Cancer Services Trials Unit

• Opening of our first clinical trial utilizing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (CAR-T) therapy for patients with certain types of lymphoma or leukaemia. CAR-T represents a novel and transformational form of immunotherapy.
• Continued engagement in the ReVitalise Rural and Remote Program which enhances patient involvement in clinical trials.
  • Appointment of Geriatric Clinical Care Coordinator to conduct a pilot of Geriatric Assessment in Cancer Care.
  • Lead recruiter to the international RAPID study which looks at symptom management in cancer and palliative care.
  • Engagement in FOCUSau study for patient and their carer Quality of Life.

• Implementation of the Medical Oncology Research Fellow position
• Taylor Gardner received the 2024 Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate (ANZUP) Cancer Trials Group Study Coordinator Scholarship
• Implementation of a patient experience survey in collaboration with other Victorian health services

In early 2019, the CSTU partnered with the VCCC to recruit students as part of the SKILLED internship program. This program provides a pathway for students to build role-specific clinical trial knowledge, experience and skills in a clinical trials unit. Prior to commencement onsite, students attend an intensive two week program on significant aspects of clinical trials including Good Clinical Practice, Informed Consent, Dangerous Goods Transportation and Global and Local regulatory bodies. As part of their 6-12 month program, students are required to complete a project in which they develop and implement a tool or strategy to improve workflow within their clinical trial unit.

The CSTU are committed to continue support of the SKILLED program.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my internship with the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and my time with my allocated host site, Barwon Health. This unique program, which incorporates formal training, workshops and assessments, in combination with hands-on learning across a broad range of trial activities, enables me to expand my current research knowledge to gain relevant industry experience and professional competencies. In addition, exposure to ground-breaking cancer science and communication has been invaluable. The added challenge of managing oncology trials and implementing a site-improvement project in a complex COVID-19 environment has further enhanced my communication and problem-solving skills and provided opportunities for innovative study management. Participation in this internship has been instrumental in providing relevant industry experience with a solid foundation of understanding of medical oncology clinical trials. I am immensely grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to progress my development as a researcher and cancer services professional, and look forward to completing the second half of this program and embarking on my future career.” – Stephanie Cowdery, SKILLED Study Coordinator Intern 2020

For patients in our region, including Geelong and surrounding areas, we offer access to a wide range of cancer clinical trials. These trials are available for people with different types of cancer, including breast, bowel, stomach, prostate, bladder, lung, skin (melanoma), and rare cancers. They aim to test new and improved treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy, to help achieve better outcomes with fewer side effects.

Some trials are focused on personalised treatments based on the genetic makeup of each person’s cancer. Others are designed for patients whose cancer has returned or hasn’t responded to standard treatment. Being part of a clinical trial gives eligible patients early access to the latest therapies under the care of a dedicated medical team, right here in our region.

We also offer clinical trials in Geelong for patients with blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These trials are exploring new treatment options, including advanced targeted therapies, immune-based treatments, and cell therapies like CAR-T, which use the patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer.

These trials are designed for people who are newly diagnosed or whose condition has come back after treatment. Taking part can provide early access to cutting-edge care, while contributing to research that may improve treatment for future patients in our community.

Clinical registries help us improve cancer care by collecting important information about treatment and outcomes from patients across our region. For patients in Geelong and surrounds, joining a registry means your health data (kept private and secure) can support research into which treatments work best in real-world settings.

By participating in a registry, you can help doctors and researchers learn more about cancer care over time, leading to better and more personalised treatments for future patients. Registries play a vital role in shaping the future of cancer treatment, both locally and beyond.

We are extremely proud to have contributed to the release of a new treatment for people suffering from a common form of chronic leukaemia.

CSTU led the recruitment and management of the local phase 3 clinical trial of Calquence, which was tested across the world and was found to be a useful treatment for chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL), particularly in patients with relapsed disease. The treatment has just been listed through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), meaning it is available to patients by prescription at an affordable price.

Local patients enrolled in the trial included Mr David Selway-Hoskins. As Mr Selway-Hoskins, 76, told the Geelong Advertiser, the drug’s listing on the PBS was “absolutely” a good thing, and he will continue to take Calquence after its PBS listing.

Barwon Health Director of Cancer Services and Head of Haematology Philip Campbell said the listing was testament to the importance of clinical trials. “It’s very exciting for patients, and essentially provides people with relapsed disease another treatment option in oral form.”

To read the full article from the Geelong Advertiser, click here.