Targeted therapies | Cancer Second Opinion

UPDATE: Crizotinib now approved on PBS for ROS1 mutation in Lung Cancer!

Dr Hawson Cancer treatment, Genomic Testing, Lung cancer, Targeted therapies, TKI February 27, 2019April 22, 2019genomic testing, Lung cancer, targeted therapies

As of 1st January 2019, the Australian Government has approved the use of Crizotinib in non-small cell lung cancer with a ROS1 mutation. “The drug may stop or slow the growth of Stage IIIB (locally advanced) or Stage IV (metastatic)

Do you need a liquid biopsy test to find out if you have cancer? Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA)

Dr Hawson Genomic Testing, Liquid biopsy, Ongoing monitoring, Targeted therapies March 12, 2018April 22, 2019CanSEEK, ctDNA, False positive, genomics, liquid biopsy

Need a liquid biopsy test? Recent news reports suggest that you do… but do you really? These reports are based on a paper published in Science on 18th January 2018 (including Australian co-authors) proposing that there may well be a

Three questions to ask about targeted therapies and immunotherapies for your cancer.

Dr Hawson Immunotherapy, Targeted therapies November 18, 2017April 22, 2019Cancer, Immunotherapy, targeted therapies

Questions about targeted therapies in Australia

Q1 Are there any targeted therapies or immunotherapies for my cancer? Q2 Are these available to me in Australia? Q3 Are these cancer therapies available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or do I have to pay the full cost? Why

Are targeted therapies available for lung cancer in Australia?

Dr Hawson Genomic Testing, Lung cancer, Targeted therapies November 18, 2017April 22, 2019genomic testing, Lung cancer, targeted therapies

NSCLC and mutations that can be targetted

Are You In This Situation? I’m having chemotherapy for my lung cancer in Australia and my doctor hasn’t said whether I have any mutations that might lead to a targeted therapy. Is targeted therapy available for me? At present, the

I am registered as a Medical Oncologist, Clinical Haematologist and Palliative Care Physician, and have over 40 years medical experience including as Director of Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care at large public hospitals in Brisbane, Redcliffe and the Sunshine Coast, as well as in private practice. In 2008 I was awarded Eminent Specialist by Queensland Health and have been an Associate Professor with the University of Queensland since 1993. I have treated a broad range of cancers, including of the breast, bowel, lung, pancreas, prostate and liver. I have contributed to research trials on the most effective cancer treatments, and helped train many cancer specialists. I am particularly interested in mind body wellness and offer medical hypnosis for cancer-related symptoms such as pain and nausea and hot flushes in chemotherapy-induced menopause.