Clinical trials

People who take part in clinical trials can help contribute to medical research, while perhaps getting access to medications that aren’t yet widely available. There’s a lot to understand, so read the resources below and speak to your treating team if you are thinking of getting involved in a clinical trial.

Clinical trials for metastatic cancer
Dr Shirley Wong (AUS, 2021)
Medical Oncologist Shirley Wong about some of the issues to take into consideration when deciding whether to participate in a trial. These include eligibility criteria, potential risks, consequences for later treatment options, different phases of trials, time and frequency of regular testing.
(webinar)

Clinical trials
Cancer Council Victoria (AUS)
This web page explains what clinical trials are, how they work and how you can get involved. Includes links to further information, including videos in 10 community languages. Scroll down the page to download the booklet, ‘Understanding clinical trials and research’ listed below.
 (web)

Understanding clinical trials and research
Cancer Council Australia (AUS, 2022)
Information to help you make an informed decision about taking part in a trial. Explains the types of research, how to get involved, and practical issues.
  (56-page booklet – PDF or hard copy)

Trial using medicinal cannabis for bone metastases
Daniel Tan/Counterpart (AUS, 2021)
Biotech company Medlab Clinical are conducting a chronic pain observational study to understand the effectiveness, tolerability and safety of pharmaceutical grade medicinal cannabis. Preliminary findings showed that patients with bone metastases (cancer which has spread to their bones) were responding well to the therapy. This has led to a more targeted trial.
(webinar)

How clinical trials work
Australia. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (AUS, 2020)
This is a clear explanation of a complex topic. It explains the rules and processes of a clinical trial that must be followed to make sure they are as safe as possible and the results are meaningful. Menu on the left links to ‘Who can be a part of a clinical trial?’.
 (web)

What is a clinical trial?
Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) (AUS)
Brief explanation of the reason for clinical trials. Includes a video ‘Cheryl’s story’ (10mins) and link to the PDF fact sheet, ‘What is a clinical trial?’ described below.
 (web)

What is a clinical trial?
Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) (AUS)
This fact sheet explains why clinical trials are necessary, how they work, and the benefits of participating.
  (fact sheet – PDF)

Randomised control trials: what makes them the gold standard in medical research?
The Conversation (AUS, 2017)
Explanation of randomised control trials (RCTs) in plain English. Also includes a simple video explaining the process followed to have a drug approved, which includes RCTs.
  (article and video – 3 mins)

Find all gynaecological cancer clinical trials currently recruiting
Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) (AUS)
This search tool allows you to find gynaecological cancer trials in Australia and New Zealand that are currently recruiting. Search by cancer type. Internationally-registered trials should be included in the future.
 (Online search tool)

Victorian Cancer Trials Link
Cancer Council Victoria resource helping Victorians with cancer to find new treatment options.
(web)