GenesisCare and the Hunter-based Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) last week announced a major strategic partnership to advance the continuation and expansion of cancer research across Australia.

All 23 Genesis CancerCare centres around Australia will work with TROG to improve patient access to clinical trials and promote innovation in research to deliver better patient outcomes. It will become easier for doctors and patients across Australia to access the latest information on treatment techniques and the best standards of care.

Dr Peter O’Brien, a TROG researcher and radiation oncologist with Genesis CancerCare at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, said that the partnership significantly enhances opportunities for research which leads to better cancer treatments for patients and accordingly, increased cure rates and less side effects.

Based at the Calvary Mater Newcastle, TROG is a global leader in radiotherapy research consisting of over nine hundred radiation oncologists and related professionals from Australia, New Zealand and beyond. TROG has launched more than 50 cancer clinical trials involving over 12,000 patient volunteers to advance radiotherapy treatments for many cancers including prostate, breast, lung, skin, head and neck.

GenesisCare opened the Hunter’s first comprehensive private cancer centre, the Hunter Cancer Centre, at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital earlier this year, reducing delays for cancer patients awaiting treatment in the region and alleviating pressure on other local cancer care providers.

GenesisCare is the leading provider of radiation oncology in Australia undertaking around 320,000 cancer treatments every year and is currently involved in over 40 clinical trials.

“A comprehensive partnership with GenesisCare is an important step toward our strategic goal of expanding patient access to clinical trials and financial sustainability. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with GenesisCare,” said Joan Torony, TROG Chief Operations Officer.