Royal Darwin Hospital is participating in a research program for new and improved breast cancer treatments in partnership with Breast Cancer Trials, the first research project of its kind for the NT.
As part of the project, Royal Darwin Hospital will be involved in the Australian CAPTURE clinical trial which will test whether a drug call Alpelisib is effective in treating advanced breast cancer.
The Royal Darwin Hospital is one of 20 institutions participating in the trial which will screen 400 patients from across Australia.
Up to 140 people will be enrolled in the treatment phase of the trial including six to eight people from the Northern Territory.
The trial is open to women and men who have advanced breast cancer that meets certain criteria or has had breast cancer come back or spread after treatment
Patients who attend the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre at Royal Darwin Hospital with advanced breast cancer who meet the criteria for the study will be invited to participate.
Since July 2019 there has been 85 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at Royal Darwin Hospital including metastatic breast cancer.
Screening has commenced to identify suitable NT based candidates.
As stated by Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
“This is a significant vote of confidence in the incredible work Territory doctors and nurses do, particularly those working with terminally ill patients.
“The Territory Labor Government funded and built the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre and continues to invest in our health system – because we believe all Territorians deserve access to high quality health care.
“This trial will provide a new and world-leading opportunity for Territory patients at the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre and the Clinical Trials Unit, to be able to participate in the national study here at home rather than having to travel interstate to be involved.”
