Rare cancer patients in ACT gain local access to Garvan’s clinical trial
14 December 2017
The Genomic Cancer Medicine Program, an innovative clinical trial that matches novel therapies to rare and less common cancer patients based on the individual molecular and genetic makeup of their tumour, will now be available for patients in the ACT.
Funding announced by ACT Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris will allow for close to 100 patients to be recruited for the trials, which will commence early in 2018.
The project identifies optimal therapeutic targets for patients without other treatment options by using cutting edge molecular and genetic analysis of their tumour. New drugs are becoming available which are specific for these therapeutic targets. This leads to higher response rates, fewer side effects and better outcomes than traditional methods.
Professor David Thomas, head of the Cancer Division at the Garvan Institute said, “Garvan’s Genomic Cancer Medicine Program is providing access to precision medicine for patients who have incurable cancers, and particularly for those many Australians affected by rare and less common cancers.
“Over the past 12 months, more than 60 patients have come from outside NSW to take part in the program. We are really delighted to be able to work with the ACT Government to bring this program to help patients closer to home.”