Trials and Research

This is an international collaborative study to evaluate surgical outcomes and the impact of radiotherapy on chest wall perforator flaps used in partial breast reconstruction following breast-conserving surgery for early breast cancer. The results of this research may guide the future treatment of breast cancer utilising chest wall perforator flaps, thus benefiting future patients and surgeons involved in their care.

The EXPERT trial aims to personalize radiation therapy for early breast cancer patients by using genomic testing to identify those who may safely avoid radiation after surgery. The trial, led by Breast Cancer Trials in Australia and New Zealand, focuses on women with low-risk luminal A breast cancer, using the PAM50 Assay to assess their recurrence risk. This could help minimize unnecessary treatment and side effects for eligible patients. The trial involves 1,170 participants globally, collaborating with international research groups.

The OPTIMA trial investigates the effectiveness of the Prosigna test in determining whether chemotherapy is necessary for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer. The study aims to optimize treatment by identifying those who may not need chemotherapy, thus reducing unnecessary side effects. Participants are randomly assigned based on the test results, and the trial involves 4,500 patients globally, including at least 300 from Australia and New Zealand. The trial promotes "de-escalation" of treatment while maintaining high effectiveness.

Patients with axillary node positive breast cancer are often treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (treatment before surgery) and conventional axillary dissection. However, many patients experience arm morbidity and reduced quality of life with this approach and new research suggests that less radical surgical strategies may improve patient outcomes. This study will ascertain the safety and efficacy of targeted axillary dissection (TAD) as an alternative to conventional axillary dissection, in patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It will also collect data on breast cancer patients to help establish a new registry specifically focused on TAD treatment.

An online oncology database is a centralized digital platform designed to collect, organize, and analyze data related to cancer care and research. These databases are used to support clinical research, monitor treatment outcomes, and improve quality control in oncology practices. They often include information on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment details, and clinical outcomes, enabling researchers and clinicians to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and ensure adherence to evidence-based care standards. By providing real-time access to comprehensive data, these databases play a crucial role in advancing cancer research, enhancing patient care, and guiding healthcare policy.

At BBSC we keep a secure online database to help us advance patient care, collate data on outcomes and ensure we comply with the gold standards of modern day breast surgery.

The Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR) is a Commonwealth-funded Monash University-led health initiative that records health data relating to breast device surgery. The registry has the purpose to monitor the long-term safety and performance of breast devices, to identify and report on possible trends and complications and the quality of surgery involving breast implants, breast tissue expanders and acellular dermal matrices and other meshes associated with breast devices.