From Discovery to the Clinic: BTRSA 3rd Annual Symposium
Brain Tumour Research SA (BTRSA) hosted its 3rd Annual Symposium, bringing together over 70 experts.
On Sunday, 18th August 2025, Brain Tumour Research SA (BTRSA) hosted its 3rd Annual Symposium, bringing together over 70 experts—including clinicians, researchers, and advocates—to accelerate discoveries from the laboratory into clinical trials and improve outcomes for brain tumour patients in South Australia.
This year’s theme, “From Discovery Science to the Clinic”, featured 15 presentations highlighting South Australia’s growing trial capacity and national research impact. Scientific highlights included refinements in CAR-T cell therapy for glioma, novel molecular approaches to target tumour-specific genetic changes, and advances in tumour biobanking that capture tumour heterogeneity. Presentations also showcased imaging innovations for non-invasive biomarker detection and progress in paediatric brain tumour models, reinforcing the state’s ability to translate research into meaningful clinical outcomes.
Keynote speakers A/Prof Eng-Siew Koh and A/Prof Hui Gan emphasised the importance of building sustainable trial infrastructure, embedding biomarkers and imaging into study design, and strengthening collaborations to ensure patients benefit sooner from scientific advances. Beyond the formal sessions, informal discussions between scientists, clinicians, and advocates highlighted the value of collaboration, idea-sharing, and mentorship in driving South Australia’s brain tumour research forward.
The day closed with a strong sense of momentum and collective commitment to transforming the state’s research strengths into real-world impact for patients. The 2025 BTRSA Symposium was proudly supported by Jones Radiology, ICON Cancer Centre, Servier, and Radiology SA.
