Annual Scientific Meeting

On behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate (ANZUP) Cancer Trials Group convening committee, we were honoured to convene the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) from 9 – 11 July 2023 at the Melbourne Convention Centre. The ASM provided a platform to discuss and present the latest updates in GU cancer treatment, research and supportive care and to learn more about existing and planned ANZUP trials. Under the theme of ‘Bouncing Back’, we discussed how people and systems have adjusted and changed in response to the pressures of the pandemic, and also in relation to the impacts of these cancers.

Over the course of three days, delegates had the opportunity to engage with and learn from eight international experts and numerous national leaders in the research, diagnosis, treatment, and management of genitourinary (GU) cancers. The collegial spirit that defines ANZUP was evident throughout the program, which catered to professionals working in various aspects of GU cancers.

The diverse sessions included the highly successful new addition, The Perfect Pitch, the popular MDT Masterclass, the Translational and Supportive Care breakfast sessions, the always well-attended Nurses Symposium, the thought-provoking plenary sessions, the important ANZUP Trials in Action session, and the anticipated debates and poster presentations, among many other informative sessions.

We are fortunate to have had the participation of over 80 speakers, panellists, session chairs, and poster presenters who contributed to more than 20 different sessions throughout the three days. This remarkable turnout reflects the diversity and breadth of ANZUP’s membership, which has grown to exceed 2,200 members.

Our international faculty played a vital role in providing a global perspective on the significant challenges faced by GU cancer experts. Their expertise and contributions were invaluable, and we extend our gratitude to Andrea Apolo, Laurien Buffart, Ananya Choudhury, Darren Feldman, Rebecca Martin, Sima Porten, Bertrand Tombal, and Alex Wyatt for their involvement in all aspects of the meeting.

In addition, the annual free Community Engagement Forum provided an opportunity for the public to interact with a team of experienced healthcare professionals and patient advocates. The presentations and panel discussions covered important topics such as quality of life, treatment choices, survivorship, impacts on intimacy, and the cost of cancer care. This forum allowed the community to learn about ANZUP and our clinical trials research program while engaging with experts in the field.

We are proud to report that this year’s ASM generated significant interest and participation on social media. With close to 1.7 million #ANZUP23 impressions and over 500 tweets, the engagement on Twitter was remarkable. The remarkable attendance of 446 delegates not only demonstrates the reputation ANZUP has earned for delivering high-quality, academically rigorous, educational, and entertaining ASMs, but also represents the highest number of delegates to date.

Thank you to every speaker, sponsor, chair, delegate, participant, committee member and organiser for your valuable contributions to the success of #ANZUP23. We look forward to seeing you in Gold Coast for #ANZUP24.

Warm regards,
Ben Tran & Renu Eapen
#ANZUP23 Co-Convenors