PINC & STEEL is more than just helping people after cancer, it is about giving hope, strength and courage.
PINC & STEEL is more than just helping people after cancer, it is about giving hope, strength and courage.
Cancer affects millions of people worldwide, but treatments are continually evolving thanks to research and innovation. One of the most important ways we make progress in cancer care, and develop new treatments that could one day save lives or significantly improve quality of life for people living with cancer, is through clinical trials – research studies that test new treatments. The trials evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new drugs or therapies, explore better ways to manage cancer symptoms, and can provide patients with access to novel treatments that are not yet widely available.
While many people might think that clinical trials mostly take place at major research hubs in the United States or Europe, Aotearoa New Zealand has quietly established itself as a good place for cancer research, and clinical research in general. Our tight-knit medical community, high standards of care, and strong regulatory framework make Aotearoa New Zealand an ideal place for clinical trials. In addition, Aotearoa New Zealand’s smaller, more accessible healthcare system has some advantages when it comes to clinical trials, including faster patient recruitment and more personalised care.
One example of Aotearoa New Zealand’s involvement in cancer treatment trials is Harbour Cancer & Wellness. Located in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, this facility is at the forefront of innovative cancer care and has a dedicated clinical research team. As part of its mission to improve outcomes for people with cancer, Harbour Cancer & Wellness collaborates with global companies and networks to bring international clinical trials to Aotearoa New Zealand and to New Zealanders with cancer.
For people with cancer and their family/whānau, the decision to participate in a clinical trial can feel like a big step, but there are many potential benefits. Clinical trials can offer access to new treatments and treatments that are not currently funded in Aotearoa New Zealand. Additionally, clinical trial participants are closely monitored by healthcare teams, meaning that they often receive a high level of care and attention. Participating in a clinical trial also contributes to something bigger – advancement of the collective knowledge about cancer and its treatment.
If you or a loved one are considering participation in a clinical trial, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the opportunities for trial participation are expanding. With world-class centres like Harbour Cancer & Wellness leading the way, the goal is to provide high-level care and treatments now that make a difference for a wider group of patients in the future.
Advances in cancer care based on the results from clinical trials have the potential to improve outcomes for people with cancer. Aotearoa New Zealand’s involvement in clinical trials contributes to these advances, with the aim of identifying more effective and personalised treatments for people with cancer everywhere.