Lung cancer clinical trial opens to patients in Perth

A global clinical trial investigating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer, has now opened for registration in Perth.

28 Aug 2025

Led locally by St John of God Subiaco Hospital Medical Oncologist Associate Professor Tim Clay, this landmark study offers new hope for patients facing a disease that is often diagnosed late and has a five-year survival rate of just 30 per cent.

The trial represents the final stage of testing for a new medicine designed for patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC as their first treatment following diagnosis.

Conducted as a double-blinded, randomised study, the trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel immunotherapy drug in addition to standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The treatment works by boosting the body’s immune response, with the goal of enabling existing cancer therapies to work more effectively and in a greater number of patients.

A/Prof Clay said lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with NSCLC accounting for more than 80 per cent of lung cancer cases.

“Despite advances in treatment, there remains a significant unmet need for safe and effective therapies that can extend the lives of patients,” he said.

“Being able to offer our patients access to this cutting-edge research through an international clinical trial is an important step in advancing lung cancer care here in Perth,”

St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Tina Chinery said the hospital is regarded as one of Australia’s leading research sites, particularly in the area of cancer.

“We currently have more than 100 clinical trial and research projects underway, of which 80 per cent are specific to cancer. Our comprehensive research program ensures we can provide patients the most advanced care and services, as well as access to treatment options that they may not otherwise be available to them.”

“We are incredibly proud of our hospital’s research team members for their dedication to advancing treatments and improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other serious illness.”

For more information about St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s research program, please visit here.