The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is a leading public hospital in Queensland, renowned for its extensive and advanced cancer care services. Serving as a tertiary referral centre, RBWH provides a broad spectrum of oncology treatments, research, and support programs to patients from Brisbane, regional Queensland, and northern New South Wales.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Queensland Cancer Centre
RBWH is home to the upcoming Queensland Cancer Centre, a purpose-built, $1.1 billion facility designed to revolutionize cancer treatment in the region. This 150-bed centre will offer innovative therapies such as cellular therapy, theranostics, and proton beam therapy—a precise form of radiation especially beneficial for treating cancers near critical organs and for paediatric patients.
Multidisciplinary Cancer Care
At RBWH, cancer treatment is delivered through a multidisciplinary approach, involving teams of specialists including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, haematologists, nurses, allied health professionals, and researchers. These teams collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique diagnosis and needs.
The hospital provides comprehensive services including:
- Cancer Surgery: Specialized surgical interventions for various cancer types.
- Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy: Systemic treatments to target cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Advanced techniques to destroy cancerous tissues.
- Haematological Services: Management of blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Supportive Care: Psychological support, pain management, and rehabilitation services.
Leading Cancer Research and Clinical Trials
RBWH is recognized globally for its cancer research excellence. It is one of only six adult centres in Australia accredited for CAR-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking immunotherapy where a patient’s own immune cells are engineered to attack cancer. RBWH is the only centre in Queensland with onsite manufacturing and delivery of this therapy.
The hospital participates in numerous clinical trials each year, providing patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contributing to global advancements in oncology.
Specialized Cancer Programs
RBWH hosts specialized programs and multidisciplinary teams for cancers such as:
- Gynaecological Cancers: Coordinated care through the Gynaecological Oncology MDT.
- Breast Cancer: Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, including innovative breast scaffold surgery using 3D-printed implants.
- Neuro-oncology: Treatment of brain and nervous system cancers.
- Lung, Colorectal, and Hepatobiliary Cancers: Tailored multidisciplinary management.
Patient-Centred Support
Understanding the challenges cancer patients face, RBWH offers extensive support services including counseling, nutrition advice, social work, and spiritual care. The hospital emphasizes holistic care to improve quality of life during and after treatment.
Access and Contact Information
RBWH’s Cancer Care Service operates from the Herston Health Precinct in Brisbane.
- Location: Butterfield Street & Bowen Bridge Road, Herston QLD 4029
- General Enquiries: (07) 3646 7751 or (07) 3646 7752
- Queensland Cancer Centre Email: QueenslandCancerCentre@health.qld.gov.au
Conclusion
The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital stands at the forefront of cancer treatment and research in Australia. With its multidisciplinary teams, innovative therapies, and patient-focused care, RBWH offers hope and healing to thousands of cancer patients every year. The upcoming Queensland Cancer Centre promises to further enhance these capabilities, ensuring Queensland remains a leader in cancer care.