ANZGOG Annual Scientific Meeting

Three days of Collaboration, Innovation & Connection

Attending the ANZGOG 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) on the Gold Coast was an energising and inspiring experience, one that brought together clinicians, researchers, nurses, industry partners, and consumer advocates to push the future of gynaecological cancer research forward. This year’s theme On the Edge: Translating Innovation into Action captured the spirit of the meeting perfectly: bold thinking, purposeful collaboration, and a collective commitment to improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.

As always, the ASM served as a dynamic forum for new science, shared expertise, and the strengthening of networks across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 400 delegates (a new record!), leading international speakers, and sessions spanning basic science, clinical trials, survivorship, and emerging technologies, it was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.

Kicking off the week, one of the standout moments was Dr Eva Baxter’s rapid‑fire presentation, “Long-term oncological and reproductive outcomes following treatment with the levonorgestrel intrauterine device for endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma – Results from the feMMe Phase 2 randomised clinical trial". Earning the Rapid‑Fire Poster Abstract Award, this recognition was a proud moment for QCGC Research and a testament to the impact of rigorous trial work translating into real-world improvements. Congratulations Eva!

On Thursday, the focus shifted to collaboration and future‑driven research. Professor Andreas Obermair presented in the Research Collaborations session, highlighting the activities of the ALIVE WELL Centre of Research Excellence. His presentation reinforced how working together across institutions accelerates discovery, strengthens clinical trial capacity, and broadens the real-world impact of our research. It was an inspiring reminder of the power and necessity of collaborative science.

The final day featured a comprehensive series of clinical trial updates, with QCGC Research strongly represented:

• Grace Ngiam presented updates on ENDO‑3, providing promising insights into advancing surgical management for endometrial cancer.
• Brianna Armstrong shared progress from the ANVU trial, highlighting the collaborative momentum the project is gaining nationally.
• Professor Sandi Hayes presented updates on ECHO, demonstrating the vital role of survivorship research and patient-centred outcomes in shaping future standards of care.

A highlight of the conference was Sandi Hayes receiving the “Clinical Trial Achievement Award.” With over a decade of leadership in survivorship and innovative clinical trial methodology, her recognition was deeply deserved and widely celebrated. Congratulations Sandi!

One of the most valuable parts of the ASM each year is the sense of community it reinforces. Beyond the science, workshops, and keynote sessions from global leaders in oncology, the hallway conversations, shared insights, and emerging partnerships shape the future of our field. If this is what being “on the edge” looks like, the field of gynaecological oncology has a bright and transformative path ahead.

- Dr Lauren Angel, Program Manager ALIVE WELL