Meeting the Challenges to Gynae Oncology Research in New Zealand

Peter Sykes ANZGOG 2013

Challenges

• Tertiary referral patterns• Lack of gyn oncologists• Small numbers• Infrastructure• Resource/ Funding• Ethics processes• DHB/Government

commitment• Incentive/time• isolation• Restricted entry to trials

Potential

• Strong record• Coordinated health service• Lower costs• NZGCG/ANZGOG• Increased communication• Standards / national plan• HRC funding streams

Logistical

• Small population• Subspecialty referral under

developed• Lack of gyn oncologists• Small centers• Small numbers• Staff shortages• Lack of research

infrastructure (data manager nurse coordinator)

Restricted grant funding

Barriers

• Too busy (clinicians)

• Cost• Overheads• DHB/MOH• Ethics processes• Contractual

difficulties

motivational

• Its not easy!• No incentive• Too busy/competing

demands• Isolation• Reduced influence of

academia • Its all in up to date!• Changing priorities/

lifestyle.

Other issues

• Pharmac• Restricted access

for trials• Rare tumours• fatigue

The way forward

Continued engagement• ANZGOG• NZGCG• International groups

• Involve other researchers

• Celebrate success• involve juniors• Commercial research

Foster research ethos

• National standards• Subspecialisation• Patient expectation• Job descriptions!

• Standard 14All women and their whanau

have access to tumour specific outcome data reported from comprehensive gynae cancer centres.

• Standard 15 Women who are treated at

comprehensive gynaecological cancer centres should have access to relevant (selected) multi-centre clinical trials.

It’s a team goal.

• Optimise funding opportunities

• HRC• Private donation• (research trusts)• Commercial

research.