The ECORRA Trial (Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia), led by Professor Anna Ugalde from Deakin’s Institute for Health Transformation, is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, and is recognised by Cancer Australia as supporting the implementation of the 2023 Australian Cancer Plan.
The trial aims to improve timelines for cancer diagnosis and the time to the start of treatment for rural and remote patients.
South West HHS Executive Director of Medical Services and Clinical Governance, and Associate Investigator on the ECORRA Trial Dr Carl de Wet said it was a significant step for rural healthcare.
“This landmark project is one of the first clinical trials to be conducted in South West HHS and the first cancer study of this type in our region,” Dr de Wet said.
Research shows Australians in rural and remote areas may experience delays of up to 53 days in cancer diagnosis and treatment, which can contribute to poorer cancer survival.
“This partnership is about bringing research resources to the Maranoa Region, to design locally relevant and lasting solutions to a rural community that has historically been underserved,” Dr de Wet said.
The project, which officially began in October 2024, is designed to address the well-documented disparities in cancer outcomes between metropolitan and rural areas.
The ECORRA Trial will unfold over three distinct phases.
The current phase aims to understand what factors affect time to cancer diagnosis and time to treatment commencement in the Maranoa region.
“We recognise that each rural community has its own unique challenges and strengths,” Professor Ugalde said.
“That’s why we’re starting by listening to all types of stakeholders, such as patients, care givers, and professionals, and learning about their experiences with cancer care.”
The second phase, scheduled for 2025-2026, will involve stakeholders from South West HHS and community members workshopping and co-designing solutions based on findings from the first phase.
The final phase will implement the solutions through a three-year clinical trial within South West HHS, evaluating their effectiveness in improving cancer diagnosis and treatment commencement times.
ECORRA Trial project manager Associate Professor Skye Marshall said: “The purpose of our ECORRA Research Group, based at Deakin University, is to work towards achieving equity in cancer outcomes across rural and remote Australia via strategic programs of research. “This can only be achieved by meaningful partnerships.
“As a rural Queenslander myself, I’m looking forward to working with South West HHS and the local communities over coming years.”
Professor Ugalde and Associate Professor Marshall visited Roma and surrounding areas from 31 March, meeting with health professionals and community members to foster connections.
“Our first visit isn’t just about research—it’s about engagement and building trust,” Professor Ugalde said.
“We’ll be visiting frequently over the years, and even before the trial concludes, we’ll be seeking funding to continue supporting the region. We want the impacts and relationships to be lasting.”
While the ECORRA Trial begins with a strong focus on the Maranoa Region, it will expand to include 14 sites across Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia.
The Maranoa region’s input will help shape solutions that can be adapted to the unique needs of various rural communities nationally.
Overall, the goal of the project is to help rural and remote health services across Australia to align with the national Optimal Care Pathways for time to cancer diagnosis and time to cancer treatment commencement.
“The beauty of this approach is that while we’re focused on developing solutions that work for Maranoa and surrounding residents, we’re also contributing to a national effort to improve cancer outcomes for all rural Australians,” Professor Ugalde said.
“With partnerships established across stakeholder organisations, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience of cancer, our goal is to have an evidence-informed, co-designed model ready for nationwide scaling by 2029.”
Find out more at deakin.au/ecorratrial or email Associate Professor Skye Marshall at ecorra@deakin.edu.au.
This article appeared in the Western Downs Today and the Maranoa Today newspapers on Friday 4th April 2025.
Pictured: Roma Hospital Staff with Skye Marshall Associate Professor at Deakin University, Professor Anna Ugalde, from Deakin’s Institute for Health Transformation and Dr Carl De Wet, South West HHS Executive Director of Medical Services and Clinical Governance.
