The Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) and The Cancer Council Australia have commended Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd’s announcement yesterday to provide $15 million for independent cancer clinical trials over the next three years if elected.
COSA, the peak body for cancer care professionals, provides secretariat support for Australia’s 10 cooperative cancer clinical trials groups, which conduct independent research on cancer treatments.
“Clinical trials are the only way to conclusively demonstrate whether a cancer treatment is effective and are essential to ensuring cancer patients get the best available care,” COSA President, Professor David Goldstein, said.
“Clinical trials are also a very good investment in reducing treatment costs. For example, clinical trials in advanced breast cancer treatment found that high-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow transplantation was no better than standard dose chemotherapy, saving $50,000 per patient or $50 million per annum nationally.
“We are pleased that Labor’s commitment is commensurate with the findings of an independent study commissioned by COSA, which concluded that $5 million each year was required to ensure independent cancer clinical trials met their potential to improve cancer outcomes.”
The Cancer Council Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Olver, said he welcomed Mr Rudd’s announcement, which recognised the importance of clinical trials to cancer research.
“With around 40,000 Australians dying of cancer each year, The Cancer Council Australia is looking forward to evidence-based cancer control measures as a cornerstone of health policy from all of Australia’s major political parties,” Professor Olver said.
“The Opposition’s commitment to increased funding for cancer clinical trials has the potential to improve clinical cancer care in Australia and will hopefully help to position Australia’s biggest killer as an election issue,” he said.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Paul Grogan, 0409 456 727; paul.grogan@cancer.org.au
Glen Turner, 0412 443 212; glen.turner@cancer.org.au