together we can defeat cancer

Transcription

1 together we can defeat cancer

2 imagine a cancer free world ABOUT TROG TROG S MISSION A global leader in cancer research, TROG has been successfully improving the outcomes of cancer patients for over 25 years. Our Australian and New Zealand-based members conduct world-renowned research into radiotherapy treatments with the common aim of creating a cancer free world. TROG conducts world-class research involving radiotherapy to improve outcomes and quality of life for people affected by cancer. With collaboration and innovative technologies TROG will explore advances that influence clinical practice. As the second-largest clinical trials group in Australia TROG works with hospitals, universities and the wider community to sustain this vital research. Working with more than 60 cancer treatment centres nationally, TROG has launched over 50 trials with the help of 12,000 patients. OUR VALUES Collaboration: We will work with key stakeholders, organisations and community groups who share our aim of defeating cancer. Quality: Our research is guided by innovation, best practice, rigour and accuracy. OUR HISTORY The Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) formed in 1989 when members of seven radiotherapy centres across Australia and New Zealand formed a clinical trials group to advance the study of cancers that could be treated with radiotherapy. The aim was to contribute to a process of continual improvement in cancer treatment for the benefit of patients in the Trans-Tasman region and internationally. Care: We provide the utmost care and consideration for patients and families, as well as members of our own team and all those with whom we come into contact during the course of our work. ACHIEVEMENTS Many advances in cancer cure rates today have been achieved by continuous improvements in treatments over time through successful trials. In the past 25 years TROG has contributed substantially to cure rates, particularly in the following areas: WHY ARE CLINICAL TRIALS AND RADIOTHERAPY IMPORTANT? Clinical trials help us determine whether a promising new treatment is safe and effective, and give us a better understanding of the current treatment. They help change and shape treatment practices to improve the control of cancer and patient comfort across our global community. Like chemotherapy and surgery, radiotherapy is a widely used cancer treatment, with around 1 in 6 people needing it during their lifetime. Radiotherapy controls and even cures various cancers using high-energy x-rays and similar rays, and cutting edge research and technology is continuously improving treatments. Prostate cancer breakthrough TROG showed the chances of cancer returning in the prostate could be reduced by approximately 60% using hormone therapy prior to radiotherapy. Skin cancer breakthrough TROG showed the chance of skin cancer reappearing was reduced by around 30% when radiotherapy followed standard surgical treatment. Oesophagus breakthrough TROG showed the 5 year survival outlook could be improved by up to 5 times using a treatment of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

3 the research journey starts with KEY RESEARCH AREAS Key research areas include the head and neck, breast, bladder, lungs and prostate. RECENT RESEARCH TROG s latest work has involved studies and projects highly regarded in the international field of cancer research. Quality of life for men with prostate cancer: TROG (RADAR) investigated whether certain treatments had an adverse effect on patient outcomes, finding that while some had no detrimental effects, others adversely affected emotional and financial problems. The study generated findings on the outcome and impact of comprehensive quality assurance, which can provide a catalyst for reforming treatment practices. It also provided treatment centres with useable feedback. Photograph by Joerg Lehmann Radiotherapy treatments for lung cancer patients: In investigating the complex relationship between lung tumour volume and survival in patients, TROG showed that a larger tumour size should not exclude lung cancer patients from curative (chemo) radiotherapy. Breast cancer treatment management: A previous unblinded study demonstrated that a particular alcohol-free barrier cream was effective in reducing skin reactions after radiation. The rigorous TROG study tested this hypothesis and found no significant difference to the 10% glycerine cream most commonly used for this purpose in Australia. ANROTAT project: TROG recently completed the Assessment of New Radiation Oncology Technology and Treatments (ANROTAT). The aim was to ensure radiation oncology technologies could be introduced into Australia without unnecessary delay, thereby benefitting patients who needed to access new technologies as part of their treatment. ANROTAT was designed to help rapidly produce appropriate evidence on the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of new technologies. The development and implementation of this important framework complemented other Australian Government initiatives arising from the Review of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Australia report published by the Commonwealth in The work is of national significance, establishing a new standard in HTA in Australia. KEY ACTIVITIES Every trial starts with a question, idea, or key innovation. Oncology professionals come to TROG with an idea and TROG facilitates the process of developing that idea into a rigorous clinical trial. First, we assist the researcher to develop their idea into a formal proposal which is then submitted for endorsement by our Scientific Committee and ultimately our membership. In other words, the proposal is peer reviewed by up to 300 clinical professionals for validity and feasibility. TROG then facilitates the development of the protocol, statistics and budgets. We arrange ongoing peer review with a dedicated Trial Management Committee and develop the Quality Assurance requirements that will be applied continuously throughout the life of the trial. TROG will ensure all indemnity, contractual and regulatory documentation is complete. We prepare all record keeping documents and set up a records database. All of these elements comply with strict international Good Clinical Practice standards. Once these processes are complete, TROG s Scientific Committee approves a trial for activation and only then does patient recruitment begin.

