Barriers and potential solutions to international collaboration in neuro‐oncology clinical trials: Challenges from the Australian perspective

• DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13606
• Publication Date: 2021-06-24T18:04:26Z
• Authors: Benjamin Y. Kong; Candace Carter; Anna K. Nowak; Elizabeth Hovey; Zarnie Lwin; Neda Haghighi; Hui K. Gan; Hao‐Wen Sim; David S. Ziegler; Kirston Barton; Jonathon Parkinson; Robyn Leonard; Mustafa Khasraw; Matthew Foote
• Keywords: Adult; Biomedical and clinical sciences; Brain Neoplasms; Australia; Oncology and carcinogenesis; Original Articles; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans

The neuro-oncology community in Australia is well positioned to collaborate internationally, with a motivated trials group, strong regulatory bodies and an attractive fiscal environment. We sought identify gaps the Australian clinical landscape describe strategies increase international trial access Australia.We searched registries active adult primary brain cancer trials. compared participation rate phase of these between tumour types countries. A survey was distributed Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology membership barriers solutions effective collaboration.Globally, 307 cancers were identified. These included 50% pharmaceutical agents, 18% cellular therapies 9% radiation therapy. Twelve actively recruiting at time sent out. There more early (34%) colorectal breast (21% 24%, respectively). In Australia, 92% involving agents. most commonly cited barrier lack funding (86%) insufficient research (75%). High ranking increasing availability creating opportunities develop personal relationships collaborators. Accreditation key performance indicators into practice (88%) hospital accreditation (73%) also ranked highly.Participation could be improved by embedding targets institutional funding, provision studies streamlining mutual ethics schemes.