Improving the link to clinical trials

When Jules was diagnosed with melanoma, she 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,” she said.   

Clinical trials not only play an important role in providing individuals with potentially lifesaving treatment, but also lead to cancer breakthroughs that have the potential to save lives all over the world.   

While over 36,900 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer in 2021, only 2,044 people with cancer participated in a clinical trial, with thousands more potentially eligible to take part. Low awareness and misconceptions around clinical trials remains a significant factor preventing people from accessing this potentially life-saving treatment option.   

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. This means we can provide 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.   

“Not only do clinical trials offer patients hope, but patients who go on clinical trials generally have better outcomes than patients who are not on clinical trials.”   

Jules is just one of many patients who found hope in a clinical trial. Through immunotherapy administered in a clinical trial, the 12-centimetre tumour in her right armpit shrank to two centimetres, making surgery much easier.   

After her own positive experience, 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.”