Dr Elizabeth Murray is a registered specialist radiation oncologist with a special interest in breast cancer. In her clinical practice, she focuses exclusively on breast cancer treatment and at present the treatment of Post-viral fatigue syndrome.
Dr Elizabeth Murray has a private practice in the Southern Suburbs with services which include chemotherapy, hormonal, biological and radiotherapy. Elizabeth practices evidence-based treatment and care of breast cancer patients. She believes that breast cancer patients should be discussed at multidisciplinary clinics or panels and be assessed preoperatively by a specialist surgeon and specialist oncologist.
During COVID-19 and unrelated to breast cancer, she has also opened her practice to patients with Post-viral fatigue syndrome as she is experienced and knowledgeable in this field.
Clinical Focus
• New patient assessment:
Dr Murray assists newly diagnosed patients to navigate the early days of evaluation and developing a treatment plan for breast cancer. With the patient's consent, Dr Murray prefers a multidisciplinary approach. The one-on-one visit (with an escort to support the patient if possible) involves explaining details of the diagnosis and building a relationship of trust. She wishes for patients to have an appropriate level of knowledge to be involved in the decision-making process. These consultations can last up to 90min.
• Medical oncology:
Treating breast cancer with medications such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy: Elizabeth uses chemotherapy only when indicated and for early-stage mid- and high-risk cancers, she often recommends a (gene microarray (assessment of tumour genes) which can show in about 50% of patients in the large suitable group that they do not need chemotherapy. If a patient requires chemotherapy, today there are less toxic chemotherapy treatments available and very good support antinauseants.
• Radiation oncology:
Treating breast cancer with radiation therapy. Radiotherapy is used in the early and advanced disease when appropriate. Elizabeth uses short-course radiotherapy when suitable and offers SCRT and SBRT (stereotactic brain/body radiotherapy for metastases). Beyond her specialisation qualifications, she has trained in breast cancer radiation through the European Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology to keep updated. Elizabeth focuses on keeping up to date and on new treatment approaches that select patients for treatments and avoid unnecessary treatments.
• Dr Murray is reassuring about the diagnosis of breast cancer and the use of treatments such as chemotherapy for breast cancer. Specifically, a literature survey she and a colleague have done does not show that breast cancer or its treatments increase COVID infection nor mortality from it.