Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) has launched a remote telehealth pre-screening process designed to expand clinical trial access for patients in regional and remote areas of Australia. The initiative specifically targets molecularly targeted clinical trials, where cancer treatments require specific molecular characteristics such as particular mutations or enzyme presence or absence.
Telehealth-Based Pre-Screening Process
The remote pre-screening process begins when patients with potential trial eligibility are referred to BCT's Central Investigator by their usual oncologist. During the initial telehealth consultation, the trial is explained to patients, their questions are answered, and they provide consent for the pre-screening procedure.
BCT provides participants with trial-required testing materials, including blood test kits for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis or coordinates with pathology laboratories for tissue sample collection. These samples are then tested for trial-specific molecular targets at a central laboratory.
Following testing, patients receive a follow-up telehealth review with the BCT Central Investigator to discuss their results and determine eligibility for the main clinical trial. Throughout this process, patients continue care with their treating oncologist, who refers eligible patients to participating trial centers for further discussions and potential enrollment.
Addressing Geographic Barriers
The process specifically aims to provide clinical trial access to rural, regional, and remote patients, allowing them to complete pre-screening within their local communities. This approach is particularly valuable for trials targeting niche patient cohorts with specific molecular profiles, where patient identification and recruitment can be challenging.
The remote pre-screening system is currently being implemented with the OLIO clinical trial, serving as a pilot for broader application across Australia.
Implementation Goals and Expected Benefits
BCT has outlined four primary aims for the remote pre-screening initiative: developing the telehealth-based process for molecularly targeted trials, implementing it at pilot sites and Australia-wide, reviewing outcomes, and assessing patient and clinician experiences for process improvement.
The organization anticipates several additional benefits from this approach, including improved diversity among BCT trial participants, enhanced cancer outcomes for both trial and non-trial patients at involved sites, and increased robustness of trial results. The initiative also aims to support research capacity at non-BCT sites and may provide valuable insights for non-cancer trial contexts.
Access and Contact Information
Potential participants can be referred to the BCT Central Investigator through multiple channels, including email at bctcentralinvestigator@bctrials.org.au, phone at +61 (0) 2 4902 1164, or fax at +61 (0) 2 9070 6893. The medical team operates part-time but commits to responding to queries promptly.
