Clinical Trials

 

Research into the latest innovative cancer treatments is central to the work of the Sydney Cancer Centre.

As part of this commitment, we regularly run clinical trials to test advances in treatment for many cancers.

The Sydney Cancer Centre regards scientific research as essential to improve the survival and quality of life for patients with cancer. The Clinical Trials Unit works with research partners, such as the Cancer Institute, The University of Sydney, NHMRC and pharmaceutical companies, to develop, as well as improve cancer treatments. Cancer treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, supportive care, or a combination of treatments. To ensure we offer the latest treatments available, wealso  collaborate closely with other leading cancer centres around the world.

What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a scientific research study used to test new treatments and/or revise current standard treatments to improve future health care.

Research into new treatments often takes many years to ensure they are safe and effective. Safety of all new treatments must be proven through clinical trials before they can be offered to patients as standard treatment.

The ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice also apply to clinical trials. All clinical trials offered to our patients are reviewed and approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee before the start of a study and assessed annually to ensure the safety of patients is monitored. All research and clinical trials involving medications must be approved by NSW Health. In addition, most clinical research is regulated by the Commonwealth Government with built in safeguards to protect the participants.
 
Participation
Each clinical trial has very specific criteria about who may participate in a particular study. These criteria are based on such factors as age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions. The criteria are used to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe. The criteria also help ensure that researchers will be able to answer the questions they plan to study.  Patient participation in a clinical trial is voluntary and may provide more options for cancer treatment to patients. Some trials may provide patient access to treatments when no other treatment options are available. The staff at the Cancer Centre will identify any patient who could participate.

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research.

If you are asked to participate in a study, your oncologist and a research officer will explain the benefits and risks of the study to you and give you time to consider whether you wish to participate.

Is a clinical trial for you?
Most clinical trials have quite stringent criteria, and trials are not always suitable for all patients.  It is therefore important that the appropriate Sydney Cancer Centre doctor and research team assess all patients before they enter a clinical trial.

Call the Clinical Trials Team if you would like to find out more information about clinical trials that the Sydney Cancer Centre is running.

Sydney Cancer Centre Clinical Trials Team 02 9515 7706

Online information about Clinical Trials

It is very important to talk with your Doctor about whether the information you find about clincial trials on the internet is relevant to your situation.

The Sydney Cancer Centre does not endorse any particular websites; however, we can suggest the following site as a good place to start your research

Cancer Institute NSW, Cancer Trials Network