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Dr Scott Carruthers

Refining breast cancer care through research

Dr Scott Carruthers

Radiation Oncologist Icon Cancer Centre | Principal Investigator of the PUMA clinical trial (Windsor Gardens, Adelaide), proudly supported by Icon Cancer Foundation

Dr Scott Carruthers is a highly respected and experienced radiation oncologist consulting at Icon Cancer Centre Adelaide, Noarlunga and North Adelaide, in South Australia. Combining a passion for patient care with a strong interest in research, he is leading the newly activated PUMA clinical trial as Principal Investigator, proudly supported by Icon Cancer Foundation.

About Dr Scott Carruthers

For Dr Carruthers, the path to radiation oncology began with an interest in cutting-edge technology and a desire for meaningful, hands-on patient care.

“The blend of technology and clinical care is what attracted me,” he reflects. “Over the years, there’s been enormous progress in the technological side, which compliments the clinical care.”

Reflecting on his early career, Dr Carruthers emphasises the impact of mentors and senior colleagues such as Professor Ian Kunkler in Scotland and Professor Alan Rodger in Melbourne.

“You meet some very inspiring clinicians who have made excellent contributions to the field and have a lot of passion for the work they do. You look up to them and want to make a contribution in your own way,” he shares.

Since joining Icon Cancer Centre, Dr Carruthers has collaborated closely with breast cancer specialist and researcher Professor John Boyages AM, who initiated and designed the PUMA clinical trial.

“Professor Boyages has been a tremendous mentor to so many people over the years,” Dr Carruthers says.  “He’s incredibly generous with his time and expertise, always willing to help people learn and share the benefit of the knowledge and expertise he has gathered throughout his career.”

Now leading the first activation of PUMA at Windsor Gardens, Dr Carruthers looks forward to bringing this research directly to patients, hoping to contribute to the personalisation of breast cancer care.

Progress in patient-centred care

Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Australia and remains the most common cancer among women (AIHW Australian Cancer Database). One in seven women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. While education, early detection and improved treatment options have significantly improved survival rates, the number of new cases continues to rise each year.

There is still more work to be done. As more people live longer with breast cancer, Dr Carruthers believes the next stage of progress lies in delivering targeted, patient-centred care which prioritises quality of life – a gap the PUMA trial aims to address.

“There’s now a focus on refining and de-escalating treatments – minimising the negative impact of treatment while providing the most refined care possible – which has been a gap across the board. That’s where PUMA fits in,” Dr Carruthers explains.

“The endpoints of PUMA are quality of life focused. By helping to refine techniques we’re aiming to better understand where de-escalating treatment can be applied to enhance quality of life.”

Over three years of follow-up PUMA will collect patient feedback on breast and skin appearance and texture, any local discomfort, tenderness or sensitivity and more general quality of life outcomes.

“There’s now a focus on refining and de-escalating treatments – minimising the negative impact of treatment while providing the most refined care possible – which has been a gap across the board. That’s where PUMA fits in.”

The PUMA clinical trial

Radiation dosing practices for breast cancer vary widely around the world, with no definitive consensus on the optimal dose. The PUMA clinical trial aims to clarify the global standard by comparing two radiation dose levels – 30 Gy versus 26 Gy – to determine which provides the best outcomes in terms of tumour control and patient quality of life.

Professor John Boyages AM, who designed the PUMA trial, explains: “It’s a simple trial but it could change practice. If the patient experience is the same for the higher dose and there’s no difference in fatigue, skin changes or how the breast looks and feels, then we can support that dose as a new standard of care.”

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“If we take a broader view, a large component of our day-to-day practice is built on knowledge from studies in the past. The commitment to trials from researchers, clinicians and patients provides us with the information that allows us to give the best recommendations for patients today.”

Despite the importance to clinicians and patients, quality of life trials like PUMA rarely receive commercial funding.

Made possible by the generosity of donors, the PUMA clinical trial is funded by Icon Cancer Foundation’s research program which supports investigator-initiated trials (IITs) designed and led by Icon’s network of clinicians.

“IITs are driven from the perspective of the clinician with the goal to answer the questions that they feel are most relevant to patient outcomes,” Dr Carruthers explains.

“If we take a broader view, a large component of our day-to-day practice is built on knowledge from studies in the past. The commitment to trials from researchers, clinicians and patients provides us with the information that allows us to give the best recommendations for patients today,” he adds.

Dr Carruthers’ work embodies a patient-centred approach, combining clinical expertise, technological innovation, and research to enhance outcomes and quality of life for people affected by breast cancer.

The PUMA trial represents the latest step in his ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based, refined treatments that benefit both current and future patients.

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions presented in these articles are those of the individuals featured and may not represent the experiences of others. They do not constitute endorsements or necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Icon Cancer Foundation (ICF), Icon Cancer Centre, or their affiliates. This information is general and does not replace medical advice. ICF is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this information and does not guarantee its completeness, accuracy, or reliability.

Icon Cancer Foundation funds the PUMA clinical trial, proudly supporting this vital cancer research.

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