their Will to the WARPNINE. A gift in your Will ensures WARPNINE can continue to make an everlasting impact and deliver positive change for all Australians affected by pancreatic, gastro-intestinal and rare cancers. It is a simple but impactful way to make a lasting difference beyond your lifetime. In support of this national campaign, WARPNINE has partnered with Willed, an easy-to-use platform that allows you to create your Will through an online portal in less than 20 minutes. Willed will be offering our supporters 50% off full-price Wills from Monday, 4th to Sunday, 17 September 2023. Wills will be reduced from the full price of $159 down to $79. You can redeem this offer in two ways; 1. Registering here: https://www.willed.com.au/warpnine/ or 2. By entering the code IAC50 at the Willed checkout: https://www.willed.com.au/ For more information and details about leaving a gift in your Will to WARPNINE, please click here: https://www.warpnine.org.au/getinvolved |
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We are continually grateful for your support. Thank you for reading and thank you for helping us to address the inequity in outcomes for pancreatic, gastro-intestinal and rare cancers. Meg Croucher Chief Executive Officer, WARPNINE incorporated |
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