People being treated for cancer in Gippsland can now participate in clinical trials at Monash Health, opening up new therapeutic options that have not previously been available.
Supported by funding from the Victorian Government, a new telehealth clinic has been introduced to match patients living in Gippsland with oncology clinical trials hosted at Monash Health.
Dr Vi Luong, clinical fellow at Monash Health is working collaboratively with Dr Hieu Chau, oncologist at Latrobe Regional Hospital to conduct the clinic. A new clinical trials co-ordinator has also been appointed at the Gippsland Cancer Centre to support the pilot program.
“Up until this month, cancer patients at Latrobe Regional Hospital have had to travel significant distances in order to be able to participate in trials at Monash”, said Dr Luong.
“This new clinic means that eligible patients will have the option to sign up for the latest research into treatments for prostate, lung, breast and colorectal cancers, whilst continuing their care close to home”, she said.
“This is one of several initiatives that Latrobe Regional Hospital is introducing to improve equity of access to cancer clinical trials for patients in regional Victoria”, said Dr Chau.
“We are also working with the national program, TrialHub, to initiate tele-trials with other experienced metropolitan cancer centres”.