Support for Clinical Trial Development

Partnerships with NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC)

Clinical trial support in NSW has been identified as a key infrastructure requirement for the development of good quality clinical research. The Partnership with the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) supports the development of investigator-initiated cancer clinical trials through the provision of operational and statistical support. This Partnership aims to establish and develop new, high quality cancer trials and collaborations in areas which are currently under represented by clinical research. The Partnership will be used to build upon existing expertise, strengths and resources to provide strong links with existing groups and partners.

Clinical trial proposals with the potential to receive support by the Partnership will be initially considered by the Partnership Operational Executive Committee (POEC). This committee comprises of experts from both Partnership participants - the Cancer Institute NSW and the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, along with the Chair of the NSW Cancer Trials Network.

Clinical Trial proposals for access to the Partnership are encouraged for studies early in their development, requiring support with trial design, protocol development and trial initiation. Proposals for studies in later stages of development may also be considered (eg. trials that are enrolling, nearing completion or ready for analysis). However, the Partnership is focussed on providing support for the development of new trials.

A copy of the document Access and Operational Guidelines for Partnership Activities can be found here. This document outlines the level of support available, and the process for review and approval of proposals submitted for support. A concept sheet template is available to assist in the preparation of the application for support, and can be found here. A guidance document to assist in the completion of the concept sheet is also available here.

The partnership with the NHMRC CTC has also supported the development of two new national clinical trial co-operative groups for genito-urinary trials and lung trials. The Partnership is also building on existing expertise in gastrointestinal, gynae-oncology and other cancers.