Conducting cancer clinical trials in Australia involves a comprehensive and structured approach, guided by stringent regulatory standards, ethical considerations, and a commitment to high-quality research. Australia is recognised globally for its efficient regulatory environment, high standards of clinical practice, and diverse population. In addition, Australia is home to a competitive clinical trial site environment with many state-of-the-art medical facilities, experienced researchers, and a robust healthcare system, all of which provide a solid foundation for conducting complex cancer clinical trials. The Australian government provides significant support for clinical research conducted within Australia. This includes financial incentives such as the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive, which offers tax offsets for eligible research activities in both public and private facilities.
Early Phase clinical trials (Phase I/II) are critical for assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of new oncology therapies for the first time in humans. Australia hosts many reputable institutions and specialised units dedicated to conducting cancer studies. These trial sites are known for their rigorous standards, experienced research teams, and advanced facilities. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in the early-stage development of novel cancer treatments.
If you would like to discuss extending your Oncology Clinical Trial program in Australia, please reach out to our team today.
Below is an overview of some notable Early Phase (Phase I/II) cancer clinical trial sites across Australia:
Southern Oncology Clinical Research Unit (SOCRU)
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
About: SOCRU is a specialised Phase I cancer trials facility dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and research. Led by a team of oncologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals, SOCRU focuses on conducting clinical trials to evaluate new cancer therapies, diagnostic tools, and treatment approaches. The team has vast experience in conducting trials using cytotoxic, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and oncolytic viral therapies. Located in Flinders Private Hospital, the team at SOCRU have access to many healthcare providers including Southern Oncology SA, Bensons radiology, Australian Clinical Labs and Radiology SA.
Medical Oncology Clinical Trials Unit (MOTCU), The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre– Westmead Hospital
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
About: The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre at Westmead Hospital is renowned for its comprehensive cancer care and research. The centre is a part of the Sydney West Cancer Network, one of the largest cancer care networks in Australia. Westmead Hospital serves a large portion of Western Sydney which has a population of over 1 million people.
The Medical Oncology Clinical Trials Unit (MOCTU) at The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre has been operational for over 15 years, participating in groundbreaking clinic trials including the Phase I Pembrolizumab trial, KEYNOTE-001, recruiting 62 patients; Phase I Encorafenib and Binimetinib combination trial recruiting 55 patients. The site currently has a portfolio of 110 oncology trials including trials in Phase I, GU, GI, head & neck, breast, gynae, melanoma and lung cancer. The team includes 13 Oncologists and 23 Clinical Trials staff who are passionate about research and offering patients access to new treatments. The Centre provides fully integrated research, prevention, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation programs for patients and families navigating cancer.
“Phase I trials are the cornerstone of medical progress, laying the foundation upon which all future advancements stand. Oncology Phase I trials are the frontline battlegrounds where innovation meets necessity. Every patient's participation is a courageous step forward offering more than just hope but an opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of medical science while receiving the highest level of care and attention from dedicated professionals.” - A/Prof Adnan Nagrial, Director of MOTCU
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
About: Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a world-class not-for-profit integrated cancer treatment centre. It offers a broad range of clinical trials for multiple cancer types, including Phase I trials and first in-Human trials, aiming to provide patients with access to the latest therapies. All types of cancers are treated at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse with a special focus on complex and rare types of cancer.
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is the largest breast cancer treatment centre in NSW and is the primary referral centre in NSW for head and neck cancer and sarcoma. The centre offers services to patients including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, complementary therapies, and supportive care. There are currently 9 active Phase I investigators, operating from a dedicated Phase I clinic, treatment bay and ICU facilities. The site hosts an in-house clinical research compounding pharmacy, pathology and radiology. Key partners of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse include the University of Sydney, Sydney Catalyst Translational Cancer research centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Research Institutes and the National Cancer Consortia.
Mater Research, Mater Hospital
Location: South Brisbane, Queensland
About: Mater Research supports Investigators at Mater Hospital Brisbane to conduct early phase clinical trials in collaboration with commercial sponsors. Mater conducts Phase I studies in Oncology, IBD, Respiratory and Infectious Disease, Haematology, Endocrinology and Neurology, as well as medical device pilot studies. Within the Oncology field, Mater Research conducts early phase trials in Women’s Cancers, Urological Cancers, Lung Cancer, Lower GI Cancers, Multiple Myeloma, B-cell Malignancies, and solid tumour basket studies. Mater Research’s Early Phase Clinical Trials Governance Framework ensures that early phase studies adhere to the highest standards of patient safety. With onsite hospital laboratories, pharmacies and medical imaging departments and an efficient research governance process, study startup processes are efficient and timely.
Central West Cancer Centre (Western NSW Local Health District)
Location: Orange, New South Wales
About: Central West Cancer Centre offers chemotherapy, radiation therapy and haematology services. Located in regional NSW, Central West Cancer Centre enables patients in surrounding areas including Bathurst, Dubbo, Cobar, Cowra and Mudgee to have access to Clinical Trials. Western NSW LHD partners with pharmaceutical companies to conduct trials out of the Clinical Trial Unit in Orange Hospital. This Clinical Trials Unit is essential for providing the opportunity and access to trials and new treatments for people living in these regional areas.
“Providing our regional and remote patients the opportunity to enrol onto a first in human Phase I clinical trial has been a real privilege. When standard of care options are exhausted these trials can provide some hope. Travelling to Sydney can be intense and a huge burden on patients at this stage of their cancer. As a Trial unit we have also learnt so much by running Phase I trials. These by design are higher risk and require greater oversight and governance. This has lifted the quality of our trial work across the board.” - A/Prof Robert Zielinski
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
About: Located in the Prince of Wales Hospital’s new Bright Building, Scientia Clinical Research (SCR) utilises a purpose-built, early-phase clinical trial unit to conduct a range of early-phase studies. The organisation conducts Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials that evaluate novel cancer therapies, including chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and innovative treatment approaches. SCR is the first and only Not-for-Profit Phase I clinical trial unit, centrally located in Sydney. The site conducts approximately 50 clinical trials per year, the majority of which are First Time In Human (FTIH) projects. SCR is uniquely positioned to provide biotech sponsors with the personalised attention that their study needs. As the site has broad experience across a multitude of study designs, the complexity of studies conducted at SCR can be reduced, allowing products to have the best chance for success.
Location: Gosford, New South Wales
About: The Central Coast Cancer Centre is Gosford's primary outpatient cancer centre and opened in 2013. Nestled in Gosford Hospital, it is home to multiple experienced specialists, research nurses and study coordinators. Located an hour from both Sydney and Newcastle, the site provides patients living in and around the Central Coast easier access to clinical trials. The Central Coast Cancer Centre focuses on medical and radiation oncology studies, with experience across a wide range of different cancers and phases of clinical trials. It is part of the Central Coast Local Health District which includes the Cancer Day Units based out of Gosford and Wyong Hospital.
If you would like to discuss extending your Oncology Clinical Trials to Australia, please reach out to our team today.
