At Icon, research has always been fundamental to how we deliver better outcomes for patients, now and into the future. As we mark International Clinical Trials Day 2026, we recognise the vital role our clinical trials and research programs play in expanding access to innovative therapies worldwide.
Over the past 15 months, our clinical trials and research programs have continued to expand in scale, complexity, and impact, strengthening access to innovative therapies and reinforcing our position as a global leader in oncology research.
From early phase trials through to large-scale multicentre studies, and in-house research our portfolio spans the full clinical development pathway, driven by strong clinician leadership and supported by robust global infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and philanthropic investment.
This growth is underpinned by a clear focus on meaningful impact. Hundreds of patients have accessed clinical trials through our network this year, with many participating in early phase and novel therapy studies that offer new treatment possibilities. At the same time, our continued investment in investigator-initiated trials ensures research remains closely aligned to clinical insight and patient need, enabling our clinicians to help shape the future of cancer care.
We have also made important progress in strengthening the foundations that underpin highquality research programs. From expanding our workforce and principal investigator network, to improving site capability, readiness and governance, we are building a scalable model that supports increasingly complex and innovative trials across multiple regions and treatment modalities.
Independent, not-for-profit, Icon Cancer Foundation has had a milestone year of impact and continues to play a critical role in advancing these priorities, enabling clinician-led research, fostering innovation, and strengthening the connection between research and patient care.
As the oncology landscape continues to evolve, so too does the role of research. Advances in targeted therapies, hyper personalised treatments and cellular-based approaches are rapidly changing how cancer is treated, and our ability to deliver these trials safely and effectively is critical. Through continued investment in infrastructure, partnerships, and clinical engagement, we are ensuring Icon remains at the forefront of these developments.
Looking ahead, our focus remains clear. We will continue to expand our global research footprint, enhance access to clinical trials for patients closer to home, and strengthen our position as a trusted partner for sponsors, clinicians, and research collaborators.
Most importantly, we remain committed to delivering research that makes a difference. Every trial we activate, every patient we support, and every partnership we build contributes to a broader goal - improving outcomes and redefining what is possible in cancer care.
Sophie Mepham PhD Executive Manager – Research
Observational (14)
Observational (14)
Registries (51)
Registries (51)
Phase III (60)
Phase III (60)
Phase I (101)
Phase I (101)
Haematology (14)
Haematology (14)
Theranostics (9)
Theranostics (9)
Radiation oncology (80)
Radiation oncology (80)
Phase I/II (53)
Phase II (57)
Phase I/II (53)
Phase II (57)
Medical oncology (237)
Medical oncology (237)
Phase II/III (4)
Phase II/III (4)
Recruitment by trial phase Research by treatment modality
Recruitment by trial phase Research by treatment modality
*Number of patients recruited
*Number of patients recruited
*Number of patients recruited
*Number of patients recruited
Partnerships and milestones
Partnerships and milestones
Signed partnership with GreenLight Clinical CRO accelerating access to theranostics trials
Celebrating 10 years of Early Phase Clinical Trials
Celebrating 10 years of Early Phase Clinical Trials
Icon Cancer Foundation receives record $2.5M donation
Research highlights
Expanding capability in Western Australia
The establishment and expansion of research capability in Western Australia marks a significant step forward in improving access to clinical trials across the country.
A key milestone in this growth was the launch of a first-of-its-kind comprehensive private theranostics and molecular imaging centre at the Hollywood Medical Centre. Developed in partnership with Perth Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Centre (PMITC), Icon Cancer Centre Hollywood brings together advanced PET/CT and SPECT/CT imaging, targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies, and access to clinical trials within a single, integrated service.
As the first dedicated centre of its kind in the state, it centralises imaging and treatment under one roof, enhancing patient experience while significantly improving access to precision medicine for patients across Western Australia, as well as those travelling from interstate and overseas.
Icon’s Clinical Director of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Oncology, Nuclear Medicine Physician and founder of Theranostics Australia, Dr Nat Lenzo said this centre is increasing access to cuttingedge treatments.
“This comprehensive centre represents the future of personalised cancer care and marks a major step forward in improving access to cutting-edge theranostics, which offer real hope for people with advanced and metastatic cancers,” said Dr Lenzo.
“By offering patients access to a full suite of imaging and precision medicine treatments under one roof we’re improving the patient experience and ensuring we can better support people and their families through a difficult time without the need to travel far distances.”
With active theranostics trials underway and continued growth across medical oncology, haematology and radiation oncology trials at Icon Cancer Centre Midland and Rockingham, Western Australia is emerging as a key region for research development. This expansion supports greater access to innovative treatments, reducing the need for patients to travel interstate to participate in trials.
At the same time, the growing multidisciplinary capability across these specialities is strengthening site readiness for more complex and high-value studies, positioning the region for continued growth in advanced research delivery.
A decade of early phase expertise
This year marks a major milestone for Icon’s early phase clinical trials program, reflecting 10 years of sustained delivery and capability development.
Over this period, Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane has been established as a flagship site for early phase and first-in-human studies, home to Queensland’s largest private Phase I clinical trials unit and reinforcing Icon’s position as a pioneer and national leader in Phase I clinical trials. The program continues to attract strong sponsor interest and repeat study placement, underpinned by consistent performance, robust governance, and deep clinical expertise, led by Icon Cancer Centre Australia’s Early Phase Clinical Research Lead, A/Prof Jim Coward.
