The Victorian Cancer Trials Link provides information about clinical trials and practical support for people considering participating in a trial.
What is a cancer clinical trial?
A cancer clinical trial is a research study that examines whether new ways of preventing, screening for, diagnosing or treating cancer are safe and work better than what is currently being used. Clinical trials can also explore ways to improve care provided, manage symptoms, or enhance quality of life for people with cancer and carers.
Cancer researchers recruit volunteers to participate in clinical trials to test how well new approaches work and to better understand possible side effects and risks.
If a new way is proven to provide a better outcome for people, it may become part of the standard of care for people with cancer in the future.
There’s nothing ventured, nothing gained. There are a lot of trials out there and if you’re diagnosed, it’s part of the conversation you should have.
Braxton, clinical trial participant.
Read Braxton's story
Taking part in a clinical trial is a personal choice, and it's important to have all the information you need to decide what's right for you.
People who take part in clinical trials have important rights and safety protections. Participation is always voluntary, and participants can choose to withdraw from a trial at any time without it affecting their ongoing care.
Clinical trials explained
Learn about the role and value of clinical trials through this video produced by the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance.
Learn more about cancer clinical trials
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Understanding the different types of clinical trials.
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Learn more about the different phases of a trial.
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Definitions for clinical terms you may encounter.
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Connected care closer to home.
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Common questions and taking part
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How to enter a trial, and what comes next.
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Busting some common misunderstandings.
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Answers to commonly asked questions about clinical trials.
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It’s always best to chat to your doctor about whether clinical trials is right for you.
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The VCTL has a new and improved app, which syncs directly from our website feed.
Download the app
Resources for communities
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Access cancer clinical trial resources in multiple languages. Breaking barriers to healthcare at Victorian Cancer Trials Link.
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Find information on rare cancer clinical trials in Victoria, including how trials work, eligibility, and support to help people access treatment options.
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Learn about cancer clinical trials for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including support services, cultural resources, videos and lived experiences.
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Patient stories
Hear from people who have taken part in cancer clinical trials and share their experience in their own words.
Get support
Like with any cancer treatment, you may find during your cancer clinical trials that you have questions, need further information and support or even want to talk to someone who has been through a similar trials experience (peer support).
Find out more
About this information
The Victorian Cancer Trials Link is an information search platform managed by Cancer Council Victoria. Information on this page is curated from clinically reviewed sources to support people seeking to understand cancer clinical trials and explore relevant trial opportunities. The Victorian Cancer Trials Link is independent from pharmaceutical sponsors. Learn more about the Victorian Cancer Trials Link.
Page last updated: May 2026