The Centre of Research Excellence ALIVE WELL aims to improve the quality of life, health and function of women with gynaecological cancer.
Through innovative, woman-centred research and translation, ALIVE WELL is addressing three key priorities to improve outcomes and experiences for women with gynaecological cancer:
- Enabling fertility after endometrial cancer.
- Reducing lymphoedema incidence, a common side effect of cancer treatment.
- Enhancing recovery from cancer, helping women regain their health and function.
Building on six clinical trials already underway (feMMe, SATELLITE, ENDO-3, Pre-ANVU, ECHO and ACUMEN), involving more than 2,500 women worldwide, ALIVE WELL will launch three new trials (RESTORE-FERT, ANVU and RECENTRE) to further explore the impact of personalised treatment. Together, these studies will help optimise recovery and improve quality of life for women with gynaecological cancer.
feMMe
feMMe is exploring less invasive treatment options for endometrial cancer that may help some women preserve their fertility.
Traditionally, endometrial cancer is treated with a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and prevents future pregnancy. The feMMe trial investigated the use of a hormonal intrauterine device (Mirena) as a less invasive treatment option for selected women with endometrial cancer.
The study showed promising results, with many women responding well to treatment. Building on these findings, the feMMe Molecular study is investigating why some women respond better than others. Researchers are analysing blood and tissue samples to identify markers that may predict treatment success.
Ultimately, this research aims to support more personalised treatment decisions and expand fertility-preserving options for women with endometrial cancer.
SATELLITE
SATELLITE is exploring whether immunotherapy can reduce the need for surgery in women with early-stage endometrial cancer.
The SATELLITE study is evaluating dostarlimab, an immunotherapy treatment that may provide a safe and effective alternative to surgery for selected women. By investigating less invasive treatment approaches, SATELLITE aims to broaden treatment options and support more personalised care.
If the treatment proves successful, it could offer more women access to effective, uterus-preserving treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer.
RESTORE-FERT
RESTORE-FERT is exploring ways to improve fertility outcomes for women who have completed fertility-preserving treatment for endometrial cancer.
While treatments such as those investigated in the feMMe trial can help women avoid hysterectomy, many women still face challenges becoming pregnant after treatment. RESTORE-FERT is investigating whether semaglutide may improve fertility and overall health in women following treatment.
The study aims to identify new approaches to supporting women who wish to conceive after treatment for endometrial cancer.
ENDO-3
ENDO-3 is investigating whether lymph node removal is necessary for women undergoing surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer.
Lymph node removal is commonly performed during surgery to determine whether cancer has spread. However, the procedure can increase the risk of lymphoedema, a long-term condition that can affect quality of life.
ENDO-3 is a large international clinical trial evaluating whether lymph node removal provides meaningful benefits for patients. The findings will help guide future treatment recommendations and may reduce treatment-related side effects for women with endometrial cancer.
Pre-ANVU & ANVU
ANVU is investigating whether a less invasive approach to monitoring the groin lymph nodes can reduce treatment-related side effects for women with vulvar cancer.
Vulvar cancer affects around 400 Australian women each year. Standard treatment often involves removal of the groin lymph nodes to determine whether cancer has spread, but this can increase the risk of lymphoedema and other long-term side effects.
Building on the promising findings of the Pre-ANVU study, the ANVU trial is evaluating whether high-resolution ultrasound can safely and effectively replace groin lymph node removal for some women. The study will assess both cancer outcomes and quality of life.
The aim is to reduce treatment-related side effects while maintaining safe and effective care for women with vulvar cancer.
ECHO
ECHO is investigating whether exercise during chemotherapy can improve treatment experiences and outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancer, and both the disease and its treatment can have a significant impact on physical wellbeing and quality of life. The ECHO trial is evaluating whether a structured exercise program can help women better manage the effects of chemotherapy, maintain their health and wellbeing, and complete treatment as planned.
The study aims to generate evidence that supports the integration of exercise into ovarian cancer care, helping improve outcomes and quality of life for women undergoing treatment.
ACUMEN
ACUMEN is investigating how exercise can support recovery and improve wellbeing after treatment for gynaecological cancer.
Many women experience ongoing physical and health challenges following cancer treatment and may have limited access to support that helps them safely incorporate exercise into their daily lives. The ACUMEN trial is evaluating the benefits of a personalised exercise program designed to support recovery and improve overall health and wellbeing.
The study aims to strengthen the evidence for exercise as a routine part of care after treatment, helping more women access the support they need to recover and thrive.
RECENTRE
RECENTRE is investigating how lifestyle support can improve health and quality of life after treatment for breast and gynaecological cancer.
Each year, thousands of Australian women are diagnosed with breast and gynaecological cancers. While many women complete treatment successfully, ongoing physical and health challenges can continue to affect quality of life.
RECENTRE is evaluating a comprehensive lifestyle program designed to support women after treatment. The study aims to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life, helping women achieve the best possible outcomes following cancer treatment.
Chief Investigators
Associate Investigators
The ALIVE WELL Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation Grants Program aims to provide opportunities for ALIVE WELL trainees, consumer representatives / research partners, and ANZGOG members to support the objectives and priority areas of ALIVE WELL and the Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation mission.
The grants program aims to:
Empower emerging researchers with hands-on experience in grantsmanship, budget management, and research delivery.
Encourage collaboration with consumers to ensure research is aligned with patient-identified priorities.
Facilitate national and international exposure through conference presentations.
Build strong networks across clinical, industry, and consumer sectors to accelerate innovation and impact.
News
- ENDO-3 Clinical Trial reaches its halfway mark milestone in recruitment, with 380 of our 760 participants enrolled (January 2026)
- SATELITTE Clinical Trial recruits its first patient (November 2025)
Publications
Presentations
2026 Australian and New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, Annual Scientific Meeting
25-27 March. Gold Coast, Australia
Dr Sarah Balam & Dr Janine Porter-Steele - RECENTRE: Reimagining wellness after cancer in a digital age
Dr Eva Baxter - 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
Professor Andreas Obermair - ALIVE WELL Centre of Research Excellence
Dr Vivian Chiu - ACUMEN: Enhancing treatment outcomes after gynaecological cancer through exercise
Trial Updates for ENDO-3, ANVU, and ECHO
2025 International Society of Gynecological Cancer (IGCS), Annual Global Meeting
5-7 November. Cape Town, South Africa
Professor Sandi Hayes - Exercise therapy added to first-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: Effects on progression-free survival and physical wellbeing in the randomised, Phase 3 ECHO Trial
2025 The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), Conference
13-16 May. Glasgow, United Kingdom
Dr Kim Edmunds - COSA Exercise Guidelines: What is the value of implementation?
2025 Australian and New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, Annual Scientific Meeting
5-7 March. Canberra, Australia
Dr Eva Baxter - ALIVE WELL Centre of Research Excellence
Trial Updates for ENDO-3 and ANVU
Events
2025 Gynaecological Cancer Patient Symposium
An enlightening and supportive event designed to connect, reflect, and learn about the latest advancements in gynaecological cancer research. This symposium was an opportunity for patients, families, and their support teams to gain insights from leading experts and stay informed about ‘hot topics’ in the field.
Collaborators
Community
Research Opportunities
ALIVE WELL Cherish Women's Cancer Foundation Grant
Contact Us
Get in touch to learn more about our research.
Lisa Nielsen
Research Program Manager
(07) 3346 5031 ALIVEWELL.centre@uq.edu.au