Investing in the future of reproductive medicine
Unlike many other fertility clinics, Melbourne IVF has its own advanced clinical and laboratory-based scientific research facilities. Melbourne IVF is therefore able to contribute significantly to international research efforts and to the scientific research literature. Our scientists and researchers are recognised as making a substantial impact in the international research community, particularly in the areas of:
- embryo health and pregnancy potential
- genetic assessment of embryo normality
- freezing programs
- fertility preservation
Because Melbourne IVF cares for patients with wide-ranging fertility needs and challenges, we have the scope to develop clinically and scientifically relevant research projects, and conduct clinical trials to evaluate and implement our latest scientific technologies. Melbourne IVF has forged important links with our key collaborators in The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, The Jean Hailes Foundation and The Peter MacCallum Cancer institute, to name a few. Because of our well-resourced and highly dynamic research department we are offered many opportunities to partner with other groups around the world in large-scale, multicentred research studies evaluating new fertility approaches and therapies.
Our current areas of research include:
- Fertility protection and preservation in oncology care and where medical treatment for other diagnoses can compromise fertility
- Ovarian tissue grafting
- Endocrine and metabolic research
- Egg (oocyte) freezing
- Sperm function
- Identifying the best potential embryos
- Genetics and molecular research
- Psychosocial and epidemiological research
- Endometrial receptivity
- Clinical Trials
Participating in clinical trials
Melbourne IVF has a well-resourced Clinical Research Department which operates according to ICH-GCP standards.
What is a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are research studies designed to address important questions in fertility research. The results of these trials help doctors find ways to improve patient outcomes. Each study allows us to answer scientific questions, to find better ways to treat or help patients and to evaluate the effectiveness of emerging fertility treatments and procedures.
Why participate in a clinical trial?
Clinical trials that are well-designed and well-executed are the best approach for eligible participants to:
- play a more active role in their own health care;
- obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities during a trial;
- gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available; and
- help others by contributing to medical research.
Who can participate in a clinical trial?
All clinical trials have inclusion and exclusion criteria; these guidelines describe who can participate and are based on factors such as age, gender, previous treatments, medical history and other medical conditions. Before joining a clinical trial participants must meet eligibility criteria. For all types of trials, the participants work with the Research Team.
The Research Team check the health of the participant at the beginning of the trial, give specific instructions for participating in the trial, monitor the participant carefully during the trial, and stay in touch after the trial is completed.
For all types of trials, the participant works with a Research Team. Clinical trial participation is most successful when the trial procedure is carefully followed and there is regular contact with the Research Team.
To help someone decide whether or not to participate in a trial, the researchers involved explain the details of the study, such as the purpose, duration, required procedures, and provide details of key contacts. Risks and potential benefits are explained in an Informed consent document. The participant then decides whether or not to sign this consent form; this is not a contract, and you may withdraw from the trial at any time. Withdrawing from a trial does not influence your treatment or relationship with Melbourne IVF in any way.
How is the safety of the participant protected?
The ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice are very stringent and also apply to clinical trials.
Every clinical trial must be approved and monitored by an independent Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) which is registered with The National Health and Medical Research Council. The HREC evaluates all trials very comprehensively to make sure patient safety is assured, the risks are as low as possible and patient rights and interests are protected. An HREC is an independent committee of physicians, statisticians, community advocates, and its primary focus is to ensure that clinical trials are ethical and safe.
As a clinical trial progresses, researchers report the results of the trial at scientific meetings, which may be national or international, to medical journals, and to various government agencies. Individual participants' names remain confidential and are not disclosed in these reports.
If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, or would like to find out more about our research program, we encourage you to contact our Research Team direct.
The Research Team at Melbourne IVF
Franca Agresta is Melbourne IVF's Clinical Research Manager and has more than 16 years experience in research, where laboratory and basic science research has evolved into the initiation and coordination of various clinical trials. Franca and her Team are actively involved in various research projects, both investigator-initiated trials and in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies. Her ICH-GCP training ensures that clinical research conducted at Melbourne IVF is of high quality and compliant. Her role also involves encouraging and facilitating new research across the various disciplines within the organisation and collaborating with universities and various research institutes. Franca co-ordinates the Fertility Preservation Program at Melbourne IVF; the largest of it’s kind in Australia, and is part of a Management Team who are orchestrating the development of the very first Australian and New Zealand Fertility Preservation Database. She is also the secretary of the newly formed Medical Preservation of Fertility Special Interest Group at the Fertility Society of Australia.
