ONJCRI MoST CIRCUIT Clinical Trial Enrols 240 Rare Cancer Patients
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) announced it has successfully enrolled 240 rare cancer patients into its MoST CIRCUIT clinical trial in rare cancers. This trial is delivering immunotherapy treatment to urban, regional and rural patients with currently untreatable rare cancers. Leveraging the tele trial networks in regional Victoria and QLD, and support from major hospitals in NSW, WA, TAS, SA, VIC and Auckland, ONJCRI is delivering potentially lifesaving cancer treatments to rare cancer patients who would otherwise have no access.
Rare cancers have an incidence rate of <6 in 100,000, represent approximately 25% of all cancer diagnoses globally and have very limited treatment options available. Subsequently, they have a lower overall survival compared to patients with more common malignancies, and have a 5-year survival of 63% compared to 79% for a common cancer in Australia.
Almost a third of Australians live in rural, regional and remote areas, and are frequently unable to access clinical trials. The limited availability of clinical trials in regional areas often means patients must travel huge distances to access treatment including interstate.
Dr Oliver Klein, an immunologist and lead clinician for the trial reiterated:
“Rare cancers are difficult to study and treat due to their infrequent nature. Combination immunotherapy can be incredibly effective in patients with rare cancers, and being able to identify factors, such as the microbiome, that are predictive of an effective response will be invaluable in making this treatment available to more patients.”
Through the support of the Minderoo foundation, Bristol Myers-Squibb and OMICO, this study has enabled patients with rare neuroendocrine, biliary tract, gynaecological and mismatch repair protein deficient (MSI-H) cancers to access immunotherapy and contribute to national data initiatives that evaluate and improve rare-cancer patient outcomes.