Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect Tasmanian men. For some, genetic factors mean they have a higher risk of developing an aggressive form of the disease. But thanks to recent breakthroughs in genetic testing, there are now new ways of diagnosing patients and allowing for more targeted treatments.
With all this new knowledge, it is vital that prostate cancer patients are engaged around the use of genetic information and the outcomes that matter the most to men are addressed. And that’s exactly what Professor Jo Dickinson and a team of expert researchers have set out to achieve in their new study “Precision Medicine for Men with Prostate Cancer in Tasmania,” which was funded by a Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation grant.
This is the first study in regional Australia to look at how men with prostate cancer feel about the use of genetic information in diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and determine which outcomes are most important to them. The team will be able to use this information to deliver better patient care and research in Tasmania.
Professor Dickinson is passionate about her work and believes it’s an inspiring time to be working in genetic research.
“We’re now seeing game-changing improvements in treatment options that can be delivered through genetic discoveries, not just in prostate cancer but in many diseases,” she explains.
This Foundation-funded study is expected to be completed by 2023, with patient feedback being incorporated to deliver better and more targeted care. We need your support to continue to fund innovative, patient-focused research like this. Make a donation online or call our office on (03) 6166 1319 to make your donation today.
