Lydia Tamblyn is the Site Manager at Icon Cancer Centre, Windsor Gardens in South Australia. Lydia commenced her career as a radiation therapist and has taken on different roles in cancer care over the years, leading to her leadership role and love of research.
My career has primarily focused on clinical radiotherapy, but my passion for research has always been a driving force. I have a deep need to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind the treatments I provide, which continually pushes me to explore ways to enhance our clinical practice. While some might relax with a novel, I’m more likely to dive into research journals as they keep me inspired and ensure I remain at the forefront of advancements in the field.
My passion for research has led me to attend the TROG Cancer Research conferences regularly over the years. Co-convening the TROG 2023 conference in Adelaide was a true honour.
Now, thanks to the support of the Icon Cancer Foundation, I have the opportunity to conduct my own research. It represents not just a professional milestone, but also a personal fulfillment of my long-standing passion for research.
The study I am working on is about collecting Australian data on the efficacy of low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) on reducing pain in patients suffering with osteoarthritis. We want to see if radiation therapy can reduce pain and improve how well patients’ joints work, giving them a new way to manage their osteoarthritis without needing surgery or taking medications long-term.
This research will also contribute to the growing body of real-world evidence, helping us understand how these therapies perform outside the controlled environment of clinical trials.
Osteoarthritis can be very tough to live with, so finding new ways to treat it is crucial.
While this project is starting on a smaller scale, focusing on Windsor Gardens and Noarlunga in South Australia, the potential for it to grow into a multicentre, multinational registry is significant.
By collaborating with other centres, we can pool resources, share insights, and gather a more diverse and comprehensive dataset.
To a potential donor considering supporting research, I would say that your contribution can truly make a difference in the lives of countless patients.
Securing funding for research is often a challenging process, yet the value of what we uncover through this work is truly priceless. It leads to better treatments, improved patient outcomes, and ultimately, a higher quality of care.
It’s through donations that Icon can support independent research conducted by its network of dedicated doctors and healthcare professionals. Their contribution directly fuels innovation and progress, helping us turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world treatments that can make a difference in countless lives.
Find more information about Lydia’s research here New studies on compression therapy and osteoarthritis treatment – Icon Cancer Foundation
