A new clinic in NSW will offer access to experimental treatments. 

A new clinical trial centre in Sydney is set to provide broader access to international cancer trials, supported by a $20 million donation from philanthropists.

The facility, named the NORTH Sydney Trials and Research Van Norton Poche (NORTH S.T.A.R VNP), is a collaborative effort between the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Located within the Sydney North Health Precinct, which includes Royal North Shore and North Shore Private hospitals, the centre will be accessible to all Australians, with partnerships extending to regional hospitals in NSW. 

The centre aims to draw the next generation of medical professionals to Australia, alongside enhancing research and development funding for potential cures.

In its initial months, the centre will launch four new studies, including three clinical trials, offering new treatment opportunities for patients across metropolitan, regional, and rural NSW. 

Additionally, efforts will be directed towards improving collaboration among healthcare providers to ensure that all patients, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. 

This initiative will prioritise outreach to rural and regional residents, with particular attention to Aboriginal communities.

“This global partnership will enhance treatment for NSW residents with cancer and position our hospitals as the centre of international collaboration between the brightest minds in the medical world,” said NSW Health Minister Ryan Park. 

Dr Michael Holland, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, praised the initiative for its potential to accelerate cancer cures.

“Clinical trials are a powerful tool to bring hope to patients and their families, and at the same time, provide much-needed treatment to improve lives and cure illnesses,” he said. 

The announcement follows a $20 million donation to the NORTH Foundation from Greg Poche and the late Kay Van Norton Poche, who dedicated her life to accelerating a cure for cancer.