A new era in cancer research is dawning at Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD), with the opening of an international cancer clinical trials centre thanks to a generous $20 million donation from Greg Poche AO and the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO. Launch of global cancer clinical trials centre
The NORTH Sydney Trials and Research Van Norton Poche Centre, or NORTH S.T.A.R VNP centre, is an innovative partnership between NSLHD and New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSK) and aims to revolutionise cancer treatment and research. Professor Bruce Robinson AC, Chair of Research at NSLHD, welcomed the donation, stating: “The generosity of this gift is extraordinary and will further increase the ability of local cancer patients to participate in clinical trials with a world-class cancer centre in New York.” NORTH S.T.A.R VNP will attract the next generation of doctors, scientists, and researchers to Australia through international fellowships and substantial funding dedicated to discovering cures for cancer. Set to operate out of Royal North Shore and North Shore Private hospitals at the Sydney North Health Precinct, the centre will be accessible to all Australians. Partnerships with regional NSW hospitals have already been established, ensuring wide-reaching impact. Initially, four clinical trials will be available for eligible patients living in areas including Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Armidale, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, and Gosford, with plans to expand enrolments nationwide. A key component of the centre’s vision is the creation of a national database to enhance collaboration among hospitals, doctors, and allied health professionals. This initiative aims to guarantee that every patient, regardless of location or treating physician, can participate in clinical trials, with a particular focus on rural and regional residents and First Nations people.
The generous $20 million donation marked the largest single donation ever made to the NORTH Foundation. Kay Van Norton and Gregory Poche AO made the landmark donation to the NORTH Foundation, the official fundraising partner of NSLHD, in December 2023. At the time, Kay expressed their desire to make a difference: “We hope this gift will attract more donors to show their support to help eradicate cancer as a major cause of death.” “It was through groundbreaking cancer trials from the US that Kay was able to extend her life by many years and she was determined that all Australians should have access to the same opportunities she had,” said Professor Robinson.
Australians can build upon this legacy and help to create a future without cancer by donating at: northfoundation.org.au/northstar
Greg Poche AO and the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO
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