CHAIR AND CEO REPORT

Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) has undertaken a number of projects in the last 12 months and it’s hard to believe that another year has gone by. We wholeheartedly thank our staff in the Newcastle head office and those who work remotely, and our researchers across Australia and New Zealand, who have worked tirelessly in their respective fields to support our multicentre clinical trials research program.

Since 1978, BCT’s research has contributed to improved treatments and lives saved for those affected by breast cancer. While we still have a long way to go, our commitment to conducting the highest quality clinical trials that improves outcomes for those diagnosed and at risk of breast cancer, is unwavering. In fact, as this report demonstrates, we have ambitiously set our sites high for the next few years and have laid the foundations for some very exciting times ahead.

During the reporting period we launched our 2022-2026 Research Strategy, which identifies key priority areas of research that are likely to make the greatest impact to people affected by breast cancer. The strategy ensures that our resources and the expertise of our research community are used optimally and that we can proactively respond and adapt to future research opportunities and needs. The plan has four key themes which promote conducting trials in the areas of greatest need, broad collaboration, enhancing clinical trial participation, and learning the most from every trial we conduct.

We are also investing in BCT’s future and our community, by integrating ESG (environmental, social and governance) activities into our company reporting and our core strategic goals. Our ESG Framework recognises the importance of ESG in a modern workplace and helps define our clear expectations and standards that we as an organisation hold ourselves accountable for. The ongoing development of an ESG plan enhances our reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking and proactive organisation, that is committed to the principles of an ESG framework and making a positive impact within our community.

Of course our current research program and future plans would not be possible if it weren’t for the thousands of supporters who generously help fund our clinical trials research program. Many supporters have first-hand experience of breast cancer either personally or they or know or care for someone who has been impacted by this disease and we thank them for their commitment to changing the future for others. We offer our sincere condolences to those who have lost a loved one to breast cancer during this past year, and acknowledge our supporters who generously left a gift in their Will during this period.

Due to our strong financial position, BCT was able to fund a deficit this financial year of $4.5m, which was caused by increased research expenditure and fluctuations in financial markets. Research expenditure is currently increasing in line with the medium-term goal of 10% per annum and consequently, BCT is investigating opportunities to invest further in fundraising to meet future increases in our research program.

Research results were published and announced for several clinical trials this year. Primary results for the PROSPECT clinical trial showed that the use of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to breast surgery may be able to identify patients with a very low risk of breast cancer recurrence who can safely avoid radiotherapy. While primary results of the CHARIOT study found that the addition of dual immunotherapy treatment to standard chemotherapy have shown promising results in patients with treatment resistant, early-stage triple negative breast cancer.

The Breast MRI Evaluation Study, which is examining how having a breast MRI after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer might change treatment plans and improve outcomes for patients, closed to recruitment in the reporting period. We look forward to the results of this trial in the near future. Meanwhile, a new study called TUGETHER opened earlier this year and is exploring a new treatment option for patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.

In the second year of our Clinical Fellowships program, two new fellowships were awarded and three fellowships from the inaugural year were provided a further 12 months funding. This program is aimed at early career researchers with qualifications in the disciplines of medical oncology, pathology, psychology and other supportive care specialties, radiation oncology, radiology and surgery. We also started a new International Fellowship program to support junior research clinicians who have secured an international fellowship, where they can gain experience relevant to the work of BCT. Both of these programs are an investment in the next generation of researchers and new ideas.

The enthusiasm from our members to reconnect at in-person events, was clearly evident at our 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne. Put simply, this was the largest ASM we have ever had. We introduced new activities in the program, including a Trainee Workshop, Abstracts and Debates. Our international guest speakers were Professor Charlotte Coles (UK), Professor Laura Esserman (USA), Professor Hiroji Iwata (JAPAN) and Professor Ann Partridge (US), who contributed to a stellar line up of esteemed and engaging speakers on the theme of breast cancer in young women.

BCT has long been known as having the best and brightest minds involved in our research program and this is reflected in our leadership team. Dr Sheridan Wilson was elected to the Board of Directors during the reporting period and is a Medical Oncologist at Auckland City Hospital in New Zealand. Dr Nicholas Zdenkowski was appointed to the position of Chair of the Scientific Advisory Panel and is a Medical Oncologist and Visiting Medical Officer at Maitland Private Hospital and Lake Macquarie Private Hospital in Australia. Dr Sarah Zardawi was appointed to a new Clinical Fellow position in the BCT head office.

We sadly farewelled Sheryl Fewster and Jennifer Bryce who passed away during the reporting period and were members of our Consumer Advisory Panel. Sheryl and Jennifer were tireless champions for improved treatments, services and outcomes for all women diagnosed with breast cancer and they will be greatly missed.

In 2022 we reflected on our achievements as a research organisation, with the launch of an independent study into our impact. Queensland University of Technology’s Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies examined the impact of BCT’s research since our formation, uncovering that our organisation has affected not just outcomes for breast cancer patients, but also delivered tangible and significant health and social benefits to the community, educated the public about clinical trials and the value of participating in this research, and empowered doctors in the treatment of their patients.

The Impact Report found that our research program over the last four decades has helped provide evidence that guides today’s treatments, has improved patient quality of life and has saved lives.

The report demonstrates that Breast Cancer Trials is not only a leading charity research organisation that has made significant contributions to breast cancer survival rates, but we also have the clinical trial framework in place to further advance scientific research into improved treatments and outcomes for those diagnosed with breast cancer.

Finally, as part of our Research Strategy the Board agreed to expand our research program over the next 5-10 years, so that more could be achieved for all those impacted by breast cancer. This will be an investment in our future whilst growing our capacity to undertake more research and more trials. So, plenty of exciting times ahead for the organisation.