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Testing underway in a cancer clinical trial
Published: 20 May 2025

A growing focus and expansion of clinical research and the benefits it delivers patients is at the centre of activities to mark International Clinical Trials Day in Northern NSW Local Health District.

Celebrated across the world on 20 May each year, International Clinical Trials Day provides an opportunity to explain the importance of medical research and how it contributes to global efforts to improve health care.

More than a dozen cancer clinical trials are underway or starting up across the district with a strong focus on expanding access to the latest in cancer care. Additional trials have just started, including new studies in melanoma, leukaemia, and breast cancer.

Special drop-in tables are set up at Lismore Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital, providing information to both patients, their carers and staff, as part of plans to expand research culture.

Northern NSW Local Health District Clinical Trials Manager Associate Professor Adrian Bootes said clinical trials offered new hope and possibilities for local patients.  

“At the heart of this research and every breakthrough we make, are the patients who generously volunteer to take part in clinical trials. Currently we have around 200 patients in our care in trials in Northern NSW Local Health District and we are deeply grateful for their contributions and participation,” Associate Professor Bootes said.

“We also want to shine a light on the incredible staff across NSW Health who make these trials possible. From planning and coordination to day-to-day operations, their hard work and commitment ensure every trial is run safely, ethically, and with care.

“Our patients and staff understand these trials are essential for advancing medical knowledge, developing new treatments, and improving how we prevent, diagnose, and manage a wide range of health conditions.”

“Most big advancements in medicine must be proven by a clinical trial in a large group across multiple research sites, otherwise we risk dealing with opinions and experiences in only a few patients.”

“We are learning more about cancer and its treatment every day. Clinical trials provide tangible evidence of what works and what doesn’t.”

At Northern NSW Local Health District, clinicians take part in global research initiated by pharmaceutical companies, as well as in collaborative efforts initiated by Australian researchers keen to better understand specific treatments.

To find out more about clinical trials, visit Northern NSW Local Health District’s Cancer clinical trials webpage or visit Cancer Institute NSW.
 

Image: Registered Nurse Kim Liehm processing patient samples as part of a clinical trial.