Wednesday June 4, 2025
A groundbreaking research paper authored by Eastern Health Medical Oncologist Edmond Kwan, has been published in Nature Medicine, marking the second such publication for the Eastern Health Medical Oncology team this year.
This remarkable achievement highlights the clinical and academic excellence of the team but also underscores the commitment to advancing consumer care through precision oncology research.
“This paper represents more than just a publication; it’s the culmination of over a decade of mentorship, patient conversations, chance events and teamwork across continents. I still remember being a trainee with barely a clue what research was and feeling incredibly lucky just to be included.
“To now see this work recognised in Nature Medicine, feels like a full-circle moment. I’m deeply grateful to the mentors who championed me, the colleagues who carried this work forward and the patients who made it possible,” Dr Kwan said.
The study explores genomic biomarkers that can predict response to [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu–PSMA-617 , a newly established treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
By analysing cell-free DNA from 180 patients in the TheraP clinical trial, researchers discovered that low levels of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) prior to treatment predicted markedly better biochemical response and progression-free survival with [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu–PSMA-617.
“I’m most proud that this paper moves us closer to truly personalised care in advanced prostate cancer. We showed that a blood-based test, something far more accessible than a tissue biopsy or PET scan, can help predict which treatment is likely to work best for an individual patient.
“That’s a practical step forward in improving outcomes, reducing unnecessary side effects, and using our resources more wisely. It also reflects the trust patients placed in us and the years of collaborative work it took to get here,” Dr Kwan explained.
Read the paper here: www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03704-9