“When you provide clinical trials regionally, you make them more accessible and more equitable, and that’s really important because everyone has a right to have access to them” – Dr Rob Blum, Director of Cancer Services, Bendigo Health.
Clinical trials lead to cancer breakthroughs by improving treatment options and survival for cancer patients and are an important part of optimal care during cancer treatment. But not everyone has the same opportunity to take part.
When potentially lifesaving treatment options are mostly offered at metropolitan centres, we risk poorer outcomes for patients living in regional and rural areas who are forced to travel long distances for treatment.
“We know the percentage of participation in clinical trials of regional and rural patients is lower than their metropolitan counterparts,” said Rob. “When you make it accessible, you increase participation.”
In 2017, The Regional Trial Network was established to do just that. Initially funded by Cancer Council Victoria and the Victorian Government through the Department of Health, it brought together five regional clinical trial sites at Albury Wodonga, Shepparton, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Warrnambool. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of regional participants increased by 21 per cent.
Nicole Humphreys, Clinical Trial Coordinator at Northeast Health Wangaratta, highlights the broader impact of supporting regional trials.
“[Among patients] there is a strong appetite for trial participation, particularly when the burdens of travel are reduced,” said Nicole. “Having clinical trials in regional areas also attracts clinicians to the regional workforce. Clinicians no longer have to work in metropolitan areas to be involved in research and clinical trials.”
Teletrials are also helping to improve access, enabling regional trial units to act as satellite sites to metropolitan-based trials. Cancer Council Victoria works closely with trial sites to increase teletrial listings on the Victorian Cancer Trials Link, helping ensure that those who want to participate in clinical trials have equitable access and are aware of what is available to them.
By expanding regional clinical trials and integrating teletrial technology, patients and clinicians alike benefit, fostering better health outcomes and strengthening regional healthcare systems.
<<- Back to 2024 Annual Review