Participate in a clinical trial
Why participate in a clinical trial
Clinical trials are essential for discovering new treatments for melanoma and skin cancer. Clinical trials also provide access to breakthrough medical treatments that may benefit patients with these cancers.
The high-quality evidence published from our trials changes clinical practice to impact the lives of patients and improve how doctors prevent, diagnose and treat melanoma and skin cancer.
A range of factors will determine your eligibility to participate in a clinical trial, so it’s best to consult your doctor first.
Ask your doctor first
The hospitals and clinics that conduct our melanoma and skin cancer trials manage enrolment of patients.
To participate in a clinical trial, your doctor needs to find a suitable trial in your area. Your doctor will then provide you with a referral letter for the trial.
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials cannot enrol patients into a trial.
Our role is to bring together health professionals and to coordinate their work across our numerous melanoma and skin cancer trial sites located at hospitals and clinics throughout Australia and overseas.
Find a suitable trial
Your doctor is the first person to ask about relevant clinical trials for your condition that you can access in your area. You can also proactively search for a clinical trial by searching the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials website or by using the ClinTrial Refer app or website.
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials website
You can search for melanoma and skin cancer clinical trials that Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials coordinates on our recruiting trials website page. If you think you may be eligible for one of our trials, click on the trial’s ‘Learn more’ button for further information. The Registration ID link at the bottom of the page will provide you with additional eligibility information. You can then discuss this trial with your doctor to see if it is suitable for you.
Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN)
Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) is an innovative, consumer-led, independent, national charity established to address the needs of Australians with a skin cancer diagnosis and to deliver policy reform that will help shape the way skin cancer is considered and managed in this country.
Read MSCAN’s blog with Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials CEO, Gabrielle Byars, to learn about clinical trials for melanoma and skin cancer patients.
Listen to MSCAN’s podcast featuring Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials Board Chair, Prof Mark Shackleton, talking about what a clinical trial is, how they are developed and why they are so important.
ClinTrial Refer
ClinTrial Refer is a mobile app and website platform that shows detailed information about all the clinical trials coordinated by Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials and other organisations. ClinTrial Refer is available to patients and their families, and clinicians.
Download the ClinTrial Refer app for free through the Apple App Store or Google Play on your smartphone or tablet. By using the QR code below, you will be taken directly to the available trials coordinated by Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials on the app, or to the relevant app store to download the app if you don’t have it installed. Watch the video below to learn how the ClinTrial Refer app can help you find a suitable melanoma or skin cancer trial.
Assisting diverse communities access trials
Melanoma and skin cancer can affect anyone living in Australia. Residents from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities often encounter barriers to participating in clinical trials. To help improve access to our clinical trials, we’re working with leading academics and community representatives to incorporate CALD considerations into our clinical trial design and implementation.
For translated information about melanoma and skin cancer visit: Health Translations.
Helpful resources
ClinicalTrials.gov
A world-wide database of clinical trials. Use the advanced search function to locate trials for your condition and country.
The Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register
Use the advanced search function to locate trials for your condition and country.
Ocular Melanoma Nurse
For telehealth or face-to-face support for ocular melanoma patients, view information about the Ocular Melanoma Nurse on the AOMA website.
Skin Cancer Health Information Guide
A guide for consumers on how to find good health information online.
Melanoma Patients Australia
An independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and representing those affected by melanoma.
Melanoma Patients Australia Telehealth Nurse
Phone 1300 88 44 50 or email Brooke Kelly, an oncology registered nurse who supports patients in navigating the health system, accessing available services, and making decisions regarding their health.