Reversing the lag in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment

A new clinical trial led by Australian researchers from the GI Cancer institute hopes to reverse the lag in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new trial, RESOLUTE, hopes to do this by adding a Zoom-style Tele-trial component to a clinical trial, which will enable to the recruitment of patients from metropolitan and regional hospitals.

Associate Professor Jeanne Tie is the principal investigator for RESOLUTE says the pandemic is constantly shifting and changing how cancer is treated and diagnosed.

“There are pluses and minuses to the strain Covid-19 has put on our healthcare system and research,” she says.

“The benefit is that the increasing familiarity and availability of telehealth during the pandemic will enable Teletrials to improve access for regional, rural and remote cancer patients to benefit from our research.

“The study plans to recruit 75 advanced bowel cancer patients to get the evidence needed to help reduce death and discomfort from advanced bowel cancer.”

RESOLUTE is a pioneering new trial using ablative treatment including radiation, microwave and surgery targeting cancer secondaries to help patients avoid ongoing chemotherapy.

Preliminary data suggests the RESOLUTE trial could lead to long term disease control and improve survival rates.

The GI Cancer Institute is calling out for an additional $100,000 support to enable more patients from around the country to benefit from the RESOLUTE trial.

March is dedicated to Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Australia’s second leading cause of cancer deaths, especially for those under 50, but early diagnosis makes it treatable in 99% of cases.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness month aims to ensure more Australians seek the vital early diagnoses and testing that saves lives.