Cancer patient Linda Golding has bravely joined a program of world-class research using experimental drugs at Orange hospital.
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She is participating in a clinical trial in which cancer drugs are being tested on humans for the first time.
Ms Golding, diagnosed with bowel cancer four years ago, has had surgery and treatment, but has now exhausted all chemotherapy options.
However, with the Western NSW Local Health District being approved for Phase 1 clinical trials, she has agreed to participate.
Phase 1 trials are considered to have the highest level of difficulty. The drugs have been only tested clinically or on animals and a vital part of the tests is to identify unexpected side effects.
Ms Golding has agreed to get involved, particularly as the trial could be conducted near her home in Bathurst rather than in Sydney.
Give it a go, you've got nothing to lose.
- Linda Golding, cancer patient
"I was lucky enough for a clinical trial to become available," she said.
"Having cancer is difficult, it's difficult on the person suffering, the family, the finances, everything.
"A big consideration when you're selecting treatment is where you have to go to receive that treatment and Sydney, having to go there just makes it another thing you have to consider. So when the option became available to be part of the trial in Orange it was great."
She said it was positive to have the resource locally.
"It's so much better for you, for your family, for your community, if you can stay home. So I would say we are lucky to have it here," she said.
VIDEO: Linda's story
The WNSWLHD director of clinical trials Dr Rob Zielinski said it was "a huge step forward" for the local health district which is currently running five trials.
"Global pharmaceutical manufacturers don't entrust Phase 1 trials to every clinical research unit due to their complexity and significant financial cost," he said.
"We are hopeful to eventually open 20,30,40 trials. That would be my goal to have several trials for each particular type of cancer.
"I'm very chuffed and proud, it's a team effort."
He said each trial usually involved 10-20 people.
People interested in participating should speak to their doctor, download the Clinical Trials Rural NSW App, or call the Orange hospital unit on 6369 3127.
And Ms Golding's advice to people contemplating joining future programs?
"Give it a go, you've got nothing to lose," she said.
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