Clinical Trial Capacity Building Grants recipients announced

SPHERE Cancer Theme has announced the recipients of the 2024 Clinical Trial Capacity Building Grants, funded through the Cancer Institute NSW Clinical Trial Support Grant. These initiatives aim to enhance cancer clinical trial capacity across NSW, facilitating broader participation and advancing equitable cancer care.

Project 1: CANCER-PRISM - Promoting Research, Literacy, and Navigation Support for Equity in Cancer Care for Chinese Australians

Led by Dr. Abhijit Pal from Liverpool and Bankstown Hospitals, UNSW Sydney & Western Sydney University, CANCER-PRISM is a pioneering mixed-methods initiative. It addresses disparities in cancer care access among Chinese Australians, particularly in South West Sydney Local Health District and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.

The project introduces a novel approach by deploying a dedicated Cancer Inequity Officer at major cancer services. This role will collaborate closely with community groups, health services, and academic institutions to identify and address barriers faced by Chinese Australians in accessing cancer trials and therapies. Through community co-design and strategic partnerships with organizations like CanRevive and UTS, CANCER-PRISM aims to foster cultural sensitivity and improve health outcomes for this demographic.

Project 2: Clinical Trials Coordination Traineeship Program

Associate Professor, Kate McBride of Western Sydney University, spearheads this initiative aimed at building the capacity of Greater Western Sydney's cancer clinical trials workforce. The program, developed in partnership with South Western Sydney Local Health District and other LHDs, will launch a practice-based six-month internship for health and medical science graduates.

This pioneering program blends practical training with online microcredentials to equip participants with essential skills in clinical trial coordination. By integrating culturally tailored educational resources, the initiative ensures inclusivity across diverse communities across NSW. The ultimate goal is to expand this internship into a comprehensive WSU Graduate Certificate by 2026, further embedding clinical trials expertise within local health districts.

Both projects highlight SPHERE's commitment to innovation and equity in cancer care, paving the way for enhanced participation in clinical trials and improved health outcomes across diverse communities in New South Wales.