A MAJOR $22 million investment has been announced into cancer clinical trials to be rolled out over the next three years.
Ipswich recorded a 2.5% rate of cancer in its residents during the 2021 Census, with services and facilities being rolled out to work towards greater research and developing new forms of treatment.
Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler has announced the successful applicants for the 2024-2027 Support for Cancer Clinical Trials (CTG) program.
The funding will be administered by Cancer Australia and will support 14 multi-site Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Groups (CTGs) across the country.
The program will focus on improving clinical trial design, enhancing equitable access to trials, and accelerating the translation of research into clinical practice, directly contributing to better outcomes for Australians affected by cancer.
It is expeced to have a considerable impact on improving access to optimal cancer care across Australia, particularly for people living in rural and remote areas, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The 14 successful Cancer Trial Groups include Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group, Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group, Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association, Australian New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Group, Breast Cancer Trials, Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology, and Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials.
Mr Butler said the investment was a vital step towards saving lives and ensuring all Australians, regardless of location, have access to the most advanced and effective treatments.
“These trials are not just about research; they are about providing hope and delivering real, life-saving outcomes for people affected by cancer,” he said.
Cancer Australia CEO Dorothy Keefe said the funding aligned perfectly with the goals of the Australian Cancer Plan.
“The plan is focused on reducing the impact of cancer and improving outcomes for all Australians,” she said.
“By supporting these clinical trials, we are advancing critical research and ensuring that innovative treatments reach those who need them most, helping to save lives and reduce disparities in cancer care.”