For patients, this capability translates into ongoing access to some of the most advanced and emerging cancer therapies available. For the organisation, it represents a mature and scalable platform for continued growth in complex trial delivery and emerging personalised treatments such as targeted therapy and cellular-based treatments and research.
“Over the past decade leading the Phase I unit at Icon, I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team dedicated to advancing early-phase oncology research. During that time across Queensland and Northern New South Wales, we have been true pioneers in Phase I trials, helping to bring innovative therapies from first-in-human studies through to meaningful clinical impact. What we have achieved together is something we are incredibly proud of, not only in terms of scientific progress, but also in the hope we have been able to offer so many patients.” – A/Prof Jim Coward
Strengthening clinician-led research through philanthropy
Significant philanthropic contributions through Icon Cancer Foundation have enabled the continued growth of investigator-initiated trials (IITs), supporting research that is directly driven by clinical insight and patient need.
A major $2.5 million record-breaking donation has expanded the pipeline of early-stage studies and reduced reliance on external funding sources. This shift has provided greater autonomy and quality in trial selection and strengthened clinician engagement across the network.
Icon and Icon Cancer Foundation would like to thank our generous donors, Charli Robinson and Liam Talbot for this gift which will help support the continued growth of Icon’s novel therapy program, which will include cellular therapies. Cellular therapy is an emerging treatment that uses a patient’s own cells to target disease in a highly personalised way. Investing in novel and cellular therapies and research will provide more options for patients with complex or treatment-resistant cancers. Importantly, this investment is helping to translate research ideas into active studies more efficiently, ensuring promising concepts can move from early development to delivery. It also highlights Icon’s role as a leader in clinician-driven research innovation that ultimately can lead to better patient outcomes and new medical advancements and discoveries for future generations.
I was happy to be involved (in a clinical trial). My thought process was, if it didn’t help me, hopefully it would help other people.
Without patients to trial new treatments, there wouldn’t be breakthroughs in fighting cancer. So, I hoped that by participating, it would help in some way.”
Peter, Icon Cancer Centre Australia research patient
Read Peter’s story
Future outlook
As Icon continues to grow its global research network, the focus remains on building capability, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to highimpact clinical trials that drive improvements and ultimately advance cancer care for patients now and into the future.
Over
the next five years our research leaders, clinicians and team are focused on:
Expanding our global research footprint
Icon continues to progress its global research strategy, with a focus on strengthening operations across ASEAN and New Zealand, while exploring future expansion into the United Kingdom and Germany.
Growth in ASEAN remains a priority, with improving site capability and recruitment performance supporting increased trial activity in a growing research region. New Zealand is developing as a natural extension of the Australian network, providing a scalable and aligned operating model.
Planning is also underway to assess feasibility for entry into the UK and German markets, with a focus on regulatory pathways, partnerships, and long-term sustainability. This global expansion will diversify the trial portfolio and strengthen Icon’s position with international sponsors, helping ensure more patients can access cutting-edge treatments closer to home.
Enabling greater access to novel therapies
As the oncology landscape continues to evolve, increasing access to novel and complex therapies is a key priority.
There is growing demand for trials involving targeted therapies, radioligand treatments, and cell-based approaches. In response, Icon is continuing to invest in the infrastructure, governance, and clinical capability required to support these advanced modalities, including:
• The set-up and growth of a dedicated novel therapy program
• Investment in specialised resourcing (research staff, specialised clinicians and dedicated cancer care coordinators) to deliver complex trials and support patients throughout their care
• Strengthening clinician engagement in emerging treatment areas to sustain growth and ensure Icon remains competitive in attracting high-value, early phase complex trials.
It’s only through research that new treatments may be discovered and give me more time with my family.”
Katie, Icon Cancer Centre Australia patient
Read her story
Driving efficiency and impact through strategic partnerships
Icon’s GreenLight Clinical (GLC) CRO partnership announced in March 2026 represents an important step forward in.
Under the partnership, GLC’s CRO capabilities in regulatory strategy, data management, biostatistics and study startup will be embedded alongside Icon’s investigator leadership and site operations from the earliest stages of trial development.
This approach enables clinical, operational and regulatory considerations to be addressed in parallel rather than sequentially, supporting faster feasibility assessment and earlier patient recruitment. It also supports the delivery of more complex and commercially aligned studies, with reduced organisational risk.
As the model continues to mature, there is an opportunity to expand its utilisation and further enhance efficiency across the global research portfolio.
By combining Icon’s investigator leadership with GreenLight Clinical’s regulatory and sponsorship capability, we are creating a more streamlined and reliable pathway for global companies seeking to run oncology trials in Australia — with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients.” – Sophie Mepham.
Delivering research with impact
Across all regions and programs, Icon’s approach to research remains focused on one core objective, delivering meaningful impact for patients.
This is reflected not only in the number and scale of clinical trials delivered, but in the tangible outcomes achieved:
• Improved access to innovative therapies
• stronger clinical engagement, and
• the advancement of new treatment approaches.
By continuing to invest in capability, partnerships, and global expansion, Icon is well positioned to shape the future of cancer care through research.
I joined (a clinical trial) because I have great faith in Singapore’s advanced medicine. I hope to find a new, better treatment opportunity for my health.
I feel very much at peace. The medical team here is professional and dedicated; they take such good care of me, just like family.”
Thi-Kim, Icon Cancer Centre Singapore research patient
Visit our Icon Cancer Centre websites to view our current clinical trials:
