Aim: Addressing the geographical disparity in clinical trial access is crucial for advancing cancer care and reducing health inequities. By increasing registry trials in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas, we enhance access to research opportunities, improve patient outcomes, and promote inclusivity in medical research. Pursuing registry clinical trials, a pragmatic trial design, could increase trial numbers, increase participation of regional patients, and increase trial engagement with regional clinicians.
Methods: We implemented regionally designed Registry trials to advance cancer care in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas as part of the MRFF funded REVITALISE project Regionally led registry trials and participation in metropolitan led studies were pursued.
Results: An average of two new registry trials open have been opened at participating regional cancer centre per year. The Option Trial represents a pioneering effort in regionally designed and led trials, focused on managing oligoprogression in patients receiving immuno-oncology treatment. The Bolder Trial addresses a critical gap in geriatric oncology research by focusing on tailored treatment approaches for elderly breast cancer patients in RRR areas. Patient enrolment for interventional registry trials ALT-TRACC, REAL-PRO, and EX-TEM with Melbourne leads have exceeded that of metropolitan Melbourne. We continue to explore new registry trial concepts and continue engagement with and training of regional clinicians around registry clinical trials.
Conclusion: The expansion of registry trials in regional Victoria, and the concomitant engagement with and training of regional clinicians, has created new trial opportunities. This has increased overall trial activity, provided trial participation opportunities for regional clinicians including trial leadership, supports education and sustainability of a regional skilled clinical trial workforce, and should drive better regional health outcomes.