Oncology Clinical Trials
At The Kinghorn Cancer Centre (TKCC), we are leading the way in cancer research through one of Australia’s most advanced oncology clinical trials programs. Clinical trials are essential to developing new treatments and improving outcomes for people with cancer. A core strength of our research lies in early-phase (1 and 2) clinical trials, which make up more than a third of all studies conducted at TKCC. These early-phase trials are crucial for evaluating promising therapies that aim to improve both life expectancy and quality of life in a wide range of cancers.
Our trials program is embedded within St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, a major tertiary public hospital. This integration gives our patients seamless access to a comprehensive range of services including medical and surgical specialists, emergency care, intensive care, outpatient clinics, and comprehensive cancer support. This unique setting enables us to provide holistic, round-the-clock care throughout the clinical trial journey. Our collaborative approach brings together oncologists, researchers, nurses, and allied health professionals to deliver clinical trials that are safe, scientifically rigorous, and deeply patient-centred.
Our dedicated clinical trials team works closely with patients, clinicians, and industry partners to bring cutting-edge therapies to those who need them most. With state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled research team, TKCC is uniquely equipped to manage complex and high-intensity clinical trials—particularly in the early phases—while maintaining the highest standards of safety, care, and data integrity. By joining a clinical trial at TKCC, patients not only gain access to innovative treatment options—they also play a vital role in advancing cancer care for future generations.
Benefits of Oncology Trials at TKCC
Access to St Vincent’s Hospital specialists and services
- Dedicated (phase 1) early phase oncology staff
- Dedicated clinical trials specialist staff
- Close safety monitoring
- Additional supports for rural and regional patients
- Decentralised approach – coordinate with local care providers
- International reputation for research excellence
Theranostics Clinical Trials
Theranostic treatment for cancer is an advanced approach that combines diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy to treat cancer more effectively. The process begins with a diagnostic test that travels through the bloodstream and binds to cancer cells. This radiotracer emits a low level of radiation, which is detected by imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
Theranostics allows for continuous monitoring and adjustment of the treatment based on the patient's response. This personalized approach ensures that the therapy is tailored to the specific characteristics of the patient's cancer and used to treat various types of cancer, including prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors. Theranostics represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering a more precise and effective approach by combining the strengths of both diagnostics and therapy.
Professor Louise Emmett is the Director of Theranostics and Nuclear medicine at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney. She has been instrumental in developing the radiopharmacy initiative on the St Vincent's Campus and has introduced multiple new radioisotopes for clinical and research purposes. The St Vincent's Theranostics Department is highly published in both PET imaging and radionuclide therapy and is heavily involved in multi-site multidisciplinary trials run across Australia, in addition to undertaking early phase clinical trials on the St Vincent's Campus.
Haematology & St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research
St Vincent’s Haematology Clinical Trials Unit operates out of the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, and is part of St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research (AMR). The Centre for Applied Medical Research is the research headquarters and home to the St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney Research Directorate. With its purpose-built facilities, we host state-of-the-art discovery research laboratories and a translational research centre, delivering a diverse portfolio of clinical trials that advance health and medical knowledge. The haematology clinical trials at TKCC typically involve blood cancers and cellular therapies, complementing and informing the discovery research projects in our laboratories.
The Haematology Clinical Trials Unit offers a comprehensive range of research studies spanning early, efficacy and licencing phase clinical trials across a range of haematological conditions including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukaemia, autoimmune disorders, graft vs host disease (GvHD) and more.
Clinical trials are pivotal in advancing haematology, providing evidence-based data that leads to improved patient outcomes. These trials rigorously test new treatments, drugs, and therapies, ensuring they are safe and effective before becoming standard practice. By involving diverse patient populations, clinical trials help identify which treatments work best for different groups, leading to personalised medicine approaches. Moreover, they contribute to the understanding of disease mechanisms and progression, paving the way for innovative therapies. Ultimately, clinical trials are essential for translating scientific discoveries into real-world medical advancements, offering hope and better health prospects for patients with haematological conditions.
To find out more about the AMR and St Vincent’s Research click here
Cellular Therapies
Cellular therapies use cells, rather than chemical compounds or molecules to fight cancer. Genetically modified therapies, such as CAR T-Cell therapy, use specific cells from a patient or donor to improve the cells' cancer-tracking and cancer-attacking ability
