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Surveillance Study in Multi-organ Cancer Prone Syndromes (SMOC+) Trial

The Surveillance Study in Multi-organ Cancer Prone Syndromes (SMOC+) Trial resides in the Genetic Cancer Risk branch of the Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Program, led by Professor David Thomas and Dr Mandy Ballinger at The Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney

The Surveillance Study in Multi-organ Cancer Prone Syndromes (SMOC+) Trial is a longitudinal study investigating annual whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other early-detection diagnostic procedures, in individuals with a pathogenic gene fault (mutation) known to be associated with a high risk of developing multiple cancer types. Patient recruitment to this trial initially commenced through the Peter MacCallum Familial Cancer Centre in 2012, with additional sites across Australia now recruiting.

In late 2022, the Australian Medical Services Advisory Committee approved a new Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) item number to fund annual whole-body MRIs in individuals with a pathogenic mutation in the TP53 gene, also known as Li Fraumeni Syndrome. This was awarded based on data acquired through the SMOC+ Trial at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and other participating sites over the past decade. This MBS item number was brought into effect in March 2023, allowing greater access to imperative early-detection cancer surveillance for individuals with Li Fraumeni Syndrome across Australia.

For further information regarding the Surveillance Study in Multi-organ Cancer Prone Syndromes (SMOC+) Trial at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, including inclusion/exclusion criteria and patient referrals, please contact the Victorian Trial Coordinator.

Funding 

Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Program

Victorian SMOC+ Trial Chair

Professor Paul James

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Principal Investigator 

Associate Professor Alison Trainer

Contact details 

Ms Elisa Cops, Victorian SMOC+ Trial Coordinator

  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Phone: (03) 8559 5327 / (03) 8559 5322

Project group 

Familial Cancer Research Centre 

Project status 

Ongoing 

Links 

Publicationd and presentations

  • Long-term clinical and psychosocial outcomes of surveillance in Li Fraumeni syndrome. Zaheed M, Napier C, Cops E, Ferris N, Moodie K, Milner B, Moses D, Poplawski N, Dow E, Harris M, Tucker K, Trainer A, James P, Thomas D, Ballinger M. 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (poster presentation). Chicago, Illinois USA.
  • Longitudinal quantitative psychosocial assessment of Whole-Body MRI screening program. Zaheed M, Napier C, Cops E, Ferris N, Moodie K, Milner B, Moses D, Poplawski N, Dow E, Harris M, Tucker K, Trainer A, James P, Thomas D, Ballinger M. 2022 Familial Aspects of Cancer Research and Practice Meeting (oral presentation). Kingscliff NSW, Australia
  • Psychosocial morbidity in TP53 mutation carriers: is whole-body cancer screening beneficial? McBride KA, Ballinger ML, Schlub TE, Young MA, Tattersall, MH, Kirk J, Eeles, R, Killick E, Walker LG, Shanley S, Thomas DM, Mitchell G. Familial Cancer 2017; 16(3):423-432
  • Surveillance recommendations for patients with germline TP53 mutations. Ballinger ML, Mitchell G, Thomas DM. Current Opinion in Oncology 2015;27(4):332-7

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