Wanaka shared its best scenery with a special group of national and international visitors in March. The 2019 Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Consensus Clinical Guidelines Meeting had a wide variety of attendees, including scientists, doctors, genetic counsellors, and family members directly affected by hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC).
Attendees discussed many different topics. Family members described their experiences with HDGC and the impact that the current treatment of total prophylactic gastrectomy (complete removal of the stomach) has had on their lives. Clinicians described their experiences treating patients and the issues they have observed in the clinic. Scientists described their recent research towards helping these patients.
Groups reported back for wider discussion on changes to be made to clinical guidelines.
Otago Biochemistry's Prof Parry Guilford organised the meeting, ensuring that everyone also enjoyed the beautiful setting of Wanaka, including a very casual kiwi BBQ on the waterfront of Lake Wanaka, a half-day trip to Mou Waho Island on Lake Wanaka, and a dinner at the Rippon Vineyard overlooking the lake.
Tom Brew, who is studying for his PhD with Prof Guilford, really appreciated the opportunity to talk with the different groups of people. “It was amazing to be a part of this, as these discussions will literally change how patients are handled and improve their survival/quality of life” he said.
Other members of the Cancer Research Lab also attended, including Nicola Bougen-Zhukova, Tanis Godwin, Emily Schulpen, and Yasmin Nouri.