Dr Dhaval Thakkar Discusses Lung Cancer Research Milestone on 6PR

Live 6PR Interview

Dr Dhaval Thakkar, a respiratory physician at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and researcher at the Institute for Respiratory Health, recently joined 6PR to discuss a significant milestone for lung cancer research in Western Australia.

The interview focused on WA’s participation in TRACKER, a national research network that is transforming how lung cancer is studied, diagnosed and treated across Australia. Dr Thakkar explained how the collection of WA’s first patient sample for TRACKER marks a crucial step toward earlier diagnosis and better treatment options.

“With lung cancer, we frequently find it when it’s very late and treatment options are limited,” Dr Thakkar said. “TRACKER allows us to create a biobank where we can analyse samples at a genetic level to understand why a patient’s cancer is responding or not responding to treatment.”

The interview also highlighted WA’s use of robotic bronchoscopy—a first for the state. This advanced technology allows clinicians to biopsy hard-to-reach areas of the lung more precisely, providing better-quality samples, especially from early-stage cancers.

Dr Thakkar addressed common misconceptions about lung cancer, emphasising that the disease affects both smokers and non-smokers, and encouraging at-risk individuals to speak with their GP about screening.

“The sooner we catch these things, the sooner we can offer optimal treatment,” he said.

Listen to the full interview:

Learn more about TRACKER and WA’s role in this national research network here.