A new laser technology will allow for faster, safer and more precise treatment of kidney stones. Stories of generosity, innovation and discoveries from our Cabrini community.
In this edition of Healing & Hope you will read about how research in the Cabrini Department of Urology is being translated into clinical practice and enabling more patients to access the newest innovations in prostate cancer treatment.
You will learn about how the experience of one patient with breast cancer led her to donate funds for new equipment that is reducing the trauma associated with breast surgery.
40% of cancer patients experience anxiety, depression, or grief and loss. Since opening in 2021, the Cabrini Cancer Exercise & Wellness Centre is providing holistic exercise and wellness and psycho-social support, tailoring services and programs for each patient’s individual needs.
With the warmer months and the festival season fast approaching, we wish you and your loved ones good times and good health.
With gratitude,
Megan Potter
Megan and the Foundation team.
COVER IMAGE: Cabrini urologist David Dangerfield . Read more about his work and the need to raise funds for a Lumenis MOSES Holmium Laser on pages 4-5.
Transforming
SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES INTO CLINICAL IMPACT FOR MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with approximately 25,500 new cases in Australia each year.
Cabrini is one of the leading hospitals in Australia for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer*. At Cabrini, we treat 700 prostate cancer patients each year, representing 13% of all cases in Victoria.
Professor Mark Frydenberg AM, Head of Cabrini Department of Urology, said: “Together with my team of specialist researchers and in collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Research Group Lab at Monash University, our vision is to empower breakthroughs to improve the survival and quality of life for patients with prostate cancer.”
The Cabrini Research Urology team strives to: improve early detection and diagnostic accuracy
reduce the adverse side-effects of treatment expand treatment options, particularly for advanced prostate cancer reduce the need for invasive interventions, such as radical prostatectomy and provide personalised care for each individual patient.
A/Professor Weranja Ranasinghe, Cabrini Department of Urology was awarded the 2024 Auric Innovation Grant, made possible by donors Mrs Lee and Mr Brian Johnstone. A/P Ranasinghe aims to expand access to radioligand therapy for prostate cancer patients, allowing more patients to access the latest treatment methods.
“The complexity of prostate cancer tumours is a key contributor to why some treatments fail. To overcome this, the Cabrini Department of Urology established the MURAL Collection: a library of xenograft models that have been developed using tumour samples collected from patients treated at Cabrini. Capturing the broad biological diversity of prostate cancer, the MURAL Collection is a critical resource for both the Australian and global prostate cancer research landscape,” A/P Ranasinghe shared.
This program enables patients to access the newest innovations in prostate cancer treatment while also attracting leading specialist urologists to Cabrini, elevating the standard of care delivered to all patients.
This research is only possible with donations from far sighted donors who understand that investing in research now, pays off in the future.
*proven on the ANZ Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry
A/P Weranja Ranasighe with Prof Mark Frydenberg AM
precision, speed and safety PIECING TOGETHER
FOR CABRINI PATIENTS
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of experiencing kidney stones, you’ll know how painful they can be. You might remember feeling nauseous and throwing up, sweating through a fever or being unable to move due to their discomfort. And if you’ve ever had them removed, you’ll be familiar with the marked difference in your health and quality of life.
Excitingly, a new state-of-the-art laser – fully funded by our Cabrini community – will help our team of urologists to offer faster, safer and more precise treatments for patients with kidney stones.
Cabrini Urologist Mr David Dangerfield says the MOSES Holmium Laser will make a huge impact on a large number of people.
“Up to eight percent of Australians can get kidney stones. The pain is described as the most severe that a person can endure, and usually requires admission to hospital for treatment,” says David.
“We want to provide the best outcomes for our patients, and this new laser will allow us to do that.”
Kidney stones are mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. They can be really small – as tiny as a grain of sand – or as large as a golf ball. Pain comes when the stone dislodges and starts to move through the urinary tract.
