Territory rare cancer patients to have more local options

TERRITORIANS with rare cancers will now be able to access potentially lifesaving treatment close to home as part of the National Genomic Cancer Medical Program

TERRITORIANS with rare cancers will now be able to access potentially lifesaving treatment close to home as part of the National Genomic Cancer Medical Program.

The NT Government recently signed up to the initiative, which will treat up to 50 Territorians at the new Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre.

Royal Darwin Hospital medical oncologist Adrian Pokorny said it would allow specialists to tailor and personalise treatments to each patient, and help researchers learn more about rare cancers.

“What this program will afford us is the ability to examine tissue — pieces of the cancer itself — in labs where we don’t have the capacity to do that here,” he said.

Rosebery’s Andrea Forlani was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Ms Forlani said she was lucky to be able to access treatment in Darwin, but the announcement would be “life changing” for patients who would otherwise be forced to move. “I do have friends who have had more difficult cancers who are undergoing trial treatments interstate which means they have to uproot themselves and their families to live interstate,” she said. “I couldn't even imagine what that would be like.”

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said participating in the program would give Territorians the option to participate in clinical trials for world-class treatment, giving those with rare cancers more options in the Territory.