The 2025 Preceptorship in Colorectal Cancer brought together 29 early-career healthcare professionals and 11 experts across medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology and radiology. The program created a collaborative learning environment with a strong focus on evidence, practice and discussion.
Preceptorship highlights
This year’s preceptorship introduced a new format, with preceptees critically appraising multiple landmark papers on their assigned topics in the style of an expert plenary session discussant. Across the two-day program, more than 60 trials were presented covering the current evidence in colorectal cancer management.
We were thoroughly impressed by their ability to synthesise complex trial results into clear practice points relevant to the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand context. Unanswered questions, such as the optimal management of locally advanced rectal cancer, sparked lively discussions in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere, fostered by the preceptors’ camaraderie and hilarious banter.
The program also featured mock multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions, during which preceptees consolidated their learning by taking on MDT roles to manage curated clinical vignettes.
Another standout session was the presentation by GI Cancer Trials Community Advisory Panel (CAP) member Mark McConnell, who shared his lived experience with metastatic colorectal cancer. Mark’s inspiring talk offered invaluable insights into the emotional rollercoaster that is cancer survivorship, and served as a powerful reminder of the role clinicians play in supporting patients through their journey.
Evidence translated into practice
Day one started with early colon studies, looking at neo-adjuvant and adjuvant management of pMMR/MSS, management of dMMR/MSI-high such as in NICHE-2, and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a predictive tool as seen in the DYNAMIC studies.
The advanced colon sessions looked at evidence of doublet vs triplet chemotherapy from trials like GONO, STEAM, TRIBE and TRIPLETE, as well as studies that have looked closely at the management of older or frail patients including the recently published study MONARCC.
The second advanced colon session covered a range of topics including the role of maintenance therapy, management of BRAF mutants, immunotherapy for dMMR/MSI high patients, later line therapies and HIPEC.
Each session included case-based discussions which were highlighted by participants as an effective way to consolidate knowledge and apply it to real-world clinical decision-making.
“The MDT sessions were about interesting cases and tied together the evidence we had just discussed nicely.”
Day two began with an incredible presentation by Community Advisory Panel member, Mark McConnell who shared his personal experience with colorectal cancer. Having the patient voice present was an important reminder for all present and offered the ability for a valuable Q&A.
The following sessions covered locally advanced rectal cancer with a look at long versus short course chemoradiotherapy, the omission of radiotherapy and the watch and wait approach as seen in the RENO study. A session on rare tumours included a discussion on surveillance recommendations and the use of adjuvant aspirin.
A radiology workshop rounded out the two days with a crash course on colorectal imaging and interpreting MRI in rectal cancers.
A valued professional development opportunity
Feedback from participants reinforced the Preceptorship’s important role in supporting the development of early-career clinicians and researchers.
“I received very comprehensive feedback from my preceptor, it was a great learning exercise.”
The preceptors were engaging, accessible and provided excellent constructive advice for professional growth. Participants appreciated the opportunity to hear experts debate complex issues, providing an authentic insight into the nuances of colorectal cancer care.
The combination of evidence-based learning, interactive case discussions and accessible mentorship continues to make the Preceptorship a valuable part of professional education.
“Thank you to GI Cancer Trials for organising such an excellent preceptorship. It was truly one of the most valuable and enjoyable educational events I have attended.”
Thank you to Merck and Pierre Fabre for your sponsorship of this year’s Preceptorship.
For more information, visit www.merck.com.au
For more information, visit www.pierre-fabre.com
Thank you to all participants, Convenors and Preceptors
- Professor Jeanne Tie, medical oncology
- Professor Chris Jackson, medical oncology
- Professor Lorraine Chantrill, medical oncology
- Associate Professor Cherry Koh, surgery
- Dr Ben Lawrence, medical oncology
- Dr Mark Lee, radiation oncology
- Dr Margaret Lee, medical oncology
- Dr Katerina Mastrocostas, radiologist
- Dr Mark McConnell, GI Cancer Trials CAP member
- Dr John Mak, GI Cancer Trials research fellow
- Dr Derrick Siu, medical oncology