Currently, many urologists like David use an older laser model to blast the stones apart. It’s a procedure that can take up to two hours. Once disintegrated, the ‘dust’ can pass through the body and be eliminated. Unfortunately, this technology often leaves fragments of stone, which can have adverse effects.
“The laser we have now, hits the kidney stone and fragments just go off everywhere. And then you have to try and clean them up and pull them out. That leads to higher retention of fragments and repeat procedures – which means a prolonged recovery for the patient.”
The MOSES Laser changes this by automatically adjusting its energy source to better fragment and clear stones with less complications. It’s the new gold standard for laser lithotripsy.
“People who are severely ill and in pain can be cured, and have their symptoms relieved quickly and efficiently,” says David. “Thanks to the wonderful support from our Cabrini community, we can make a huge impact on a large number of people who are ill from this common presentation.”
The MOSES Holmium Laser allows for improved efficiency, greater control and enhanced precision. Here’s how it’s superior:
Effective on any stone type, size and location
Easily targets hard-to-reach stones
To donate, scan this QR code or go to www.cabrinifoundation. com.au/ways-to-give/ current-appeal
20% reduction in procedure time
25% reduction in fragmentation time
Better control and higher precision
Reduces the number of repeat procedures
Enables faster recovery for patients
difference MAKING A TO THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE
There is something special about Cabrini. Keryn Connor knows this well, as Cabrini has been there for Keryn and her late husband Keith for the last 40 years. This was particularly true in 2019 when Keryn was told her breast cancer had come back for the third time. Shortly after this her husband Keith was diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer. As always, Cabrini was there for them every step of the way.
After Keith passed in 2022, Keryn decided she wanted to make a significant contribution to Cabrini to thank them for all they had done throughout both of their cancer journeys. Keryn wanted to make a difference to the experience that many cancer patients have during their treatment.
One procedure that Keryn experienced several times during her treatment was a surgical lumpectomy. To prepare for the surgery, a wire was inserted into her breast during a mammogram to locate the tumour during surgery. “As you can imagine, this is unpleasant and uncomfortable to say the least”, Keryn shared.
Earlier this year Keryn’s Cabrini Breast Surgeon, Dr Jennifer Senior OAM told her about the new ‘Sirius Pintuition Breast Navigation’ system that could improve this experience for breast cancer patients.
Thanks to Keryn’s support, Cabrini was able to purchase the ‘Pintuition’ equipment. Breast cancer patients can now have a magnetic seed
placed where their breast tumour is under ultrasound guidance, which is a much more comfortable experience than the previous method that Keryn experienced. Patients then undergo surgical removal of the tumour and the ‘Pintuition’ unit detects the location of the seed. The surrounding tumour tissue can then be removed with less incision, minimising loss of healthy tissue and scarring to the patient.
A recent Cabrini breast cancer patient confirmed just how much better the experience was with ‘Pintuition’: “I can’t thank supporters like Keryn enough, they really understand the difference that something like this can make in a patient's cancer journey.”
Keryn shared “I have donated in the past to the Cabrini Foundation but contributing to a specific machine that I know personally is reducing the trauma associated with breast surgery, gave me a very special satisfaction."
Keryn noted that “I did not expect any recognition when making this donation, it was just to thank the hospital and staff for all their care. I will continue to contribute when I can to specific requests as I found this very rewarding. I urge others to try it.”
We are incredibly grateful for the difference that Keryn has made to breast cancer patients now and into the future.
MUM’S JOURNEY
GLOBAL BREAST CANCER
helps rewrite
Kylie Pardo was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2017 at the age of 33. Her journey began when she discovered a lump in her breast, and was swiftly referred to Cabrini breast surgeon, Dr Jennifer Senior OAM. The young mum was introduced to the possibility of participating in a clinical trial. Dr Senior referred Kylie to oncologist and cancer genetics specialist Associate Professor Yoland Antill, who led the Keynote 522 clinical trial at Cabrini.
