About the Workshop
Goals
The Workshop is designed as a week-long intensive training program focused on the essentials of clinical trials design for cancer researchers in all oncology subspecialties from Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Successful clinical trials are fundamental to advancing cancer research and introducing new treatments for the increasing prevalence of cancer in the region; the Workshop addresses the need for training in effective clinical trials design. The Australia and Asia Pacific region is especially vital in progressing cancer treatments, as it is home to a variety of patterns of cancer incidence and population groups, which produce differing responses to treatment. Ensuring researchers have excellent training in conducting effective clinical trials will provide an international scope for cancer treatments.
ACORD's aims include:
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Imparting principles of good clinical trial design, which yield clear results to apply in the clinic and in future research
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Exposing participants to the full spectrum of challenges in clinical research, from conventional antineoplastic agents and multidisciplinary treatment regimens to biological therapy
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Encouraging participants to continue clinical research
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Cultivating well-trained, experienced researchers to propel the region forward in cancer therapy and prevention through clinical trials, medical practice and patient care
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Fostering collaboration and facilitation of clinical trials in the region
Material
The Workshop contains a variety of educational components which aid participants in successful protocol design, including:
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Protocol development sessions in which participants present and discuss their clinical trial proposal in detail
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Lectures by faculty will present specific topics aimed to give participants an essential overview of the principles of designing and conducting high-quality clinical trials
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Small group discussion sessions provide time to address a variety of clinical trials and address specific relevant issues
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One-on-one sessions provide individual counselling and advice on protocol and career development



Previous session topics include:
- Global cancer research
- Principles of clinical trials design
- Phase I-III trials
- Basic biostatistics
- Epidemiology
- Meta-analysis and systematic review
- Principles of pharmacology
- Defining clinical benefits
- Multi-modality trials
- Clinical trials of biological agents
- Ethics and research
- Qualitative research
- Supportive care and quality of life research
- Translational research
Time and Venue
ACORD 2012 will run from Sunday 9 September to Saturday 15 September 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Coolum, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. The Workshop provides a tranquil setting where researchers can focus their energy on clinical trial design. The Workshop is conveniently accessed from airports, as well as close to a variety of Queensland attractions.
