The District is expanding its research footprint by growing the number of clinical trials across the region.
More than a dozen cancer trials are currently underway or launching, including studies on melanoma, leukaemia and breast cancer.
Clinical Trials Manager Associate Professor Adrian Bootes said trials were offering more opportunities for patients to benefit from the latest medical advances without leaving the region.
“Currently we have around 200 patients in our care in trials and we are deeply grateful for their contributions and participation,” Adrian said.
“They are the heart of this research. Clinical trials provide tangible evidence of what works and what doesn’t.
“Our patients and staff understand these trials are essential for advancing medical knowledge, developing new treatments and improving how we prevent, diagnose and manage a wide range of health conditions.”
It takes a broad team to deliver this research, from coordinating staff and research nurses to clinicians, allied health, pharmacy, imaging, pathology, ward staff and admin support.
“Their hard work and commitment ensure every one of our trials is run safely, ethically and with care,” Adrian said.
For Clinical Trials Day last month, the District’s clinical trial staff set up information stalls at Lismore Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital, giving hospital patients and staff a chance to learn about the clinical trial process plus current and upcoming trials.
Visit Cancer clinical trials to find out more about trials in the District.
Some of the medical practitioners heavily involved in clinical trials are (from left) Senior Medical Officer Carmen Hansen, Radiation Oncologist Siddhartha Baxi and Clinical Medical Lead Martin Tio. They’re standing in front of one of the new precision radiation machines at Tweed Valley Hospital.
At Lismore Base Hospital are (front from left) Erika O’Dea, Elyse Mellor and Arun Gandrathi with (back from left) Director of Cancer Services and Innovation Stephen Manley and Clinical Trials Manager Adrian Bootes.
Registered Nurse Charmayne Chorlton processes patient samples as part of clinical trials.
Pictured
Pharmacist Anushka Pharasi and Pharmacy Technician Kym Weatherstone carefully prepare and dispense cancer medicines as part of the clinical trial service.