Clinical trials 'save lives and offer patients choice'

The ever-evolving nature of COVID-19 strains has highlighted the importance of clinical trials in saving lives – something Nicole Fairweather appreciates all too well.

Not only has she seen the benefits of such medical research in more than 15 years of healthcare work, but she is also eternally grateful for a drug breakthrough decades ago that saved her son from a rare, life-threatening blood disease.

He suffers from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), which could previously only be treated through a bone marrow transplant or immunotherapy – and even with that, his quality of life would not have been guaranteed.

PNH is very uncommon in Australia, affecting around 100 people, but that drug – eculizumab – is now provided to anyone who meets the criteria, having been first approved for this treatment in the United States and Europe in 2007 after many years of research and trials.  

"We are very, very lucky that someone developed this drug that could treat my son's condition," said Nicole, who is manager of the clinical trials team at Victoria's Peninsula Private Hospital. 

"Especially because it's such a rare disease – I'm just so grateful that a researcher took the time and effort to make it happen. It enables my son to live a normal life, but without it, who knows what his outcome would have been."

Nicole has high praise for people who have volunteered to take part in trials involving COVID-19 vaccines as the world has battled to control the coronavirus.

"The global pandemic of COVID-19 has proven how necessary trials are to have options to treat and vaccinate the healthy wider community, with the intent to save lives," she said.

"That's why we do what we do. It's about developing what's best for the patient.

"A lot of the people I meet, the trial is their last option, but they also see that they're helping those who come after them. They know the risk and they're willing to put themselves out there for that. I think they're incredible."

Peninsula Private Hospital is part of Ramsay Health Care, which offers involvement in clinical trials to patients throughout its Australian network.

"At Peninsula Private Hospital, we currently have 11 haematology trials open to recruitment across all trial phases and three studies with patients in follow-up," Nicole said.

"These clinical trials give patients who may have limited options, or who have exhausted all treatments, the ability to continue active treatment for their disease. It may also give them the ability to better understand diseases and the impacts of their disease to guide future treatment options."

Medical research gives patients the chance to make better choices about their treatment, Nicole said.

"I love the fast-paced environment of working in trials, and I enjoy being able to provide patients with options for treatments and to make informed choices about these options," she added.

Read more: Medical milestone for Victorian cancer patient

Read more: Peninsula Private brings robot benefits to regions

Next Safety And Quality:
7/9/2021 Quality of mother's care inspires return to nursing

Previous Safety And Quality:
10/8/2021 Wrecked ute helps patients feel safe