Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre |Annual Report 2017–18 CASE STUDY FOCUS ON REGIONAL ONCOLOGY Metropolitan cancer Technology key to addressing the gap in outcomes between survival rate metropolitan and regional cancer patients 69% Cancer patients living in regional and rural Victoria experience several disadvantages including a lower survival rate and barriers to clinical trial access such as time, cost and social disruption, compared to patients living in Melbourne. Rural/regional cancer In collaboration with the Regional Trials Network – Victoria, the VCCC teamsurvival rate consulted regional cancer centres in Wodonga, Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo, Warrnambool and Shepparton to explore the state of play and identifyopportunities for improvement. Several areas were discussed, includingimproving business acumen, building workforce skills and experience, as 65% well as increasing and improving clinical trial delivery and efficiency in regional settings. Leading strategic programs for regional patients The VCCC Regional Oncology Leads were introduced to fortify resources, develop capability and capacity, and implement strategic planning. In October 2017, Dr Craig Underhill was appointed Regional Oncology Lead and Associate Professor Ian Collins appointed Regional Oncology Deputy Lead. Dr Underhill is a medical oncologist, Director of Oncology at Albury Wodonga Health and Clinical Director of Hume Regional Integrated Cancer Services. Associate Professor Collins is a medical oncologist at South West Oncology and Clinical Associate Professor at Deakin University. As highly experienced specialists, Dr Underhill and Associate Professor Collins are aware of the gaps and unmet needs related to cancer care in regional Victoria. The Regional Oncology Leads play a key role representing the regional cancer community to expand clinical trials, foster education opportunities, and improve partnerships and networks. 58