Bringing cancer clinical trials closer to home

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-12-13 00:01

New Zealand

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'Decentralised' clinical trials allow patients to access cancer clinical trials with their local treating team, no matter where they live. A national steering committee supported by Te Aho o Te Kahu - Cancer Control Agency has now developed a decentralised clinical trial method for Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on equity of access to cancer clinical trials for Māori, Pacific people, vulnerable communities and those in rural settings. The new method would make clinical trials more inclusive, accessible and whānau centred, but would require significant investment in order to be successful on a national level.

Media release

From: Pasifika Medical Association Group

Decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) are a new model to enable access to a cancer clinical trial independent of where someone lives. The model allows patients to remain in their local area with whānau and support networks, and their local treating team, increasing clinical trial accessibility and quality of care. This aims to make clinical trials more inclusive, accessible and whānau centred. This manuscript describes the processes undertaken to develop the methodology applicable to Aotearoa New Zealand with a strong focus on embedding equity and appropriateness to whānau Māori and those in rural areas.

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Medical Journal

Organisation/s: University of Auckland, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority, Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand

Funder: Nicola J Lawrence received support from Te Aho o Te Kahu for a project manager for this work and is is co-lead of the New Zealand DCT committee. Marina Dzhelali is a New Zealand Association of Clinical Research board member. Ngapei Ngatai received support from CTNZ for this manuscript. Alvin Tan is director at SalutisCare. Michelle Wilson received support from Te Aho o te Kahu for a project manager for this work and is co-lead of the New Zealand DCT committee.

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