About Us
Our key priority is to undertake research to improve patient care and medical practice in the treatment of gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer. The 57 clinical trials conducted by the AGITG, since the group was first formed as a network of investigators in 1991, have involved over 4,000 participants treated at 90 sites in Australia, 8 sites in New Zealand and over 90 sites located across Asia, Europe and North America.
The Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 2000 and now encompasses a wide range of medical specialists, scientists, nurses, allied health professionals and consumers. The GI Cancer Institute is the community division of the AGITG, working across Australia to raise funds and awareness of GI cancer and clinical trials.
As a group we have led and designed global studies with a focus on gastro-intestinal cancer. This includes cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, large and small bowel, rectum and anus.
The AGITG also plays a major role in clinical trial research, globally, with links in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and North America.
As a result, the AGITG has been integral to worldwide changes in medical practice in a number of GI cancers, including gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, oesophageal and biliary tract cancers and gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). The group has led trials in the treatment of stomach and rectal cancer and established surgical guidelines in Australia for pancreatic cancer, among other significant achievements.
In 2008, recognising the need for greater involvement from GI cancer patients, survivors, carers and family members, we established the Consumer Advisory Panel (CAP). Most importantly, the CAP provides advice to the AGITG on general research directions and priorities from a consumer perspective.
We are committed to changing outcomes for people with GI cancer.
Our key priority is undertaking Clinical Trials
Treating GI cancer is often very complex and, usually, requires a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and specialist drugs (chemotherapy). Clinical trials can improve patient care by evaluating which combination of treatments will work best for particular cancers and groups of people.
Clinical trials are not about laboratories and test tubes. They are about finding the optimal combination of medications, surgical techniques and radiation treatments to deliver the best results for real people dealing with a disease.
Conducting clinical trials in Australia means those patients in Australia can access the latest treatments three to five years earlier than if those trials were conducted overseas. Major advances in treating GI cancers and improving patient quality of life are possible as a result of clinical trials.
To learn more about our research visit Clinical Trials & Research.