Farewell Dr. Elizabeth Smyth!

Dr. Elizabeth Smyth joined the ranks of Blood Cancer Research WA in August 2021. Over her 18 months tenure, Dr. Smyth made significant contributions by relieving the workload of Dr. Katharine Lewis, who was our sole fellow at that time. This workload distribution alleviated both Professor Cheah and Dr. Lewis, allowing them to focus on their respective responsibilities while concurrently leading patient enrolment initiatives and the introduction of innovative clinical trials in Western Australia. Dr. Smyth played an instrumental role in this endeavour, contributing to the enrolment of over 100 participants and coordination of more than 30 clinical trials across both Linear Clinical Research and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

Left to Right: Prof. Chan Cheah, Dr. Joleen Choy, Dr. Katharine Lewis, Dr. Elizabeth Smyth, Dr. Paulina Hillebrand, Dr. Ross Salvaris

Dr. Smyth’s impactful presence at BCRWA was highlighted by her authorship of two distinguished publications featured in renowned journals: “Cancer Treatment Review” and “Journal of Clinical Oncology.” Dr. Smyth substantial contributions extended further into her assistance in development of the protocol for the ground-breaking ‘homegrown’ clinical trial, GoldiLOX, set to commence this October. Her rigorous research pursuits have undeniably enriched our collective understanding of haematology and cancer treatment.

As Dr. Smyth’s journey with us ends, she prepares to return to Dublin, Ireland, having successfully fulfilled her mission at Blood Cancer Research WA. Dr. Smyth is determined to leverage the insights and expertise she has acquired during her time with Blood Cancer Research WA to replicate the accomplishments of our organisation, aspiring to establish a similar centre of excellence in Ireland. Her commitment extends to fostering ongoing communication and advocating for colleagues to partake in our fellowship program in the future.

Thank you for your contributions Dr. Smyth, we wish you all the best!

Prof. Chan Cheah & Dr. Elizabeth Smyth

Publications

Management of indolent B-cell Lymphomas: A review of approved and emerging targeted therapies.

Smyth E, Cheah CY, Seymour JF.Cancer Treat Rev. 2023 Feb;113:102510. doi: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102510. Epub 2023 Jan 5.PMID: 36634434 Review.

Emerging Therapies for the Management of Richter Transformation.

Smyth E, Eyre TA, Cheah CY.J Clin Oncol. 2023 Jan 10;41(2):395-409. doi: 10.1200/JCO.22.01028. Epub 2022 Sep 21.PMID: 36130148 Review.