Oncology Symposium: Emerging evidence, myth-busting & next-gen tools

ESPEN 2025: Latest updates in cancer nutrition

Join Stefanie Simnadis as she shares the latest insights from the cancer nutrition sessions at ESPEN 2025. This presentation will translate brand-new international evidence into practical takeaways that inform and inspire your oncology practice.

Stefanie Simnadis has been working as a dietitian for 10 years, with 5 of those years predominantly in the oncology space. Working across both inpatient and outpatient settings, she is passionate about dispelling common myths around diet and cancer, while improving patients’ quality of life through adequate nutrition.

i-OPTIC: Risk prediction in cancer-related malnutrition

An innovative step forward in oncology nutrition care, i-OPTIC is a freely accessible, purpose-built platform designed to predict mortality risk from cancer-related malnutrition in real time. Using advanced machine learning models trained on data from more than 7,000 people with cancer across five countries, it provides accurate, evidence-based risk estimates to support timely decision-making. In her presentation, Dr Annie Curtis will introduce i-OPTIC and demonstrate how it can help clinicians identify high-risk patients, guide timely interventions, and strengthen care outcomes.

Dr Annie Curtis is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and early-career researcher at Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition with experience in clinical oncology nutrition research and cancer epidemiology, her work focuses on the role of dietary patterns in managing cancer-related malnutrition, low muscle mass, and sarcopenia. Annie is also the project manager of the EPICCS (Establishing Pathways to Improve Care for Cancer-related Sarcopenia) program. Annie is committed to improving morbidity and mortality outcomes in individuals living with cancer through targeted nutritional strategies and novel evidence-based approaches.

Helping patients separate nutrition fact from fiction

From sugar and fasting to organic foods and supplements, cancer nutrition is full of myths which can leave patients confused and anxious. In this session, Lauren Atkins will provide a practical framework to confidently address these misconceptions while keeping care person-centred and compassionate. Drawing on the latest World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) evidence and guidelines, you’ll learn how to balance scientific recommendations with a focus on mental health, intuitive eating and the patient’s underlying needs. Lauren will also share practical tools to strengthen your confidence in answering complex questions, so you can support patients with clear, evidence-based and empathetic advice throughout their cancer journey.

Lauren Atkins is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, Senior Oncology Dietitian and Co-founder and Director of her business OnCore Nutrition. She has close to 15 years experience in oncology and haematology nutrition care, having worked at Peter Mac, The Royal Children’s Hospital and Epworth as well as providing education and leadership to multiple universities and cancer organisations. She is a member of the COSA Nutrition Group Executive Committee and contributes to national cancer care research and frameworks. Lauren is passionate about education, training and care to empower people to optimise their health.