Yet another successful AGITG Preceptorship in Colorectal Cancer was held on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th December, in Melbourne.

The third annual unique two day learning experience offered systematic reviews of evidence gained through the  performance of clinical trials, and  delivered expert insights into the evolution of the current  management of colorectal cancer.

AGITG Board Member, Preceptorship Developer and Convenor,  A/Prof Eva Segelov opened with a  plenary session entitled “Clinical Relevance of Molecular Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer ” and said of the event:

“Understanding the pivotal trials which form the foundation of  modern day therapy is a fundamental step in appreciating how the landscape of practice has  changed, and why.”

“It is my hope that this course will not only help trainees to become evidence-based practitioners,  but also fan enthusiasm for clinical trials and encourage involvement in the AGITG.”

The  course involved significant pre-work then on the day presentations of seminal trials in adjuvant and metastatic colorectal cancer from the 42 trainees in attendance, with expert commentary  provided by the Preceptors, leading Australian GI oncologists: A/Prof Niall Tebbutt, A/Prof Chris Karapetis, Prof Stephen Clarke, A/Prof Peter Gibbs, A/Prof Joseph McKendrick, A/Prof Jeremy Shapiro and A/Prof Eva Segelov. The intensive learning experience culminated with a multidisciplinary meeting with expert input from Melbourne surgeons Peter Carne and Val Usatoff and Radiation Oncologist Ian Porter.

Attendees commented that the Preceptorship was:

“(The) best teaching I’ve ever had”   “A useful mix of didactic teaching and small group sessions”

Demand for a Preceptorship in other tumour sites was high, with several attendees commenting “Would be great to have similar preceptorships in other tumour streams e.g. upper GI”.

The AGITG Preceptorship in Colorectal Cancer is supported by an educational grant by Roche Products Pty Limited.