UNVEILING THE TRUE IMPACT OF BREAST CANCER TRIALS

Research Conducted by QUT’s Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies

An independent report into the impact of clinical trials research conducted by Australasia’s largest oncology research group, Breast Cancer Trials, has found that those who benefit from outcomes of clinical trials are first and foremost the patients.

QUT’s Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS), examined the impact of Breast Cancer Trials research, uncovering that the organisation has affected not just outcomes for breast cancer patients, but also delivered tangible and significant health and social benefits to the community, educated the public about clinical trials and the value of participating in this research, and empowered doctors in the treatment of their patients.

The report found that Tamoxifen, Herceptin, Letrozole, Exemestane and Goserelin are just some of the many practice-changing treatment and prevention approaches that have been proven in clinical trials research conducted by Breast Cancer Trials.

These treatments and preventions have saved tens of thousands of lives, increased survivorship, reduced recurrence, and improved the quality of life and symptom management for breast cancer patients, the report has shown.

An analysis of research results found that Breast Cancer Trials’ (BCT) publications are highly cited – over 10 times the world benchmark. These publications have been produced by authors from across 53 countries and been cited in documents from 155 countries, demonstrating the international reach of Breast Cancer Trials research. These citations are indicators of scientific excellence and mean that researchers and clinicians from across the world are referring and reviewing Breast Cancer Trials’ work to improve treatments to patients and increase their scientific knowledge.

An economic analysis of the $173 million investment in clinical trials research by Breast Cancer Trials since 1978 (up to 2020), showed that ‘there are strong returns from BCT’s research program with a conservative Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.371 and an equivalent value of net health and economic gains created equal to $11.3m annually. A BCR greater than one demonstrates a positive net return for a research investment, so this finding demonstrates that supporting and investing in breast cancer clinical trials delivers tangible and significant health and social benefits for the community.

The report also found that ‘84% of researchers agreed that Breast Cancer Trials has been influential in improving breast cancer survival’ and ‘76% of Breast Cancer Trials’ members believe that Breast Cancer Trials have influenced clinical practice in the treatment and management of breast cancer.’ It also found that ‘the outcomes of clinical trials include empowering patients to make better health decisions, ensuring better advice is given to patients, and ensure the families of patients feel more supported because of clinical trials.’

The report found there are a wide range of social benefits resulting from BCT’s research, including psychosocial well-being, quality of life, survivorship and symptom management, and that the clinical trial organisation was the first to found a Consumer Advisory Panel to provide a voice to consumers in this research.

The report found that ‘Breast Cancer Trials has played a significant role in improving the public perception of participation in clinical trials by promoting trials, engaging participants and communicating the outcomes of trials.’

Breast Cancer Trials CEO, Dr Soozy Smith, said: “This independent evaluation of the impact of Breast Cancer Trials confirms what we have long known within the organisation – that clinical trials research saves lives and improves outcomes for patients. Our clinical trials have made a significant impact on improved survival rates for breast cancer and we are determined to continue this important research, so that no more lives are cut short from this disease.”

Dr Ruth Knight from ACPNS at QUT says, “This study means BCT has been able to reflect on many ways that the organisation has made an impact since 1978. This impact has been achieved through its commitment to collaborating with world-leading national and international researchers and transforming the way patients are enrolled and engaged in clinical trials. This impact has also been made possible by many stakeholders including clinical trial participants and donors. The study is an excellent way of reporting back to all stakeholders about the difference their participation and support has made.”

In conclusion, the findings of this review of BCT’s work, its publications, networks, funding and economic impact, show that BCT’s high-quality clinical trials have, and will continue to have, a significant impact on the prevention, detection, treatment and management of breast cancer.

To view and download the full report visit  https://impact.breastcancertrials.org.au/ 

For further information or to speak to Dr Soozy Smith from Breast Cancer Trials or Dr Ruth Knight from QUT, please contact:

Anna Fitzgerald
anna.fitzgerald@bctrials.org.au
0400 304 224