'Game-Changer' Clinical Trial Launches in Australia for Second-Deadliest Cancer

A groundbreaking clinical trial initiated in Melbourne is poised to significantly transform the treatment landscape for bowel cancer, Australia's second-deadliest cancer. This innovative trial, derived from pioneering research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, aims to revolutionize how treatments are selected by predicting individual responses to chemotherapy before treatment begins.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, results in over 5,000 deaths annually in Australia. Despite a high success rate if caught early—up to 99%—many patients face late diagnosis due to the absence of symptoms in initial stages. Currently, treatment involves trial-and-error approaches to find effective medications, which can lead to delays and reduced survival chances.

The FORECAST-2 trial introduces the use of tumor organoids—miniature, lab-grown cancer models derived from patient tissue samples—to forecast treatment responses accurately. Each tissue sample can generate up to eight organoids, which are then tested with various drug combinations to identify the most effective therapy for the patient. Studies have shown that organoid responses closely mirror actual patient outcomes; if a drug has no effect on the organoid, it is unlikely to work in the patient.

This trial marks the first time a clinical setting will utilize such personalized models to guide treatment for newly diagnosed bowel cancer patients, potentially eliminating ineffective treatments and advancing personalized medicine. Co-lead researcher Professor Peter Gibbs highlighted the importance of this approach, emphasizing that avoiding ineffectual treatments could save patients up to three months and improve survival outcomes.

The initial study validating organoid testing demonstrated remarkable accuracy, predicting ineffective treatments with 90% certainty and successful ones with 83%. It also uncovered new potential drug combinations, broadening treatment options. The success of these findings has led to the expansion of the FORECAST-2 trial, which is now active at Western Health and Melbourne Private Hospital, with plans to include additional sites.

Experts believe this innovation could lead to a paradigm shift in bowel cancer management, ensuring patients receive the most promising therapies early in their treatment journey. Associate Professor Oliver Sieber stated that predicting responses could significantly enhance patient outcomes, bringing hope for improved survival rates and quality of life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-game-changer-clinical-trial-australia.html