For patients
A clinical trial is a way for patients to try new treatments that have shown promising results.
There are currently almost 7000 patients on clinical trials at Alfred Health, with many travelling from all over Victoria, other states, and from overseas for what can be a lifesaving or life-changing clinical trial.
Lisa's story
Mildura-born and bred Lisa has an incurable but manageable blood cancer, and thanks to a clinical trial treatment she can now live a relatively normal life.
Lisa has a cancer called multiple myeloma, a cancer that develops in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow.
For two years, she travelled to Melbourne weekly for a trial treatment that inhibits myeloma cell growth while enhancing immune activity. While the travel, Lisa says, was gruelling at times it has been worth it because Lisa has responded well to the treatment.
She was able to come off the trial recently.
Lisa came on board to advocate for clinical trials in the Mildura region in 2023.
Lisa has now completed her clinical trial but remains on the treatment and has been able to return to work as a hairdresser.
Steve’s story
If it weren’t for clinical trials, Gippsland’s Steve Wadey says he wouldn’t be alive today.
In 2015, he was stunned to learn he had melanoma. It was picked up through a routine health check for a new job.
He had no choice but to make the gruelling 560km round-trip from his home to The Alfred for almost six years.
“I have faced five relapses, undergone four clinical trials, and endured countless surgeries and procedures. Each battle was a test of resilience, but thanks to access to cutting-edge treatments through clinical trials, I am still here today, advocating for the lifesaving impact of these trials on others,” he said.
Steve went on to marry Lauren, become a father of two, and he’s built a career as a business development executive for a large, global company.
He is extremely grateful to his clinical care team at The Alfred. As of today, he remains cancer-free.
Patient resources
We know it can be hard to understand clinical trials. Here are some helpful patient-led resources that you may find useful.
Siri explains clinical trials
The Siri explains clinical trials video was developed in partnership with clinical trial staff and regional/rural trial participants to raise awareness of clinical trials.
Teletrial brochure
A teletrial is where two or more hospitals deliver a clinical trial together using video technology. You won’t notice any difference in your care, it just means our hospital can deliver more trials to our patients.
The Gift of Healing – First Nations clinical trial brochure
Through our TrialHub program, our community was included in the development of a special brochure that will help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities understand clinical trials and their benefits. The artwork was developed over eight months by Dixon Patten. Dixon is a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man with bloodlines from Wemba Wemba, Barapa Barapa, Djab Wurrung, Wiradjuri, Yuin, Wodi Wodi, Wolgal, Monaro.
About the art: Our healing experiences can sometimes feel isolating and lonely. This art reminds us that we are part of a community with an abundance of strength and resilience. Our journeys are guided by such deep cultural and spiritual connection to our country’s and each other and that taking ownership of our healing is a powerful gift we give ourselves and our communities.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) clinical trial video
This video has been designed in partnership with our TrialHub program and people from Culturally and Linguistically (CALD) communities to help people understand clinical trials better, and to show they are open to everyone.