One in two Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Locally, patients know they have the care and expertise of staff within Barwon Health Cancer Services when undergoing treatment.
What may be less known is that Barwon Health is also home to one of the largest regional cancer trials centre in the country. The Barwon Health Cancer Services Trials Unit (CSTU), previously known as the Haematology and Oncology Trials Team (HOTT), benefits regional patients by minimising their requirement to travel to larger metropolitan centres to access the latest novel therapies. The Unit’s new name better reflects the diversity of trials that are inclusive of all areas of cancer care.
First established in 1997, the CSTU is currently involved in 40 active trials featuring 150 patients, with 23 more now open for recruitment and 8 to commence soon. These trials span a range of cancer types including lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloma, breast, melanoma, lung, prostate, and urology. The aims of clinical cancer trials focus on improving the survival rate and quality of life of patients undergoing cancer treatment. In some cases, it offers an alternative treatment where no other option is available.
The Barwon Health Cancer Services Trials Unit works closely with the Adrian Costa Clinical Trials Centre, established in 2020, and is an integral part of the team developing the new Barwon Health Allied Health Cancer Care Clinical Trial Unit. Together, these trials centres will provide local consumers with access to cutting edge interventions across the entire spectrum of cancer treatment, support and care.
For more information, click here (link TBC) or contact Dr Chiara Bortolasci, CSTU Clinical Trials Manager at [email protected]
