Introduction
The Australia and New Zealand Melanoma Trials Group (ANZMTG) develops and supports melanoma studies of clinical relevance. Success depends upon engagement with potential Investigators and timely recruitment of patients.
Method
We developed a number of strategies to these ends. They included:
I. Increase in the size and diversity of ANZMTG membership
II. Establishing an Annual Scientific Meeting and Annual General Meetings, a website, newsletters, consumer forums and other presentations
III. Increasing ANZMTG involvement with consumer groups
IV. Development of a protocol synopsis form allowing greater ease in submission of research proposals
V. Approving a larger number of proposals, providing more opportunities for Investigators to become involved with a study of interest
VI. Collaborating with international research groups to enhance participation nationally in other clinically relevant collaborative trials
VII. Publishing results in peer reviewed journals
Results
Data will be presented proving our strategies have worked:
I. Membership has increased in number and diversity
II. Increased patient accrual, having used novel ways to achieve this for the ANZMTG 01.07 WBRT Mel study
III. A relevant number of publications and press activity
IV. Increased number of ANZMTG trials
V. Links have been established with consumer groups and national and international collaborators.
VI. Annual Scientific Meeting well attended by key melanoma researchers
Conclusion
Innovative ways of increasing engagement with researchers has led to an acceleration of trials being opened and patients being accrued. ANZMTG is the only melanoma specific trials group in the World; it is vibrant, is growing and thereby helping to making this cancer history.