A key element of the VCCC’s Strategic Research Plan is to expand patient access to clinical trials through broadening and diversifying clinical trial groups. Palliative care has high-level community support, a large patient pool and a proven track record of collaboration and excellence.
On Thursday 25 October, the Building Capability in Clinical Trials Program was kick-started at the Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service. Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre explored opportunities and collaborations in building clinical trials expertise in palliative care.
Program champion, Professor Jennifer Philip presented cross pollination opportunities available in the program for VCCC palliative care partners. Progress has already been made with the establishment of a regular trials mentorship program and a trial pipeline for alliance partners. Clinical Program Lead and Chair of the Scientific Committee,
Associate Professor Brian Le, highlighted the impact that clinical trials have had on palliative care practice. Key examples included high impact studies, which resonated with clinicians attending the meeting. Clinical Trials Fellow,
Dr Aaron Wong provided an overview of local opportunities for clinicians, creating an energy and buzz in the audience. A series of trials are now underway, or planned, and several clinicians are currently translating research ideas into trial protocols.
Kick-start meetings are planned for VCCC partners with palliative care services, including Western Health, Austin Health, The Royal Children’s Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital.
For more information contact Evelien Rosens, VCCC Program Manager: [email protected]
