Cancer clinical trials must be fast-tracked like COVID-19 vaccine

Pioneering Queensland research is giving new life to cancer patients like 82-year-old Colin Metcher. There are calls for trials to be fast-tracked like the COVID-19 vaccine.

Cancer clinical trials must be accelerated in the same way the COVID-19 vaccine was fast-tracked to fight the country’s biggest killer, says one of Queensland’s leading oncologists.

While hitting the pause button and putting all focus on ending the pandemic was understandable, experts are now calling for a renewed focus and urgency towards cancer.

The Morrison Government injected $2.3bn into COVID-19 research compared to $1.3bn for innovative treatments, advanced health care and medical technology.

Each year 9200 Queenslanders die from cancer, the virus has taken the lives of six.

Cancer Australia’s latest report on COVID-19 recovery shows a massive drop in enrolment of new patients in cancer trials this year. The pandemic has also impacted some donations to cancer-focused philanthropic organisations.

Colin Metcher, 82, is back on his motocross bike and enjoying his second chance at life. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“What would have taken months to begin a new clinical trial program is now a matter of weeks. We need to see an urgency for cancer research as we have seen urgency for COVID-19 to ensure we can continue to provide treatment options to patients who currently have none,” Associate Professor Jim Coward, a medical oncologist from Icon Group said.

Icon is Queensland’s largest phase 1 cancer clinical trial program across both the public and private sector, with 75 per cent of trials focused on the growing area of immunotherapy.

Continued research is vital to provide new and innovative therapies for Queensland cancer patients who otherwise have little hope of surviving the disease.

“While Melbourne and Sydney have traditionally been the bedrock for phase I trials in Australia, Icon’s Phase 1 program is the first time Queenslanders can access cutting-edge medicines close to home. Continued support for phase 1 cancer trials is more important now than ever. Without new cancer treatments, we don’t progress,” Assoc Prof Coward said.

Icon’s Director of Research.

Dr John Bashford is excited that because of regulatory changes due to COVID-19, new clinical trial programs can be instigated within weeks.

Icon’s pioneering work has given 82-year-old Colin Metcher a second-chance of life.

The Gold Coast man was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which had spread to his lungs. His cancer was inoperable and there was little hope.

“That was until he started an immunotherapy clinical trial at Icon.

“My tumours have miraculously shrunk by 70 per cent. The treatment is not harsh like chemotherapy. That can wipe you out. I’ve been well enough to continue with my love for motocross and enjoy my family. I’m so grateful.”