Whether it's learning the ropes of horticulture and running his nursery and landscaping business in Maryborough for over 20 years, or restoring classic cars in his spare time, Bob is never afraid to dive in and give it his all.   

So, when Medical Oncologist Associate Professor Geoff Chong invited Bob to join a clinical trial at Grampians Health for colorectal cancer patients, he readily accepted. Bob hoped his participation would create opportunities to further enhance cancer treatments and honour a loving commitment from his past. 

Bob’s cherished wife of 40 years, Corrie, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. She was given the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, but due to her severe illness, Corrie declined. Before she passed away at 64, Corrie expressed to Bob, “I wish I had done it, then other people might have got answers”.  

“When Geoff [A/Prof Chong] spoke about the trial, I said I will do that. I’ll do it on Corrie’s behalf and to give other people answers that will hopefully help them,” recalls Bob. 

For Bob, it all started with a hamstring injury. 

“I pulled a hamstring, and they did a scan and found something on my intestine. They did a colonoscopy and endoscopy, and they found cancer. After two stomach operations, it was clear, but then another scan revealed another blighter on my liver,” he said.    

Bob’s commitment to a clinical trial could help millions of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer and second deadliest in Australia, according to Bowel Cancer Australia.  

“Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths. The VADER trial is exploring new treatment options for patients,” said A/Prof Geoff Chong, Medical Oncologist at Grampians Health.    

“Because every person and cancer are unique, clinical trials are essential to test the effectiveness of different treatments and combinations. Our goal with this research is to enhance patient outcomes and make a significant impact on the fight against colorectal cancer.” 

The VADER study is a phase II clinical trial testing whether sodium valproate (a type of drug that has been commonly used to treat epilepsy and mood disorders) can be used to treat advanced colorectal cancers. The study will test whether adding sodium valproate to EGFR monoclonal antibodies (panitumumab or cetuximab) works well as a first treatment for patients with a specific type of advanced colorectal cancer (RAS wild type metastatic colorectal cancer). 

“With over 100 clinical trials open, we are incredibly proud that Grampians Health Ballarat hosts the largest clinical trials unit in western Victoria,” said Matthew Hadfield, Grampians Health’s Chief Medical Officer.  

“This achievement is made possible by the wonderful combination of our talented and caring staff, and the generosity of our patients who participate in these trials. Every step we take together brings us closer to advancing medical research and improving treatment options.”     

Bob is currently enjoying restoring a classic 1951 Morris Minor with his two sons and spending time in the garden.  

“I hope there is a cure at the end of the line. I think that's what everyone's hope is, and if we can get even half an answer for half a cure, it’s better than nothing at all.”