The groundbreaking study has since changed the standard of care for women worldwide with stage 2 or 3 triple-negative breast cancer. As Professor Antill explains, “Keynote 522 is the addition of pembrolizumab, which is immune therapy, to chemotherapy for women with stage 2 or stage 3, who have high-risk, triple-negative breast cancer.”
The trial involved 1174 patients globally, and Kylie’s fit with the trial’s eligibility criteria saw her enthusiastically became one of these participants.
The trial represented a significant leap forward in breast cancer treatment.
TREATMENT
A crucial aspect of Kylie’s story is her ability to have children post-treatment. Before starting chemotherapy, she underwent egg harvesting as a precautionary measure. However, three years after completing her cancer treatment, Kylie was able to conceive naturally. She gave birth to her third child, who is now 3.5 years old.
Reflecting on her experience, Kylie expresses pride and satisfaction in her participation, “I feel like I have made a difference along with everyone else who participated.” She highlights the importance of clinical research, “Science is there for a reason. And if you’re in the position to get on a trial and help yourself but help many other people, you have to have a go.”
Kylie’s case highlights the potential benefits of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatments. Her successful treatment and subsequent ability to expand her family serve as hope for other breast cancer patients.
Thank you to our generous Cabrini Foundation donors, whose invaluable support makes these life-changing trials possible. You truly make a difference, enabling Cabrini to advance medical research and improve patient care.
Forever
LIVING AND GIVING
Ten years ago, on 29 October 2014, mother-of-three Elian Elana Rotenberg finally succumbed to stomach cancer while under the care of Cabrini Palliative Care. Her life had been characterised by open-heartedness and she lived by her motto: forever living and giving.
The Rotenberg family continues to support Cabrini Palliative and Supportive Care, and in loving memory of their beautiful mother, her sons Rotem, Nimrod and Dean ran 100km to raise funds to commemorate this 10 year anniversary.
In the words of her son Rotem:
“My mother lived her life looking after others – she was a generous, warm-hearted woman, compassionate listener and confidante. I wanted to give back to the people who had looked after her – Cabrini’s people supported her and supported our family so well. Doctors, nurses, everyone was always ready to listen to and discuss our worries. They were so attuned to her needs and ours.”
From everyone here at Cabrini, we are sincerely grateful for your ongoing support. Elian’s legacy will ensure that other families who go through Palliative Care are looked after as well as she was.
Thank you
SZALMUK FAMILY
20 YEARS OF GIVING
On behalf of the Board of Cabrini Health and Cabrini Foundation, we sincerely thank the George, Mira, Anne, Simone and Geoff Szalmuk family for their exceptional generosity and loyalty over the last 20 years.
The family’s belief in the importance of medical research saw the creation of The Szalmuk Family Department of Medical Oncology at the Cabrini Institute in 2003, and later the Szalmuk Family Psycho-Oncology Research Unit. Cabrini cancer patients began to be treated in the George and Mira Szalmuk Oncology ward. And today, patients are cared for on the George and Mira Szalmuk Oncology and Haematology Floor at Cabrini Malvern.
Thank you to the entire Szalmuk family for your wonderful support and ongoing belief in the mission of Cabrini Health. Together we ensure Cabrini can continue to provide quality, compassionate care and empower breakthroughs in medical research, for future generations.
2018-2027
Family commits to support Level 5 in the new West Wing, which opened in 2019 the ‘George and Mira Szalmuk Oncology and Haematology Floor’
2011
Sadly, George passes
2008-2017
Family supports the Cabrini Psycho-Oncology Unit at the new Patricia Peck Education and Research Precinct located at 154 Wattletree Road, the ‘Szalmuk Family Psycho-Oncology Research Unit’
2004
Sadly, Mira passes
Family supports the Cabrini Oncology ward the ‘George and Mira Szalmuk Oncology and Haematology Floor’
2003-2007
Family supports the Cabrini Oncology ward, ‘George and Mira Szalmuk’
A holistic approach TO CANCER CARE
Cabrini is a leader in comprehensive cancer care.
