Three Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) patients are part of a worldwide clinical trial to test a new drug for a rare and often fatal lung disease.
A total of 165 patients from 85 trial sites across the globe, including eight in Australia, are participating in the clinical trial testing a potential new drug treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a serious respiratory disease characterised by stiffening of the lung tissue due to progressive scarring.
The Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI), the research arm of the Mackay HHS, was a key contributor to the study and was the second-highest recruiting site in Australia, according to Dr Pieter Nel, Director of Medical Services Research and Innovation.
“This is a significant achievement and an opportunity to trial new treatments that would otherwise only be available to sufferers in metropolitan centres,” he said.
“It also highlights the growing capacity and capability of our Mackay clinical trials unit, providing greater local access for patients to these types of treatments, which is a key focus area for the health service.”
Those overseeing work on the trial include respiratory physicians Dr Yi Tat Lo and Dr Muhammad Nazmi.
“The aim of the trial is to see whether a new drug treatment will be helpful to reduce the scarring in the lungs or slow it down,” Dr Lo said.
“To date there are only two drugs approved in Australia for IPF to slow the progression of the disease.
“While some patients may be eligible for lung transplants, older patients may not.
“The available drugs have side effects, including bowel symptoms and liver function decline and eventually aren’t able to be tolerated. Some patients even stop treatment because of these side effects.”
Without treatment, the prognosis for patients is poor according to Dr Nazmi.
“When the diagnosis comes after the age of 60, it can progress rapidly. Without treatment, the average life expectancy is about 3 to 5 years.” Dr Nazmi said.
The 26-week study is a randomised placebo-controlled trial with the three local participants receiving either the investigational drug or a placebo alongside standard care.
ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS
- Given the investigational nature of clinical trials, there is no guarantee of benefit to the patient.
- Participation in clinical trials is voluntary – all participants continue to receive standard medical care, and eligibility is assessed by the clinical trial team according to strict ethical and safety requirements.
- Though this trial is now closed to patient recruitment, MIRI has other active trials in the areas of mental health, oncology, anaesthetics, renal, respiratory and obstetrics and gynaecology.
- To find out more, contact MIRI on 4885 7561 or mackay-clinical-trials@health.qld.gov.au
Patient experience – ‘John’
Clinical trial patient John enrolled in the trial six months ago following his diagnosis.
He attributed the early symptoms of IPF to his increasing age and decreasing fitness levels.
“I just thought I was getting older and you’re just short of breath, puffing when you walked up a big flight of stairs or carrying a toolbox,” John said.
“When you’re getting over 60, you sort of think this is normal, and then you compare it to other people, and you think I’m not fit anymore.
“Until it sort-of sneaks up on you a bit more, and a bit more, and then you think maybe I should get this checked.”
John feels like there may be an improvement to his condition, but he understands that he may be receiving the placebo.
“At the end of the day, it will be beneficial for somebody else in the future. It gives them more options for medications.”