National Paediatric Oncology Roundtable Calls for Action to Strengthen Industry-Led Clinical Trials
14 July 2026: Australia has the opportunity to build on its strengths in paediatric cancer research and become a leading destination for industry-sponsored paediatric oncology clinical trials, according to participants at a national multi-stakeholder roundtable convened by Oncology Industry Taskforce, Medicines Australia in partnership with the Children’s Cancer Institute at the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
The roundtable brought together stakeholders from across government, industry, clinical care, research and patient advocacy to identify practical actions to strengthen Australia’s paediatric oncology clinical trial ecosystem.
The paediatric oncology stakeholder roundtable brought together thirteen representatives from government, industry, clinical care, research and patient advocacy to discuss the changes needed to attract greater investment in paediatric oncology clinical trials and improve access to innovative therapies for Australian children and young people with cancer.
Discussions focused on identifying opportunities to strengthen Australia’s competitiveness as a clinical trial destination and create a more coordinated environment for paediatric oncology research. Participants considered a range of factors influencing industry investment, including regulatory and reimbursement frameworks, commercial incentives, clinical trial infrastructure, patient recruitment, and trial delivery.
Australia is recognised internationally for its high-quality clinical research, strong paediatric oncology networks and national precision medicine initiatives. However, stakeholders noted that paediatric oncology presents unique challenges, including small patient populations, global competition for trial investment, and the complexity of generating evidence in rare childhood cancers.
Participants also highlighted opportunities to build on recent national reforms and strategic initiatives, including health technology assessment reforms, the Childhood and AYA Cancer Roadmap, and the National Health and Medical Research Strategy. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of aligning future actions with existing policy momentum to strengthen Australia’s paediatric oncology clinical trial environment.
A Shared Vision for Growth
Roundtable participants discussed the policy settings, infrastructure and collaborations needed to enhance Australia’s attractiveness for industry-sponsored paediatric oncology trials and support better outcomes for children and families.
Key themes included:
– Supporting a more predictable and efficient regulatory and reimbursement environment;
– Strengthening incentives that encourage investment in paediatric oncology clinical trials;
– Enhancing national coordination of research, trial delivery and patient recruitment;
– Leveraging Australia’s clinical, research and precision medicine capabilities; and
– Improving pathways that enable children and young people to access innovative therapies and clinical trials.
Liz de Somer, Chief Executive Officer of Medicines Australia, said:
“Australia has many of the foundations needed to be a leader in paediatric oncology research, but continued collaboration across government, industry, clinicians, researchers and patient advocates will be essential to realise that potential. Through this roundtable, stakeholders have identified opportunities to strengthen Australia’s clinical trial environment and support greater investment in research that can help improve outcomes for children and young people with cancer.”
Insights from the roundtable will contribute to the development of a collaborative policy white paper informed by stakeholders across government, industry, research, clinical care and patient advocacy. The white paper will outline practical recommendations to support industry-sponsored paediatric oncology clinical trials in Australia.
Participants agreed that improving outcomes for children with cancer requires a coordinated approach that brings together policymakers, researchers, clinicians, industry and patient organisations to address barriers and build on Australia’s existing strengths.
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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Jonathan Hawkes, Senior Media Advisor: 0434 660 801 – Jonathan.hawkes@medicinesaustralia.com.au
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