Clinical trial a boon for Brian

May 20 was International Clinical Trials Day and Central Coast resident Brian Cotterill is living proof of the importance of trials in saving lives and lifestyles.

Three years ago, the 76-year-old grandfather of six was diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow.

Soon after commencing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, he accepted an offer from the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) to take part in a pilot study that enabled him to self-administer injections from the comfort of his own home.

Patients with multiple myeloma typically attend cancer day units for weekly or twice weekly chemotherapy injections; appointments can take up to two hours and therapy continues for many months to years.

Self-administering at home saved Cotterill precious time and energy, which he spends with his wife Lesley and family, enjoying things such as playing golf and travelling in his caravan.

Following the success of the trial, which ran from 2022 to 2024, the treatment is now available to eligible patients as a standard of care option.

Cotterill is one of more than 8,000 NSW patients participating in more than 2,000 clinical trials across NSW to investigate life-saving medical treatments and improve healthcare by using innovative and evidence-based approaches.

“The trial freed up time that was usually spent in waiting rooms and the cancer unit,” he said.

“Time saved was spent on activities that improved my quality of life.

“Self-administering chemotherapy gave me confidence and a degree of self-control over my own health care.”

Minister for Medical Research and Member for Wyong David Harris said International Clinical Trials Day was an opportunity to recognise the many people involved in health research in NSW, from participant patients, to the hundreds of healthcare staff who administered the trials.

“(On this day) we acknowledge the significant impact clinical trials have on improving patient outcomes and celebrate the more than 760 staff who support this vital work across NSW,” he said.

“I want to thank each and every one of them – and our trial participants, such as Brian – for their dedication to improving the lives of people in NSW.

“NSW has a well-deserved reputation as a globally competitive destination for clinical trials that progresses research in areas including cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness.”

CCLHD Nurse Practitioner and Principal Investigator of the study, Jacqueline Jagger, said the self-administration model took less than 30 minutes of the patient’s day compared to one to three hours to attend the hospital.

“The benefits of the trial have been far-reaching, improving patient confidence and self-management capacity, reducing infection risk, and giving patients time back to do the things that are important to them,” she said.

“Following the success of this trial, multiple regional districts are now working with us to set up this standard of care in their locations.”