Oncology

Medical Oncology

Our Medical Oncologists are dedicated to delivering patient-centred, evidence-based and compassionate care across a wide range of cancer types.

We work within a collaborative multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment and support. Our team delivers anti-cancer therapies - including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatments – tailored to each patient’s individual needs. We hold regular multidisciplinary meetings with our surgical and radiation oncology colleagues as a part of holistic and multidisciplinary care. There are strong collaborations between the oncology, haematology, specialist surgical, palliative care, radiation oncology (Genesis Care) and psycho-oncology departments within the hospital.

We are committed to advancing cancer care through clinical research. Our Medical Oncology Clinical Trials Unit provides access to innovative clinical trials for various cancers. We ensure that every patient has the opportunity to benefit from emerging therapies and contribute to the future of cancer treatment.

St Vincent’s Hospital is an alliance member of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and we are strongly affiliated with the University of Melbourne in its research and teaching activities. The Department has an active clinical research program and employs several clinical trials co-ordinators, data managers and higher degree (MD and PhD) students.

We have a strong focus on optimising the patient experience alongside clinical outcomes. Wherever possible, we coordinate investigations and appointments to minimise hospital attendances and disruption to patients’ daily lives. We support holistic models of care, including the availability of treatment delivered at home when clinically appropriate, and access to telehealth reviews, ensuring timely, flexible, and patient-centred care.

Our Team

Prof Sue-Anne McLachlan – Director of Department, Medical Oncologist 
MBBS, FRACP, MSc (Clin Epi), Cert Clin Teaching
Prof McLachlan is the Director of the Oncology Department and Cancer Services, and the Clinical Program Director of Specialty services at SVHM. She is a clinical Professor of the University of Melbourne and specialises in the management of gastrointestinal cancers. Sue-Anne is an active clinician researcher and supervisor of higher degree students. Her research focuses on improving patient experience and outcomes.

A/Prof Melissa Moore – Deputy Director, Medical Oncologist 
BA, BSc, MBBS (Hons), PhD, FRACP 
A/Prof Moore is Deputy Director of the Oncology Department and the clinical lead for the Oncology clinical trials unit. She is a clinical Associate Professor of the University of Melbourne and specialises in the management of lung, breast, upper gastrointestinal and urological cancers. Her research interests are body composition and the role of exercise in patients with cancer. Melissa is Deputy Chair of the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia (TOGA).

A/Prof Anthony Dowling – Medical Oncologist 
MBBS DMedSc FRACP
A/Prof Dowling is a clinical Associate Professor of the University of Melbourne and specialises in the management of genitourinary cancers, particularly advanced prostate cancer, neuro-oncology tumours and lung cancer. He is involved in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Tony is the current chair of the Clinical Management Advisory Committee of the Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service.

Dr Chris Hart – Medical Oncologist
MBBS, FRACP 
Dr Hart specialises in the management of breast cancer, as well as Head and Neck, and Brain cancers. He is actively involved in clinical research, is a member of Breast Cancer Trials group, and is an investigator on a number of clinical trials at SVHM. Additionally he contributes to junior doctor training and supervision.

Dr Luke McLean  Medical Oncologist and Clinician Scientist 
MBBS (Hons), FRACP, PhD
Dr McLean is a medical oncologist and clinician scientist, specialising in the management of head and neck, thyroid and melanoma/skin cancers. He completed a fellowship in head/neck/skin cancers at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and a PhD focusing on immunotherapy response and resistance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Dr McLean’s research is supported by multiple national fellowships and he is the recipient of the James Best Senior Research Fellowship at the University of Melbourne. 

A/Prof Genni Newnham  Medical Oncologist
MBBS (Hons), FRACP, MD, Grad Cert Clin Teach
A/Prof Newnham is the Director of Prevocational Training, and The Chief Medical Information Officer at SVHM. She is a clinical Associate Professor of the University of Melbourne and specialises in the management of gastrointestinal cancers. In addition to her clinical role she is has an interest in medical teaching and supervision, digital health, clinical governance and the complexities of person-centred, sustainable health care delivery.

Referral Information

New referrals

We aim to see all referrals within two weeks. 

Referrals should be faxed to (03) 9231 3172 and should include the patient details, Medicare number, referrer details and a copy of all investigations (imaging and histopathology results). 

If your referral is urgent then please contact the outpatient medical oncology registrar via the hospital switchboard on (03) 9231 2211. 

For any enquiries please call our reception staff on (03) 9231 3155. 

Contact Us

For referrals and general enquires please contact the Cancer Centre located on Level 1, Daly Wing (Building D), St Vincent’s Public Hospital.

Outpatient Appointments:
Tel: (03) 9231 3155
Email: Cancer.Reception@svha.org.au
Fax: (03) 9231 3172 

Nurse Enquiries:
Tel: (03) 9231 3715

General Practitioner Enquiries:
Tel: (03) 9231 3156

Cancer Day Unit

Our Day Therapy Centre provides a welcoming and supportive environment for patients receiving systemic cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Our experienced team ensures safe, high-quality care tailored to each patient’s individual needs and treatment plan. We also provide scalp cooling services, to reduce the risk of hair loss associated with certain chemotherapy regimens. 

Email:
cancer.reception@svha.org.au (Cancer Centre Reception)
cdu.treatmentbookings@svha.org.au (CDU treatment referrals)

Tel: 
(03) 9231 2422 (Chemotherapy Day Unit)
(03) 9231 2070 (Nurse Unit Manager)

Symptom and Urgent Review Clinic (SURC)

The SURC clinic is a nurse-led support and education service, for patients who are currently receiving cancer treatment at SVHM. This clinic is open Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) from 0830 – 1600 and emails and phone calls can be attended to within these times. 

Symptom and Urgent Review Clinic:
Email: surc@svha.org.au  
Tel: (03) 9231 5345

Cancer Care in the Home

Our Cancer in the Home service enables patients to receive some systemic therapy safely and comfortably in their own home. This program combines expert clinical care with the convenience of home-based treatment, helping patients maintain quality of life while continuing their cancer therapy.

More information

Email: CancerCareatHome@svha.org.au
Tel: 0478 970 116

Clinical Trials Unit

Nadia Ranieri – Clinical Trial Manager
Nadia leads the Oncology Clinical Trials Program at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Her work in this area saw her awarded the 2022 Breast Cancer Trials Study Coordinator through Breast Cancer Trials. Nadia has worked at St Vincent’s for more than 25 years. She has dedicated her career to clinical trials to help forge change in practices and improving lifestyles for people living with cancer. 

Clinical Trial Enquiries: 
Tel: (03) 9231 3167
Email: oncology.research@svha.org.au 



Health Pathways

HealthPathways Melbourne is an online portal designed to be used by general practice at the point of care to guide best practice assessment, management and referral of common clinical conditions.

 

Please Note:
This is a public outpatient service. All patients need to be referred to us by a GP. Please see your GP if you believe you would benefit from a referral to this clinic. Many doctors have private consulting suites as well as working in the public hospital system. This is entirely separate from St Vincent’s and our staff do not have any information about the private consulting practices of doctors.