Vital boost as Albany Health Campus Cancer Centre welcomes start of first oncology clinical trial

The first oncology clinical trial is under way at the Albany Health Campus Cancer Centre, giving local patients access to new and innovative genetic testing.

The clinical trial is a collaboration between the WA Country Health Service Trial Centre, Fiona Stanley Medical Oncology, and the Albany Health Campus Cancer Centre.

It marks the third tele-trial to be conducted in the region.

The first two tele-trials conducted in Albany were for Flash GM, trialling continuous glucose monitoring for Aboriginal patients living with type 2 diabetes, followed by the Vitafoot study which trialled vitamin supplementation for diabetic foot ulcers.

The new oncology trial will enable participants to access genetic testing, which will help guide chemotherapy dosing.

The WA Government said the initiative represented an important step in improving equity for regional cancer patients.

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said the trial aligned with the Government’s clinical trials road map, and highlighted the importance of expanding access to high-quality clinical trials throughout the regions.

“It’s fantastic to see a clinical trial of this nature being delivered in Albany, giving local patients access to cutting-edge cancer treatments without the need to travel to Perth,” he said.

“By strengthening regional trial capability through initiatives like tele-trials, the road map is helping country patients benefit from innovative research closer to home.

“This work is a great example of how our government is building a clinical trials sector that is world-class, connected and sustainable, and, most importantly, one that puts Western Australians at the centre of innovation in health care.”

Health Minister Meredith Hammat said ensuring equity for country patients was “at the heart” of the initiative.

“Expanding clinical trial capability in regional WA means more patients can receive high-quality care in their own communities, closer to their families and support networks,” she said.

“Living regionally shouldn’t preclude patients from accessing the best in clinical care.

“Our aim is to bring timely, best-practice specialist care closer to home, no matter where people live in WA.”