Prof Simon Harrison
Professor Simon Harrison, a haematologist in the Myeloma team at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has been appointed as incoming Chair of Australia’s Myeloma Scientific & Advisory Group (MSAG).
Professor Harrison, who is Director of the Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy at the Peter Mac, takes over the Chair role from Professor Miles Prince who is stepping down after more than a decade as MSAG Chair. Professor Prince will continue as a MSAG member and remains on the Board of Myeloma Australia.
Associate Professor Hang Quach, from St Vincent’s Hospital, is incoming MSAG Deputy Chair.
MSAG is the peak medical and scientific body convened to collaborate and facilitate scientific advances and medical care in myeloma.
It was established in 2006 as a sub-committee of the Board of Myeloma Australia, and it now has 24 members from States and Territories and has expanded to include members from New Zealand
As peak body for myeloma clinical issues, MSAG’s role is to facilitate research and investigator collaboration, liaise with industry with respect to new treatments and clinical trials, and to develop myeloma treatment guidelines for Australia and New Zealand
MSAG also hold scientific meetings, including international collaborators, to further myeloma research and treatment
Professor Harrison is also Director of Clinical Apheresis at Peter Mac, and a clinician scientist in the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology in Melbourne University.
His clinical research interest is focused in the field of multiple myeloma examining novel therapies including novel drug combinations, early phase clinical trial design and the incorporation of novel biomarkers into clinical protocols and cellular therapy.
His laboratory team is working on the immunopathology of multiple myeloma, the impact of novel drug combinations and immune therapies. He is also collaborating on the development of POL1 inhibitors in combination with other novel drugs to target ribosome biogenesis.
Myeloma Australia chief executive Steve Roach thanked Professor Prince for his drive and dedication over the years, and congratulated Professors Harrison and Quach on their appointments.