Current Research

Research Project Program
Cancer during adolescence and early adult life is one of the most under researched areas within oncology. Assumptions about the best way to manage the care of the AYA patient are based on studies conducted with other age groups and are not appropriately targeted towards the specific needs of the AYA population. This practice is assumed to be contributing the issues associated with this age group. Addressing this practice is one of the central goals of onTrac@PeterMac.

Over the past 5 years, the onTrac@PeterMac has become a world leader in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) evidence-based cancer research. The team have developed and implemented a number of world-first studies both collaboratively and independently which will be able to inform both National and International AYA care. Below are some of the current studies being lead by onTrac@PeterMac ans studies which the Service is participating in. Contact details of team members are available for further discussion.

Cross disciplinary study of pharmalogic factors affecting cancer outcomes in Adolescents & Young Adults.
Contact: A/Professor David Thomas & Dr Lisa Orme
Funding Source: Victorian Cancer Agency

Initiation of a multi-site study: ASSG05 International adolescent & young adult sarcoma meta-analysis
Contact: A/Professor David Thomas
Funding Source: Lance Armstrong Foundation

Epidemiologic research into factors affecting the survival of over 14,000 Australian AYA’s living with cancer
Contact: A/Professor David Thomas & Dr Ken Khamly

An Exploratory Study into Oncology Specialists Perceptions of the Healthcare Preferences of Young People Living with Cancer
Contact: Kate Thompson, A/P David Thomas & Gavin Dyson

A Longitudinal study investigating the psychosocial impact of cancer on the adolescent & young adult cancer population
Contact: Kate Thompson

Building Cancer Support groups: A facilitated peer and education based support group for adolescent and young adults living with cancer
Contact: Kate Thompson
Funding Source: Cancer Australia

The Development of an Adolescent & Young Adult patient diary
Contact: Kate Thompson
Funding Source: Cancer Council Victoria

The relevance of music for adolescents and young adults (15-25 years) diagnosed with cancer.
Contact: Kate Thompson

An Investigation into the Learning of student s absent from school for prolonged periods due to chronic illness, but connected to their school studies with Information & Communication Technologies,
Contact: Nicole Edwards

Improving Palliative Care Services for AYA's living with cancer:
Contact A/Professor David Thomas
Funding Source: Department of Health & Ageing

The impact of social stressors on the family caregivers of young adults with a diagnosis of sarcoma
Contact: Kate Thompson & A/Professor Lynette Joubert

Adjustment in adolescents and young adults with a diagnosis of cancer and their parents.
Contact: Felicity Sleeman, Gavin Dyson & Lucy Holland