Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) is a multidisciplinary, collaborative clinical trials group dedicated to improving outcomes for people with gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer by translating bold, innovative ideas into life-saving clinical trials.
AGITG has a strong strategic plan with clear priorities centered on equity and improving patient outcomes. It is AGITG’s ongoing commitment to embed equity into everything they do.
Clinical trial development
To make a meaningful difference, AGITG recognised that equity strategies must be embedded from the outset of the research process, rather than treated as an afterthought. During embryonic concept development, they request that the study chair involve various stakeholders and explicitly consider how their concept promotes equitable cancer care. They also request that researchers consider the logistical tasks involved in clinical trials, and what could practically be carried out using a teletrial model. To support this work, AGITG teletrial ambassadors provide peer reviews of each concept, ensuring teletrials are sufficiently incorporated and suggesting modifications to improve patient access.
Considering the full spectrum of factors which might impact access, AGITG has redesigned the way that budgets are developed, ensuring that funding is allocated to provide travel support for all study participants. This includes travel and accommodation support for participants in regional, rural and remote Australia, as well as travel support for patients, regardless of location, to pay for transport-related expenses.
Clinical trials in action
AGITG has provided an example of how it is using teletrial approaches in its clinical trials.
- STOPNET: A randomised study of cessation of Somatostatin analogues after Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Mid, Hind-Gut and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine tumours.
This case is part of ACTA’s teletrials web resource which includes more examples of how Clinical Trial Networks (CTNs) and Coordinating Trial Centres (CTCs) have used the teletrial approach in their trials.
Find out more
Please contact the AGITG team:
Sandra Bahamad, Clinical Program Manager, AGITG
Louise Christophersen, Clinical Development Lead, AGITG