4 together working to save lives TRIAL MANAGEMENT PARTNER WITH US TROG s Central Operations Office is equipped to provide full trial coordination centre activities from the time of trial concept through to completion and publication in medical journals. Corporate Partnership Opportunities: TROG works with radiation therapy treatment centres and researchers to ensure: TROG has a flexible approach to corporate partnerships and is open to any collaboration that might help your organisation meet its objectives. Here are just a few benefits of a corporate partnership with TROG: Patient recruitment and data collection targets are being met Patient safety is monitored Data is being collated and primary/final endpoints are reported on Reporting timelines to regulatory agencies are met QUALITY ASSURANCE Positive brand and corporate social responsibility When you affiliate with TROG, you re joining the second-largest clinical trials group in Australia in its fight against cancer. With each trial, our radiotherapy-focused research contributes to medical knowledge and changes the way patients are treated. HERALD NEWS We can partner with you in many ways to build a positive brand including cross-promotion, in-kind donations, involvement in our media campaigns, merchandising or the sponsorship of individual projects. In order for the results of a trial to be published and adopted into clinical practice, data must be accurate. Quality Assurance (QA) provides the framework for verifying data accuracy and protocol compliance. It also ensures that safety issues for patients on a trial are identified as soon as possible and rectified. The world of radiotherapy is rapidly evolving with new technologies and treatments being developed both nationally and internationally. To incorporate these innovations into clinical trials, QA procedures must be developed. TROG reviews international standards for credentialing these new techniques, and incorporates the use of technologically advanced dosimetric phantoms and software. In doing this, we ensure our researchers have access to the best available resources for the conduct of their research. Drive staff and client engagement Engage your staff or clients with team building activities such as charity movie nights, sports days, barbeques, high teas, laser tag ideas are only limited to your team s imagination and will give your staff the satisfaction of being part of an organisation that cares. Or consider a workplace giving program: give your staff a tax break and help them make a difference with a pre-tax charitable donation scheme. Reach the right audience TROG is an important target audience for companies operating in the oncology and radiotherapy markets. The majority of radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand are TROG members, and our membership also includes people working in related oncology and clinical research disciplines. INVOLVED: Sarah Gallagher, clinical trial co-ordinator, Carol Fraczek and Joan Torony, TROG manager. Picture: Ryan Osland Clinical trials strive to save further lives By ALISON BRANLEY Health Reporter TROG strives to save lives: Newcastle Herald, June 7, 2013 You can help defeat cancer too. TROG s research is funded by private donors, corporate sponsors and government bodies and the more we raise, the faster we ll make a difference. For the 1 in 3 Australians affected by cancer, every day counts. CAROL Fraczek is many things: a wife, a mother and a breast cancer survivor. However the one thing she does not feel like is a guinea pig. The East Maitland woman is one of the many hundreds of Hunter residents who take part in clinical trials. Ms Fraczek is in a trial assessing the effectiveness of altering the timing and intensity of radiation therapy for a breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ. She was in the experimental group who received fewer doses of radiation but at a higher intensity during her breast cancer treatment three years ago. Ms Fraczek was informed she was in the experimental, not the IT ALL BEGAN WITH SCURVY International Clinical Trials Day was celebrated on May 20 to raise awareness of clinical trials and encourage participation. It marks the day of the first known clinical trial in 1747 control, group in the trial and as part of the research will be monitored for a decade. There was a doctor s visit and scans every six months for the first couple of years then yearly checks after that, along with associated paperwork. She said staff were very caring and attentive and she has never felt like a guinea pig. Being part of this is wonderful, she said. when Scottish physician James Lind started a trial to prove vitamin C cured scurvy. The Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group at Calvary Mater is Australia s secondlargest clinical trials group. Knowing that I m going to be seen on a regular basis, that gives me a lot of comfort. If anything creeps up it will be picked up pretty quickly. The 48-year-old also felt a sense of responsibility to herself and other people to take part. When I was diagnosed I had two friends going through a similar thing and they re not here any more, she said. I owe it to them. Hunter Boarding Bursary Year 7 If I can help one more person to survive I m happy. The trial is run by a research outfit based at the Calvary Mater called TROG, which was established in TROG is the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group, which has added 12,000 patients to its books in its 24-year history and currently runs 16 active trials at 67 sites around Australia and New Zealand. Other outlets such as Hunter Medical Research Institute and the Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials group also run trials. Hunter New England Health has 13 cancer trial teams located at six treatment centres. Contact TROG or trog.com.au Applications are invited for a Boarding Bursary (means-tested) to attend The King s School in Year 7 in This award will cover 100% of boarding fees for six years 7 to 12. Candidates must reside in the Hunter Valley Region. A corporate marketing package can be tailored to suit your needs including website and member enews advertisement; podcasts; website video entries; social media inclusion; corporate brochures; signage at events; and mentions in media releases. You can also sponsor our week-long Annual Scientific Meeting, the centrepiece of TROG s annual calendar and a great opportunity to showcase product portfolios and develop important relationships in the radiation oncology and clinical trials sectors. We have a flexible approach to all partnerships. If we re working on a specific project you d like to support, or you have an idea in mind for a new project, let us know. Visit trog@trog.com.au or phone us on to discuss how your organisation can join TROG and change the lives of people affected by cancer.

