Demystifying new treatment options to improve cancer outcomes
Clinical trials lead to cancer breakthroughs and are an important step in improving cancer treatment and care. But low awareness and misconceptions are preventing people from accessing this potentially life-saving treatment.
While over 36,900 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer in 2021, less than six per cent of people with cancer participated in a clinical trial, with thousands more potentially eligible to take part.
As part of our goal to make clinical trials more accessible to people with cancer and accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment and care, our Victorian Cancer Trials Link website was redeveloped in 2023 with support from the Victorian Government through the Victorian Cancer Agency.
The site is now an upgraded, user-friendly portal that connects researchers, clinicians and people affected by cancer. It provides ongoing education, support, and clarity around clinical trials to help people affected by cancer and their doctors choose the best course of treatment.
“We think it’s in the best interests of our patients to join a clinical trial wherever possible. They get access to newer treatments, and they can also help other patients,” said Dr Dishan Herath, Director of Cancer Services at Western Health.
When Jules was diagnosed with melanoma, she researched her options heavily and didn’t hesitate to participate in a clinical trial.
“I took part in the trial because I just believed it would work. It did work – it shrunk the tumour remarkably, and likely saved the functionality of my arm,” said Jules whose tumour shrunk by 90 per cent during the trial.
Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper said that cancer trials were vital in advancing new treatments for cancer patients and that despite the number of trials increasing across the state, more people with cancer were needed to participate in clinical trials. It is hoped the upgraded website will be used as a reliable source of information to facilitate greater participation in the future.
Jules now urges all Victorians diagnosed with cancer to discuss clinical trials with their doctor.
“Definitely do it. I wouldn’t be having this conversation today if it wasn’t for clinical trials.”
Discover how clinical trials can benefit you or your loved ones.
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