VictorianComprehensive Cancer Centre |Annual Report 2017–18 Clinical Trials Expansion Bringing together expertise from metropolitan and regional clinical trials sites to expand activity and patient participation. Clinical trials form a critical bridge between All nine programs commenced in 2018 with a steering research and clinical practice, progressing group appointed for each one. These groups bring a promising treatments and care protocols combination of expertise and broad representation, into better outcomes for patients. and play a vital role in guiding the direction of the programs while strengthening the collaborative By conducting clinical trials in Victoria, we enable relationships that underpin the alliance. patients to access the best available health care As momentum in the programs builds, one early options. This is achieved by capitalising on safe, highlight has been the identification and development effective and efficient therapies, reducing waste of the first suite of prospective registry based clinical and maximising value for money from the trials using a novel trial design. These trials will offer health care funding. an opportunity to answer simple, pragmatic questions Under the VCCC’s Strategic Research Plan (SRP), nine in ‘real world’ patient populations without barriers new clinical trials programs are bringing together such as eligibility criteria. expertise from metropolitan and regional clinical Over the past 12 months there has been growing trials sites to expand clinical trial activity and patientrecognition of the collective impact that an alliance participation. model can bring to clinical trials. The year ahead will The broad goal of these clinical trials programs is to see rapid progress in this area and a change in the way enable clinical trials across VCCC partner clinical trialswe tackle cancer across Victoria. sites and the regions, and ultimately increase patient accrual onto trials. The combined programs represent a multi-faceted approach to expanding the trial portfolio. The emphasis is on building capability in currently underserved areas to increase access for patients across Victoria, build the skilled workforce and develop key metrics to monitor progress. 50