The MOCI group consists of medical, scientific, operational and support staff working to advance the groups three primary aims:

  • To deliver cutting-edge clinically impactful genomic testing to Epworth patients
  • To perform translational, investigator-initiated research in the fields of genomics and cancer immunology
  • To provide a support service in the areas of study design and translational genomics to Epworth colleagues performing clinical research

Key activities

MOCI Investigator-initiated genomic research

  • MOCI Biobank – The collection of patient samples (blood and tissue) and clinical information for use by future researchers
  • Lymphoma ctDNA collaboration – Observational trial to monitor ctDNA of Epworth lymphoma patients in development. Funding for real-time patient testing
  • Myelofibrosis (MF) Fellowship – Interventional trial for Epworth MF patients in development. Funding for real-time and exploratory genomics

Support for Investigator-initiated studies for other Epworth Clinicians, Scientists and VMOs

  • Assist with study set-up and management, as well as facilitate the genomic aspects of trials

Ongoing projects:

  • Circulating Tumour DNA in Endometrial Cancer (CODEC)
  • Circulating Tumour DNA as a Marker of Residual Disease and Response to Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage I-IV Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneal Cancer (EOC)
  • Accuracy and clinical utility of genomic profiling using next generation sequencing of thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples
  • Using ctDNA to monitor response to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer

Service genomics for current Epworth patients

  • Haematology and solid organ malignancy samples tested at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Key partnerships

  • Molecular Haematology Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
  • Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
  • Cancer Research laboratory, The University of Melbourne
  • Victorian Pancreatic Cancer Biobank
  • Victorian Cancer Biobank, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Team

  • Prof. Miles Prince, Medical Director
  • Dr Costas Yannakou, Deputy Medical Director
  • Dr Nicole Brooks, Research Program Manager
  • Dr Caitlyn Nguyen-Ngo, Clinical Study Coordinator
  • Dr Emma Petley, Clinical Study Coordinator
  • Dr Indu Raman, Research Fellow
  • Charmaine Tan, Clinical Research Assistant

For further information:

Website: epworth.org.au/bloodcancer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03 9426 0555