We operate one of only two fully integrated cancer services in Victoria. Patients are cared for through the entire cancer journey in one location – diagnostics (CT scanning, MRI, PET scanning, interventional radiology) surgery, radiation oncology and chemotherapy, immunotherapy, pastoral care, exercise and wellness programs and palliative and supportive care.
The Cancer Exercise & Wellness Centre opened in April 2021 to support patients before, during and after their cancer treatment. The Centre takes a holistic approach to exercise and wellness, tailoring services and programs for each patient’s individual needs.
Overseen by Wellness Coordinator, Angela Jones, the impact for patients is meaningful.
“We offer a lot of hope here at the Centre by focussing on both patients’ physical and mental wellbeing. Through education, early intervention, prevention and rehabilitation streams, our programs work together to improve patient outcomes.
We seek to help patients with emotional distress - 40% of cancer patients suffer from anxiety, depression, grief and loss,” says Angela.
The Centre also serves as a research hub, investigating the positive benefits of exercise as an important part of treating cancer, and trialling new approaches to improve the overall wellbeing for cancer patients. This can lead to more personalised treatments and drive improvements in the quality of care provided.
Exercise during cancer treatment has been shown to: reduce fatigue increase strength improve quality of life and enhance post-operative recovery.
We also provide psycho-social support in: managing the physical & emotional changes after cancer treatment adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours returning to work managing the financial impacts of cancer strategies that assist with supported
FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW…
At Cabrini, the generosity of those who leave a gift in their Will has a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Gifts in Wills are one of the most meaningful ways to support our mission and ensure that the values of compassion, care, and community continue for generations to come.
When you leave a bequest to Cabrini, you're not just making a donation; you’re creating a legacy. Every single gift – no matter the size – makes an impact that ensures Cabrini can continue to deliver life-changing services for people who need it the most.
This year we created the Cabrini Society, as a way to say a huge, heartfelt thank you. Not only do members receive a commemorative pin, but they also receive exclusive updates and invitations to events including the annual Morning Tea and end of year lunch. These events are hosted by our Chief Executive and Chairman so they can personally convey their thanks.
We are deeply grateful to those who have made this extraordinary commitment and invite others to consider joining them in shaping Cabrini’s future through a gift in their Will.
Thank you to founding donors Rodney and Ann Smorgon for your continued support of the Cabrini Cancer Exercise & Wellness Centre.
If you’d like to know more about leaving a gift in your Will or have any questions, contact Cabrini Foundation on 9508 1380.
YOU CAN SHOW YOUR TO CABRINI
gratitude
At Cabrini Foundation, we create ways for patients, their families and our community to connect and show gratitude, enabling Cabrini to continue providing exceptional care for patients, now and in the future.
We treasure sharing your moments of gratitude to help raise the essential funds that purchase live-saving medical equipment, empower breakthroughs in research and develop our staff and hospital facilities.
With no government funding, we can only do this with you: your gift ensures Cabrini is there for you and your family, when you need us most. You can partner with us to ensure your loved one’s memory lives on and celebrate your milestones of joy.
Gifts in Memory
Honour a loved one who has passed by making a donation to Cabrini Foundation. This is a beautiful way to honour someone’s life and keep their legacy alive.
Create an online memory page as a tribute to honour your loved one, and ask family and friends to donate to Cabrini in lieu of floral tributes.
www.cabrinifoundation. com.au/inmemory
Gifts in Celebration
Celebrate your milestone by inviting guests to donate to Cabrini Foundation in lieu of gifts.
Create an online celebration page to mark a milestone birthday, anniversary or wedding.
www.cabrinifoundation. com.au/incelebration
Fundraise for us
Create your own fundraising page and invite friends to donate to Cabrini Foundation.
Support Cabrini by creating a fundraiser – host an event, run a marathon, fundraise at work – do it your way.
www.cabrinifoundation. com.au/fundraise
To find out more, please call our friendly Foundation team on (03) 9508 1380 or email foundation@cabrini.com.au
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