As the thoracic oncology landscape continues to evolve, so too must the structures that support research development, collaboration and trial delivery. In 2026, TOGA has refined its Working Group structure to better reflect where research is heading across prevention, early detection, disease-specific innovation, supportive care, and translational science.
These changes are designed to strengthen alignment between clinical need, scientific opportunity and trial development pathways ensuring that TOGA remains responsive, inclusive and future-focused.
Why the Change Was Needed
Thoracic cancer research has become increasingly complex and multidisciplinary. Advances in early detection, molecular profiling, immunotherapy, rare thoracic malignancies and supportive care demand clearer thematic focus and stronger cross-disciplinary integration.
Our previous structure served us well, but as the research ecosystem has matured, we identified opportunities to:
- Clarify where new concepts should be submitted
- Strengthen disease-specific focus
- Better integrate translational and clinical research
- Ensure supportive and palliative care research is appropriately prioritised
- Streamline pathways from concept to endorsement
The revised Working Group structure reflects this evolution. It is not simply an administrative change but is an intentional alignment with the future of thoracic cancer research.
Our 2026 Working Groups
Prevention & Quality Care
Focused on risk reduction, screening, biomarker development, early diagnosis and implementation science. This group supports research that shifts the needle upstream by identifying cancer earlier and improving outcomes through timely intervention. At the same time, this group will focus on the implementation of best practices and quality care research.
NSCLC
Dedicated to non-small cell lung cancer across all stages of disease. This group evaluates concepts spanning systemic therapy, multimodality care, perioperative strategies and resistance mechanisms.
SCLC, Mesothelioma & Rare Thoracic Malignancies
Recognising the distinct biology and clinical challenges of small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, and rarer thoracic malignancies, such as thymic cancers, this group provides focused oversight of research concepts in these high-need areas, including novel therapeutics and multidisciplinary care approaches.
Supportive & Palliative Care
Committed to improving quality of life, symptom management, survivorship, and patient-centred outcomes. This Working Group ensures that supportive and palliative research remains central to TOGA’s mission.
Translational Research
Bridging laboratory discovery and clinical application, this group supports biomarker-driven research, tissue-based studies, correlative science, and platform development to collect tissue and accelerate precision medicine approaches.
Multidisciplinary Integration in Practice
Thoracic oncology research is inherently multidisciplinary. To reflect this, TOGA’s model enables:
- Joint Working Group discussions for concepts spanning multiple domains
- Coordinated review pathways for studies involving prevention, translational, therapeutic, and supportive elements
- Flexible engagement depending on study complexity
This ensures that concepts are reviewed comprehensively, without duplication or fragmentation.
Embedded Specialist Expertise
In addition to refining our Working Group areas, TOGA is now integrating specialised expertise into concept review as required. These experts contribute across all Working Groups to strengthen study design, feasibility, and clinical relevance.
This includes expertise in:
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Nursing
Patient advocates provide the voice of lived experience at multiple stages of concept review. This layered review structure ensures that investigator-led concepts are strengthened early enhancing quality, feasibility, and fundability.
If you require a statistician, please contact TOGA.
How Concepts Flow Through the System
The updated structure provides greater clarity around concept development and review.
Early Discussion – Members are encouraged to engage with the relevant Working Group early in concept development.
Working Group Review – Concepts are discussed within the appropriate thematic group to ensure alignment, scientific robustness and clinical relevance.
Cross-Disciplinary Input – Scientific Committee expertise (including surgery, radiotherapy, and nursing) may provide additional input where required.
Endorsement & Support Pathway – Approved concepts proceed through TOGA’s endorsement and support framework, including trial design guidance, consumer input and partnership opportunities.
This structured yet collaborative process ensures that concepts benefit from early expert engagement while maintaining efficiency and transparency.
We Invite Your Ideas and Involvement
If you are developing a concept whether early-stage or trial-ready we encourage you to engage with the relevant Working Group. You do not need a fully formed protocol to start the conversation.
Together, we can continue to strengthen Australia’s thoracic cancer research ecosystem from prevention through to advanced disease, and from laboratory discovery to supporting patients living with lung cancer.
For enquiries or to discuss a concept, please contact info@thoraciconology.org.au or visit our research development page.
Interested in being involved?
Consider joining one or more of TOGA’s Working Groups or join as a TOGA Member if you aren’t already. Please refer to the Working Group Terms of Reference when applying. If you’re not sure if you’re part of a working group, apply anyway or contact TOGA.
