The Central Coast Cancer Centre is playing a lead role in a globally world-leading cancer research study exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of radiotherapy to target liver tumours for better patient outcomes.
The Gosford-based centre is the lead liver cancer site for the trial that is exploring how ground-breaking technology will remove the need for invasive surgical procedures, making treatment safer and more comfortable for liver cancer patients.
Cancer clinical trials bring hope through new treatments. The Minns Labor Government invests $5 million a year via the Cancer Institute NSW to strengthen clinical trial sites across the state, such as the Central Coast Cancer Centre.
Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer in Australia each year, making up 2 per cent of all new cancer cases.
Led by the University of Sydney’s Image X Institute, the trial involves Central Coast-based liver cancer patients receiving treatment while AI technology tracks the movement of their tumour in real time.
Current treatment practices involve surgically implanting seeds into the liver to assist with locating the tumour as it moves while the patient breathes, an invasive procedure that can cause side-effects for the patient.
The AI tool uses X-ray imaging to map the tumour’s location and is then able to track the tumour with a high precision of accuracy without the need for surgical intervention.
Minister for Medical Research and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
“It is fantastic the Central Coast Cancer Centre is playing a leading role in this ground‑breaking trial that is placing our region at the forefront of global cancer innovation.
“Liver cancer is the fastest growing cause of cancer death in Australia and this pioneering research will ultimately deliver better, safer cancer care for patients right across Australia.
“Having this trial on the Coast is testament to the exceptional expertise of our local clinicians and researchers, and the strong research culture within the Central Coast Local Health District.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:
“It’s great to see our excellent Central Coast Cancer Centre play a lead role in this pioneering national cancer trial.
“This trial sends a clear message – that world‑class medical research isn’t just happening in capital cities; it’s happening right here on the Central Coast.
“It is exciting to see if artificial intelligence can make treatment safer, more accurate and less invasive for patients.
“Importantly, the study is recruiting local patients, giving people in our community the opportunity to be part of research that could shape the future of cancer treatment.”
Central Coast Local Health District Lead Research Medical Physicist, Dr Ben Zwan said:
“I am proud the Central Coast Cancer Centre is the lead clinical site for liver radiotherapy in this trial which will play a key role in developing and implementing the innovative AI technology.
“The liver moves when we breathe and we need to account for this movement during radiation treatment so that the beams of radiation continue to target the tumour.
“The AI tool uses X-ray imaging to map the tumour’s location and is then able to track the tumour with a high degree of precision and without the need for any surgical intervention.
“Early results are very promising. While we are currently using the tool in a non-interventional setting, we are hoping that this research evolves to a stage where the AI will indicate when we need to intervene in the radiotherapy delivery, and even automatically deliver the intervention itself.”
Central Coast Cancer Centre, Director of Medical Physics, Christopher Lee said:
“CCLHD’s involvement in the trial is testament to the skills and dedication of the research team.
“We are thrilled to be one of the first research centres in the world to implement this AI tool and it absolutely reflects the expertise and talent of our local team and demonstrates research breakthroughs can start right here on the Central Coast.
“Our ultimate goal is to make radiation therapy more effective and that’s good news for our community here on the Central Coast and more broadly, for all people diagnosed with liver cancer, wherever they live.”
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