Our Services:Cancer Care - Cancer Clinical Trials

Cancer Care - Cancer Clinical Trials

The Gallipoli Medical Research Centre is currently involved in a wide range of clinical trials of new treatments for patients with lymphoma, myeloma and leukaemia. The trials involve new therapies, not otherwise available in Australia, that have been shown in preliminary studies, to have the potential for major benefits with relatively minor, transient side effects.

The principle investigator, Dr Andrew Nicol from the Brisbane Clinic for Lymphoma, Myeloma and Leukaemia at Greenslopes, says the trials are exciting not only because of the potential benefits to patients with these conditions but also because it demonstrates the potential for direct benefits to patients and medical progress that can occur with the support of charitable organisations like the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Two new clinical trials involving patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) have started at Greenslopes. One study, open to older patients who are considered not suitable for more intensive treatment with intravenous chemotherapy, aims to determine the benefits of a new form of immune therapy that does not have the side effects of chemotherapy. The other study, open to all patients regardless of age, is assessing a new treatment administered as a tablet, that has been shown to block the chemicals that keep the leukaemia cells alive.

Lymphoma

Aggressive lymphoma

We are currently actively seeking patients with lymphoma who may be suitable for one of a number of trials that we are conducting. One trial, involving the addition of a new drug to the current standard treatment, is suitable for patients with a newly diagnosed, aggressive form of lymphoma (Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma). Another trial is enrolling patients with the same aggressive form of lymphoma but involves a tablet administered after the patient is in remission that aims to prolong the period of remission or prevent relapse (which otherwise occurs in about one half of all patients with this condition)

Low grade (non-aggressive) Lymphoma

Although treatment outcomes are much better today than five years ago, a common form of low grade lymphoma (Follicular lymphoma) can respond poorly to current treatments. A standard component of modern treatment for Follicular lymphoma is immune therapy using antibodies, part of our natural defences against cancer and infection. We are investigating a new, more potent antibody that is hoped to improve the outcome, particularly for patients who do not respond well to their initial treatment.

Myeloma
Myeloma is a form of bone marrow cancer that is currently very difficult to cure, even with the exciting array of new treatments that have recently become available. The Gallipoli Medical Research Centre is involved in the research efforts to improve the treatments for myeloma and has been able to support haematologists at Greenslopes enrol 5 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma over recent months, making us one of the leading study centres in Australia.

Practical information and who to contact
All of the above studies are being coordinated through the Clinical Trials Unit within the Gallipoli Medical Research Centre at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

If you are a doctor and would like to refer a patient for one of these trials or are a patient looking for further information you can send an email to the Principle Investigator, Dr Andrew Nicol at anic9909@bigpond.net.au or contact either the Brisbane Clinic for Lymphoma, Myeloma and Leukaemia (3324 1233) or any of the haematologists who regularly visit Greenslopes. If you already have a haematologist, but are considered eligible for enrolment in these studies, you can remain under the long term supervision of your usual doctor.
For more information visit www.gallipoliresearch.com.au

 

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