CELEBRATING A/PROF DUSAN KOTASEK

In early 2023 we bid a bittersweet farewell to A/Prof Dusan Kotasek who announced his retirement. Dusan dedicated his life to the field of oncology and research and his over 30-year career leaves a lasting impact on those he has worked with and cared for.

Advocating for more research

Dusan alongside his colleague, Dr Francis Parnis founded the Adelaide Cancer Centre (ACC) and Ashford Cancer Centre Research (ACCR) in 1995. At that time cancer services were virtually all centralised in large public hospitals and Dusan and Francis saw a need to provide greater access to cancer care and clinical trials within the private setting.

For Dusan, clinical trials are an essential component of providing the best possible cancer care and his advocacy for clinical research saw no bounds.

In 1997 the team embarked on their first clinical trial involving the use of a novel antiemetic oral medication for the prevention of chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting. Since that time, ACCR grew from strength to strength and by the early 2000s the group had six clinicians and four research professionals, and today has 23 clinicians and 18 research professionals.

Phase I trials became a major focus of the team which brought further partnerships and increased access to new and emerging treatments. Today, over 70% of the group’s Adelaide trials are Phase I.

In late 2020 ACC and ACCR became part of Icon Group. This was a natural next step in building capacity in South Australia and bringing together the two organisations shared values. For Dusan this evolution would bring a new level of growth and sustainability and ultimately provide greater opportunity for all patients through access to the latest research and clinical trials.

The addition of ACCR doubled Icon Group’s research capacity and it is thanks to Dusan’s vision and dedication that Icon’s South Australia cancer centres remain a leading and respected centre for research. South Australia is a growing hub for clinical trials and often leads the way in trial recruitment across national and international trials. Dusan has played a significant part in the region’s healthcare landscape and his counsel, knowledge and dedication to research and oncology will be missed.

A career in care

Throughout his career, he has been a pioneer in the development of new cancer treatments and has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his patients. His compassion, empathy and understanding of the unique challenges faced by cancer patients has made him a trusted figure among his colleagues, patients, and their families.

After retiring from clinical practice, Dusan continued to play an active part in research and has been author of over 60 publications and 80 abstracts. His expertise in oncology has earned him several accolades and achievements and his contribution to the medical community will continue to make a lasting impact.

As he embarks on this new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude and warm wishes to Dusan and thank him for his remarkable service.