Clinical trials in regional communities are helping patients get early access to new treatments and medical technology as well as enabling them to help pioneer medical options for future generations.
Since 2023, more than 100 patients across Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) have participated in a range of clinical trials which are vital for testing novel drugs and establishing new standard-of-care treatments for patients.
These trials help develop safe and effective therapies and vaccines and are a gateway to accessing cutting edge technology, according to Clinical Trials Unit clinical nurse consultant Karen Smith.
“By participating in a clinical trial, patients are contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge by helping evaluate the effectiveness and safety of medicines, devices, services and interventions to help prevent, identify or treat illness and disease,” Ms Smith said.
“We have trials available across a wide variety of medical fields which are bringing new, world-class medicines to our local patients in speciality areas including oncology, anaesthetics, haematology, vascular and endocrine.”
Jubilee Pocket patient Robyn Creighton was diagnosed with breast cancer before her 62nd birthday and after undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, her oncologist mentioned a clinical trial.
She saw it as an opportunity to potentially assist family members in the future if they were faced with a similar diagnosis, including her five granddaughters, three nieces and nine great-nieces.
“I was told there was a new trial MonarchE that I could participate in as a tele-trial, so I would initially need to travel to Townsville to start the treatment but then I could attend the Mackay Base Hospital for follow up,” Robyn said.
The trial involves a mix of face-to-patient appointments in Mackay as well as telehealth calls which eliminated the ongoing need for travel to appointments.
“Living rurally, we already have challenges with access to specialists requiring travel and time away from family,” Robyn said.
“Being a part of a trial gives me a feeling of doing something towards the development of future lifesaving treatments. Hopefully I’m doing my bit to help future generations.”
Mackay haematology patient Valmai Sweetnam, who is currently participating in a tele trial, shares this sentiment.
“I was diagnosed with myeloma about two years ago now and have been on a clinical trial for 11 months,” Valmai said.
“I would recommend anyone to do a trial, it doesn’t harm you and you will be helping someone else.”
Clinical Trial Coordinator nurse Tracy Hess, who works in the Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI) unit, said patients in trials like Robyn were helping pioneer future medication options.
“Every medication that is currently available has been through some form of clinical trial so it’s important that patients are willing to participate and see the benefits,” Tracy said.
“As clinical trial coordinators, we work with the sponsor company, local doctors and patients to organise the details of the trial, gain appropriate ethics approvals, recruit patients to participate and collate data.
“Our patients who participate in clinical trials are potentially creating better options for the children of the future and that is such a big deal.”
Acting nursing director for MIRI Sue Farrell said Mackay is forging ahead in the research space.
“On Clinical Trials Day, we want to highlight the work that continues to be done locally, nationally and internationally surrounding clinical trials and continue to raise awareness and support for this vital field of medical research,” Sue said.
“Patients across the Mackay HHS can be proud of the team here at Mackay Base Hospital who are passionate about research and ensuring our patients are not missing out on vital trial opportunities.”
