Regional variations in radiological assessment of pancreatic cancer resectability: Investigating inter-observer variability and referral patterns in Australia

The SCANPatient research team in the Cancer Research Program is planning to analyse existing SCANPatient clinical trial data on participating radiologists' synoptic reports of pancreatic cancer resectability to identify potential regional variations. We will compare the rates of resectability assessments across different states in Australia (e.g., Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, etc) and between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. The goal is to determine if any observed differences are due to radiologist perceptions rather than actual variations in cancer presentation. This study can reveal inter-observer variability and whether major centres, which handle more cases, report higher-grade tumours. The findings will help understand if differences are radiological or due to referral patterns, or other factors. The student will have opportunities to work with a multidisciplinary team consisting of surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and health researchers; assist with coordinating with team members in data cleaning, management and analysis, and help prepare reports and manuscripts for publications.