THE IMPORTANCE OF BREAST CANCER TRIALS

Women are being reminded about the importance of breast cancer clinical trials research on International Clinical Trials Day, as one in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85.

“Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women and through clinical trials research, we are working towards improved prevention and treatment strategies for all women,” said Professor John Forbes AM, Director of Research at the Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG).

International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated on or near 20th May each year, to mark the first clinical trial started by Scottish physician James Lind in 1747, in the treatment and cure of scurvy. The day is an opportunity to recognize the achievements and importance of breast cancer clinical trials, which have contributed to a significant fall in breast cancer mortality rates over the last 20 years.

The ANZBCTG is the largest independent, oncology clinical trials research group in Australia and New Zealand. For more than 30 years, it has conducted clinical trials for the treatment, prevention and cure of breast cancer.

“Breast cancer clinical trials have contributed to major milestones in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and a significant fall in breast cancer mortality rates. This year, 1,000 more women will survive their breast cancer diagnosis compared to 20 years ago. But there is still a long way to go,” Professor Forbes said.

“Through the international IBIS I study, for example, researchers found that breast cancer could be prevented in women at high risk of breast cancer using the drug tamoxifen. The follow up study called IBIS-II, is testing whether a drug called anastrozole can prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at increased risk of the disease. Results of this trial are expected in late 2013.”

“Almost 14,000 women from Australia and New Zealand have participated in ANZBCTG clinical trials and their contribution has helped future generations of women around the world, who are at risk or are affected by breast cancer.”

“We are now in the era of molecular biology which is a very exciting time. In the future, prevention and treatment strategies will be tailored for each individual woman based on their own circumstances. As a result, breast cancer clinical trials have never been more relevant and important to find the answers to key scientific questions.”

The ANZBCTG’s research program involves multicentre national and international clinical trials and brings together more than 600 researchers in over 80 institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand. This collaboration ensures that knowledge is shared, resources are pooled and progress is faster.

The ANZBCTG’s fundraising department is the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia.