Robert’s research passion for blood cancers

Now onto his fifth cancer battle, Robert has undergone a stem cell transplant and chemotherapy to treat multiple myeloma, a rare cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, which has no cure. 

Four years ago, he retired and moved from Melbourne to Orbost - 375km away - and has since discovered for himself the disparity in access to medical care, and clinical trials, between regional Victorian and metro patients. 

Now considered in remission, Robert is on a clinical trial, run out of The Alfred, for a new multiple myeloma drug to prolong his remission status. He was recommended for the trial by his haematologist, who is based at Latrobe Regional Hospital.

“Had I still been living in Melbourne, check-ups, treatment and tests at The Alfred every two to three weeks would not have been a problem. But now, it’s a long trip that requires two to three nights accommodation and petrol. Some of it is covered by government grants, but I’m still out of pocket for about half of it..." 

“If I could have the majority of my care and tests done at Latrobe Regional Hospital, that would cut my travel by half and reduce a lot of stress,” he added. 

Currently, Latrobe Regional Hospital isn’t fully equipped to deliver a full clinical trial service, but it has partnered with TrialHub to become a fully operational and independent clinical trial unit within the next five years. 

Robert says he’s passionate about clinical trials and research as advancements in medical care is what saved his six-year-old’s life in the ‘90s. 

“Nathan, my son, had leukemia and was on a clinical trial, and had a transplant, which ultimately saved his life. If you look at how far we’ve come with medicine since then, it’s all been thanks to people participating in trials. They’re vital as it’s the only way we can prove new treatment works.”

“If the trial I’m on doesn’t work for me, that’s ok, I just want to contribute to the research that will help people in the future,” he said. 

Robert is a founding board member at the Leukaemia Foundation of Victoria, and was instrumental in setting up private blood banks in Australia and South Africa.