Phase 1b clinical trial participant, Matthew Mann.
When former school principal Matthew Mann was offered a place in a first-in-human clinical trial for prostate cancer, he already had a firsthand understanding of the difference medical research can make.
Years earlier, Matthew's father-in-law participated in a clinical trial after being diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer. The experience left a lasting impression.
Today, the Bendigo resident is one of fewer than 100 patients worldwide participating in a Phase 1b trial of a new prostate cancer treatment through the Bendigo Health Cancer Centre.
While the trial offers access to a promising new treatment, Matthew said the opportunity is also about contributing to future care.
"Who knows? One day this could be put up as a treatment and I can say, 'I was in the early days of that one'," he said.
After seven years of treatment, including a recent rise in his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, the chance to join a clinical trial closer to home was one he welcomed.
"I knew a little bit about clinical trials because my father-in-law had participated in one. I originally thought I'd have to travel to Melbourne to participate, but a spot became available for me at Bendigo Health. It has been fantastic not having to travel out of the region to access this treatment," Matthew said.
Matthew will share his experience at a community clinical trials information session presented by Bendigo Health in collaboration with Safer Care Victoria as part of Bendigo Health Research Week.
Open to the community, the event will bring together researchers, clinicians and trial participants to share their experiences and answer questions about clinical trials.
Dr Angela Crombie, Director of Research and Innovation at Bendigo Health, said the session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from people involved in clinical research.
"This is an opportunity for local healthcare providers, patients, families and carers from across the region to gain practical insights into clinical trials, learn about local opportunities to participate, and better understand the role clinical trials play in discovering new treatments for a range of health conditions," Angela said.
Bendigo Health currently has clinical trials recruiting across a range of specialties and health conditions, including mental health, cardiology, intensive care, infectious diseases, endocrinology, renal medicine and children's health.
The information session is being delivered to help more regional Victorians understand what clinical trials are, why they matter and the important role they play in improving healthcare and patient outcomes.
Community Clinical Trials Information Session
Date: Monday 9 November
Time: 10.30 am-12 pm
Location: All Seasons Resort, McIvor Road, Strathdale
Register: Eventbrite
Enquiries: [email protected]