Grampians Health clinical trial paves the way for treatment of rare cancer

A Grampians Health clinical trial has paved the way for improved, targeted treatment options for people diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, providing access to world-class cancer care closer to home.

The trial investigated an innovative targeted therapy for patients with a rare form of non-small cell lung cancer, offering improved tailored treatment and reinforcing Grampians Health's commitment to bringing innovative care closer to home.

Ballarat great-grandmother, Wendy Martell, is one of only two people in Australia, and one of hundreds worldwide, to take part in the trial following her lung cancer diagnosis in late 2022. 

Wendy was 82 when she was diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer after routine investigations for heart pain unexpectedly found a small lesion on her lung. A non-smoker with no symptoms, Wendy never expected lung cancer to be part of her story. She soon underwent surgery to remove part of one lung, followed by four rounds of chemotherapy.

In 2023, when Wendy was offered the opportunity to join a clinical trial targeting a rare genetic mutation in her cancer, she and her family held what she describes as a ‘round table family conference’ to discuss the decision. For Wendy, the choice became clear.

“I’ve had a really good life, so I wanted to give something back by contributing in a way that could help others,” she said. “My family was also motivated by the extra support and higher standard of care that comes with participating in a clinical trial.”

Wendy’s treatment involved taking tablets twice daily, monthly hospital appointments and blood tests, and scans every six months for three years. 

Wendy, who has completed the treatment phase of the trial and is now in the follow-up stage, said being able to access the trial close to home through Grampians Health made an enormous difference. Travelling to Melbourne for regular appointments would have placed pressure on her and her family, particularly as she works four and a half days a week managing Ballarat’s Statewide Sewing Centre, a role she has held for 38 years.

“It makes the decision easier when the trial is right on your doorstep,” Wendy said. 

“If you can help someone down the track, then it’s worth it. I am still here and I am all clear! Fortunately, as a patient on a clinical trial I have incurred no costs.”

Wendy said the additional monitoring and support she received through the trial gave her comfort and confidence throughout treatment. She praised her oncologist, Wasek, and clinical trial coordinator, Ethan, who were always available when she needed support.

“You’re not doing it on your own when you’re on a clinical trial,” Wendy said. “The support team is always there for you. You form strong relationships and they become like a family.”

Wendy says humour helped carry her through her cancer journey.

“On my last visit, my oncologist handed me a box of tissues - I didn’t need them at my first visit!”, Wendy said. 

“You do become like a family which I will miss dearly,” 

For Wendy, who enjoys quilting, travelling, and spending time with her two daughters, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, the trial has opened the door to a brighter future and the opportunity to enjoy the things she loves most.

Grampians Health Chief Medical Officer Professor Matthew Hadfield said Wendy’s experience showed why clinical trials in regional areas are so important.

“Our patients deserve access to the latest treatments and research opportunities close to home. This is a powerful example of how our clinical trials can deliver world-class care to our regional and rural patients while helping improve health outcomes for our community into the future,” Professor Hadfield said. 

Wendy’s participation was particularly significant because her cancer carried a rare genetic mutation, making her eligible for a highly targeted clinical trial.

“Non-small cell lung cancer is not one disease, and tumours can behave very differently from one patient to another,” Grampians Health Medical Oncologist and Oncology Research Lead Associate Professor Wasek Faisal said. 

“For patients like Wendy, clinical trials are essential because they allow us to test more personalised approaches to treatment and build evidence that can shape future standards of care.”

Grampians Health provides access to clinical trials across Western Victoria, with more than 100 open trials across a growing range of clinical conditions. Its program is one of the largest in regional Victoria and is designed to help regional patients access advances in care closer to home.

With community support, Grampians Health plans to expand its clinical trials program further and develop a purpose-built Clinical Research Centre to ensure more people living in regional Victoria can benefit from the latest treatments without travelling to Melbourne. 

The Care Closer to Home appeal, was launched by Grampians Health on 29 July to raise funds for the development of the Clinical Research Centre. To learn more or support the appeal please visit: https://fundraising.gh.org.au/ballarat/care-closer-to-home/ 

For more information and to learn more about clinical trials and research at Grampians Health please visit research.gh.org.au