The Supportive Oncology Research Group
Supportive care makes excellent cancer care possible
The Supportive Oncology Research Group (SORG) is a dynamic and multidisciplinary research group advocating for the quality of life and wellbeing of people living with or beyond cancer. We strive to provide people affected by cancer with the best possible supportive care by:
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Acquiring new knowledge on the mechanisms that cause the side effects of cancer treatment
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Identifying new ways to tackle the unique and highly personal needs of people with cancer
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Contributing to clinical practice guidelines to inform how we care for people with cancer
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Maintaining a strong foundation of collaboration, capacity building and consumer-engagement
What is Supportive Cancer Care ?
Supportive cancer care, or supportive oncology, largely focuses on the prevention and management of side effects and symptoms of cancer and its treatment. Its goal is to support an individual throughout and after treatment to ensure they have the best possible outcomes.
GROUP MEMBERS AND AFFILIATES
Our Team
Dr Hannah Wardill, PhD - Head
Ms Bron Cambareri - Senior Research Officer
Ms Imogen Ball - Senior Research Officer
Dr Emma Bateman, PhD - Senior Research Officer
Ms Jacqui Scott - PhD Student
Ms Maya Davies - PhD Student
Ms Katrina Cao - Masters Student
Ms Anna Li - Honours Student
Affiliates and collaborators:
Prof Joanne Bowen, Prof Rachel Gibson and Dr Janet Coller - Co-Heads of the Cancer Treatment Toxicities Group
Dr Ysabella Van Sebille - Digital Health Expert
Ms Courtney Subramanian - PhD Student
Ms Elise Crame - PhD Student
Ms Claire Vieyra - Honours Student
A/Prof Cedric Bardy - Neurophysiologist
Dr Sam Costello - BiomeBank
Matt Iasiello - PhD Student
Joep van der Agteren - Co-founder Be Well Co
Members of the Myeloma Research Laboratory
Members of the Mucositis Research Group (University Medical Centre Groningen) and Supportive Care Group (Princes Maxima Centre)
Prof Nicole Blijlevens and Dr Charlotte De Mooij - Radboud MC
RESEARCH PROJECTS
THE MICROBIOME AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO SIDE EFFECTS
This program of research aims to uncover the role of the microbiome in the aetiology of a range of side effects (diarrhea, infection, GvHD, cognitive impairment), and develop methods of supporting the microbiome to enhance the outcomes of cancer treatment. Currently we are investigating diet, faecal transplant and second-generation microbial therapeutics. Find out more here.
MODELLING THE BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER
People treated with chemotherapy often experience problems with memory and cognition, yet we have little to no understanding of how this occurs. In collaboration with A/Prof Bardy, we are working to model the protective lining of the brain (the blood brain barrier) to understand how cancer drugs change its integrity to expose the brain to damaging compounds in the body.
THE CANCAN TRIAL: USING MEDICINAL CANNABIS TO CONTROL SIDE EFFECTS
More than 80% of oncologists report that their patients ask for medicinal cannabis to control side effects of cancer treatment, yet <30% feel equipped to provide guidance on this topic. We are conducting a $1.5M clinical trial to deliver the evidence that is needed for patients and doctors to make the best decisions on how and when to use medicinal cannabis. Find out more here.
PROMOTING WELLBEING IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER
People with cancer are at a significantly higher risk of distress, depression and anxiety. This can be especially challenging at the end of active treatment, with many people feeling unsure about their transition back to "wellness". In collaboration with Be Well Co, we are testing a new training program to help women with breast cancer take charge of their wellbeing after cancer. Find out more.
GET IN TOUCH
Dr Hannah Wardill, PhD
School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide
Precision Medicine, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
@SuppOncRG | @hannahrwardill