Message from the Chair of ANZSA

Read updates on the ANZSA Board and activities from Adrian Cosenza, Chair of ANZSA here. 

Message from the CEO of ANZSA

Read a message from Denise Caruso, CEO of ANZSA here. 

Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

The 2025 ANZSA Annual Scientific Meeting in Hobart brought together clinicians, researchers, consumers, and carers to explore collaboration, innovation, and patient-centred care in sarcoma management.

The meeting opened with ANZSA Director and ASM convenor Professor Fiona Maclean and Tasmanian Senator Wendy Askew, highlighting the importance of teamwork and research in improving outcomes. Long time Consumer Advisory panellist Natalia Dewiyani shared her inspiring 10-year cancer-free journey, reminding everyone of the power of resilience and connection.

Sessions across the two days showcased cutting-edge research and clinical advances. Our international guest speaker from Atlanta US, Professor Jason Yustein, presented new therapies for high-risk paediatric sarcomas, while sessions on pathology, CRISPR research, and precision immunotherapy highlighted innovations in diagnosis and treatment. Research grant recipients also presented their work, including strategies to enhance immune responses in rhabdomyosarcoma.

Patient-centred care was a strong focus. Presentations on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, AI in early sarcoma was explored across clinical workflows, and integrating palliative care emphasized holistic approaches, especially for adolescents and young adults.

Community Connect session presented a wonderful opportunity for sarcoma consumers and researchers to share their experience. ANZSA director and CAP chair Sarah Cheung explained the role of the Consumer Advisory Panel, psychologist Dr Toni Lindsay shared coping strategies for fear of recurrence, and researcher Dr Ian Parish presented new immunotherapy approaches for liposarcoma.

The Great Debate sparked a lively discussion about centre-based versus shared regional care. David Coker and Hilde Kleiven went head-to-head, followed by a Consumer Panel reflecting on the real-world challenges of accessing treatment close to home.

The meeting concluded with the Judges’ Awards, with Barnaby Kelly winning the Choong-Dickinson Best Oral Presentation Award for his presentation titled- Genome-wide pooled genetic screening reveals mediators of cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma. Best poster awards were awarded to Lylee Le, Dr Selvi Jegatheeson and Tiruneh Adane Birlie.

Congratulations to all by contributing to high quality clinical and scientific research.

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting in Cairns, QLD.

New ANZSA board directors

Congratulations to our two new appointees to the ANZSA Board of Directors. All Directors were elected in a vote of confidence during our 2025 Annual General Meeting.

Mr Andrew Johnston is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Orthopaedic Oncologist at Auckland City Hospital, and Clinical Director of the North Island Sarcoma Service. After training in New Zealand, he completed a Fellowship at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (London) and London Sarcoma Service, with key interests in service improvement, patient outcomes, and sarcoma research.

Associate Professor Richard Boyle is a Clinical Associate Professor and Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He leads the NSW Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unit, chairs multiple sarcoma committees, and is internationally recognised for his expertise in arthroplasty, tumour surgery, and advanced reconstructive techniques.

Thank you, Professor Richard Carey Smith

We thank him for Richard for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavours and look forward to continuing working with him.

Research Updates

Prospective study evaluating the treatment outcomes for localised Recurrent, resectable retroperitoneal LiPoSarcoma (ReLaPSe)

This study aims to collect prospective data on the treatment outcomes in patients with first localized, resectable recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma undergoing curative intent treatment. Participant details regarding diagnosis, treatments, outcomes, complications and survival status will be captured after patients are enrolled into the study and at specific time. The study is progressing well, with 5 patients recruited so far. Currently there is 7 sites open, with more coming on board and we expect our international patient to be recruited soon.

Biomarker Observational Study of Biomarkers of Disease-related Outcomes in Patients (LMS BioMarker)

The LMS Biomarker study aims to examine the correlation of change in the biomarker ctDNA with progression free survival. Blood and tissue will be collected at baseline and various timepoints for DNA analysis. The study has recruited 8 patients and the first shipment of samples to the lead site in the United States is planned before the end of 2025, marking a key step in this international collaboration.

Risk Stratification for Patients with First Local Recurrence of Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma (FLORRAL)

This ANZSA led international collaborative study aims to characterise the anatomical location of the first local recurrence in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma and then to describe and understand the patterns of recurrence and the different treatment approaches for these recurrences. FLORRAL continues to build momentum, increasing to 12 participating sites nationally and internationally with a total of 96 patients data collected to date.

Recent Publications

The value of a second expert opinion in histopathological diagnosis of bone and soft tissue sarcoma: a systematic review - Pathology

Recently, an ANZSA led article was published in the Journal of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia highlighting that sarcomas are rare and diagnostically challenging, and that getting the diagnosis right is critical. Specialist review often leads to different treatment plans and improved outcomes, underscoring the importance of involving specialised sarcoma pathologists.

Read the article here.

Applying Radiomics to Predict Outcomes in Patients with High-Grade Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Treated with Preoperative Radiotherapy

A new study published in the Journal of Imaging shows how using radiomics- advanced analysis of features extracted from medical scans, may help predict outcomes for patients with high-risk retroperitoneal sarcoma treated with preoperative radiotherapy. By combining radiomic features with clinical factors like age, tumour size, and grade, researchers may better forecast survival and risk of metastasis, paving the way for more personalised treatment planning.

Read the article here. 

Learn more about Our Sarcoma Research

Registrations open for 2026 Journal Club

Following another successful year, we are excited to announce the return of the ANZSA Sarcoma Journal Club for 2026!  Registration is now open for all sessions in 2026. With five sessions scheduled throughout the year, we invite everyone to join us.

Journal Club Sessions Dates (5.00PM AEST)

25 February- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital / Chris O’Brien Lifehouse- Angela Hong

22 April- Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service- Wayne Nicholls, Natacha Omer

16 June- Hudson Institute of Medical Research- Jason Cain

2 September- Auckland Hospital- Joanna Connor

28 October- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre- Susie Bae

Register for 2026 ANZSA journal club here.

Get Ready for Great Sarcoma Plank-A-Thon 2026!

Our very first Plank-A-Thon was a huge success, and now we’re gearing up to make the 2026 event even bigger, and we’d LOVE your help!

We will band together to become Plank Heroes, raising a sweat and vital funds for crucial sarcoma research. Schools, sports teams, groups of friends, or work colleagues can all join in. Stay tuned as we transition into 2026. Why not make planking your New Year’s resolution!

Want to do even more? Become a Planking Partner and sponsor the 2026 Plank-A-Thon or connect us with someone who might so we can really change the future of sarcoma together.

Read our Partnership Document

Thank you to our donors 

ANZSA would like to sincerely thank all of our generous donors for their contributions toward sarcoma research this year. Your support is vital to our work, and we are deeply grateful for every donation we have received. Every dollar is invested in high-quality sarcoma research, helping us move closer to a cure and improve outcomes for those affected by this rare cancer.

Season’s Greetings 

We wish everyone a peaceful and safe holiday season. Our office will be closed from the 23rd of Dec to the 5th of January.

Should you have any questions in regard to the content of this newsletter, please reach out to us at contact@sarcoma.org.au.