Poster Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Increasing equity and clinical trials participation for individuals with rare and less common cancers; statewide collaboration leveraging “just-in-time” and teletrial models (126055)

Yali YL Liu 1 , Anne AW Woollett 2 , Hui HG Gan 3 , Malaka MA Ameratunga 4 5 , Chloe CG Georgious 6 7 , Clare CS Scott AM 8
  1. Victorian Rare Cancer Clinical Trial Alliance, Trialhub, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. TrialHub , Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  3. Cancer Clinical Trial Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  4. Medical Oncology , Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  5. Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  6. Medical Oncology , Bendigo Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  7. Australian Rare Cancer Portal, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  8. WEHI , Melbourne, Vic, Australia

ABSTRACT

Background:

Collectively, rare and less common cancers (RLCCs) represent a significant burden in cancer statistics. With advancement in molecular testing and emergence of precision oncology, clinical trials can offer new and potentially more effective treatments to patients with RLCCs. However, this patient population can face challenges in accessing clinical trials due to lack of trial availability and accessibility. 

To address unmet needs in this disadvantaged population, the Australian-first  rare cancer clinical trials alliance was formed in Victoria (VRCCTA) under the TrialHub pilot program in early 2023.

Methods:

With Confidential Disclosure Agreements in place with all sixteen site partners, the VRCCTA facilitates a coordinated, rapid central review of clinical trial feasibility, selecting clinical trials that are potentially  beneficial to patients and able to be hosted at partner sites.

The VRCCTA recommended recruitment model for RLCCs is to open targeted sites in Victoria and encourage cross-referral. Leveraging Australia’s teletrial model and concurrently utilising a “just in time” start-up aims to enhance regional and rural  patient and site participation and access.

Impact on Practice:

Since 2024, eleven RLCCs trials have been reviewed and three commercially sponsored trials distributed to three distinct sites via the VRCCTA network. Previously no single Victorian site had the capacity to open these trials as a stand-alone site. To date this has allowed three Victorian patients access to potential future treatments, today! Nearly twenty RLCC trials are circulated within the VRCCTA network for awareness and cross-referral purposes via fortnightly email distribution.    

Discussion:

The VRCCTA has created a trial network spanning a broad range of geographic areas which is resulting in widespread engagement and increased access for a historically difficult to recruit trial population. This unique collaborative alliance is providing strategic direction, leadership and collaboration to enhance participation in and access to clinical trials in RLCCs across Victoria.