Tackling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Delivered by the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) and international oncology research company Eli Lilly and Company, the trial is in collaboration with clinicians in the Goldfields and Great Southern with the WACHS Trial Centre leading the research.

The YAAD clinical trial is a Phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of a new medicine to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

While the trial began globally in November, the first WA patients were recruited in May.

Participants in the trial are randomly assigned into two groups; one prescribed the medicine and the other given a placebo.

Both groups then receive their planned chemotherapy treatment and usual standard-of care antiemetic medicine.

Dedicated in-house laboratory spaces have been established at the Albany and Esperance Health Campuses to collect local samples while regional clinicians administer medication and monitor participant health.

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said this trial marked a milestone in building WA’s clinical trial reputation globally, by attracting world-class treatments, industry research collaborations, and long-term investment into country communities.

“Thanks to this work, patients are able to access a cutting-edge trial without having to travel to the metropolitan area,” he said.

“Ensuring rural and remote communities have access to trials like this one is crucial to improving equity in health care.

“By investing in regional clinical trial capability, the Cook Labor Government is improving patient outcomes while positioning Western Australia as a key player on the national and global research stage.”

Data from the trial will be analysed and published once patient activities are complete in February.