Our Research
The Monash Health Oncology Research Unit is known to be one of the largest Clinical Trials Units in Melbourne.
Having been established in 1999, the Oncology Research Unit has an extensive history of patient centred care. Throughout the years, Oncology Studies have been conducted in all phases including First in Man – Phase I Studies, Phase II, Phase III as well as Phase IV studies. We currently have many active and exciting trial programmes at Monash Health which enables our patients to have early access to some of the world’s newest medications, treatments and therapies.
Many of our studies have a strong translational component with laboratory studies on biopsy and surgical specimens which allow greater understanding of the cancers, their effects on human functioning as well as understanding the effect of new treatments at a cellular level.
In December 2015, Monash Health created the Monash Health Translational Research Precinct (MHTP) where many of our Clinical Trials are conducted. The MHTP contains 8 clinical beds, 21 treatment chairs, state of the art laboratories and new modern facilities which are expanding ever so rapidly. This development has assisted in the success and efficiency of the treatment of care for our patients as it enables us to have them consulted and treated in the same unit, lessening the burden on them and their loved ones. It provides easy access to our friendly team of medical and research staff to ensure a holistic level of care for all patients.
To be referred to a Clinical Trial, a patient’s GP or specialist must fax a referral letter to our Oncology Clerical Lead. The referral letter must include the patient’s most recent blood tests, diagnostic imaging results, any relevant medical conditions as well as a detailed list of the patient’s current medications including stop and start dates. If known, the GP or specialist should indicate which trial they are considering, or describe the condition if no specific trial is known. This referral will then be triaged and a member of the Oncology Clinical Trials will contact the patient directly to discuss the potential trial and arrange a face-to-face appointment in our dedicated Clinical Trials Centre.
In an Australian first, Monash Health launched SerOzNET, funded by Cancer Australia. SerOzNET is a large Australian clinical trial that will help build vital global evidence about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines in people with cancer.
The SerOzNET study is based on a study protocol from the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) Serological Sciences Network for COVID-19 (SeroNet), which uses innovative technology to examine the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in cancer patients.
Click here to see if you are eligible: Â SerOzNET Flyer_v3.0_210621
Please click on this link for more information and/or consenting: SerOzNET Monash Health Main PICF_v1.0_24 June 2021_based on Master v3.0_21 June 2021_APPROVED
Please click on the link to view the SerOzNET study that was presented at VCCC Monday Seminar series on Monday August 2, 2021Â https://www.viccompcancerctr.org/what-we-do/education-and-training/open-learning/