5 Calvary Mater Newcastle, Locked Bag 7, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310 Australia trog@trog.com.au TROG sites around the world Australia Canberra Albury Newcastle Sydney Gosford Wollongong Coffs Harbour Port Macquarie Wagga Wagga Brisbane Toowoomba Sunshine Coast (Nambour) Coolangatta Townsville Geelong Melbourne Ballarat Frankston Bendigo Box Hill East Melbourne Adelaide Hobart Launceston Fremantle Perth New Zealand Auckland Christchurch Dunedin Hamilton Palmerston Wellington Asia Singapore Mumbai, IN United Kingdom Norwich, ENG Mt Vernon, ENG Crawley, ENG Stafford, ENG Sheffield, ENG Bristol, ENG Ipswich, ENG Colchester, ENG Middlesborough, ENG Wolverhampton, ENG Guildford, ENG Sutton, ENG Glasgow, ENG Howden, ENG Southend-On-Sea, ENG Galashiels, ENG Birmingham, ENG Coventry, ENG Kidderminster, ENG Basildon, ENG London, ENG Leeds, ENG Dumfries, SCT Edinburgh, SCT Aberdeen, SCT Paisley, SCT Galway, IRL Cork University Hospital, IRL Europe Oslo, NO Deventer, NL Maastro, NL Amsterdam, NL Leiden, NL Groningen, NL The Hague, NL Zwolle, NL La Louviere, BE Brussels, BE Antwerp, BE Nice, FR St Gallen, CH Zurich, CH Munsterlingen, CH Chur, CH Bern, CH Basel, CH Geneva, CH Aviano, IT Pavia, IT Padova, IT Canada Toronto, ON Victoria, BC Vancouver, BC Winnipeg, MB Quebec City, QC Oshawa, ON London, ON Montreal, QC Saskatoon, SK Ottawa, ON Thunder Bay, ON Halifax, NS Saint John, NB Kelowna, BC Hamilton, ON Sherbrooke, ON South America Sao Paulo, BR