ANZGOG contributes to global GCIG Code of Conduct on diversity in gynaecological cancer clinical trials
ANZGOG has contributed to a new international publication in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer introducing the GCIG Code of Conduct for Diversity in Gynecological Cancer Clinical Trials, a major global framework designed to strengthen clinical trial diversity, equity and inclusion in gynaecological cancer research.
Developed through the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) and adopted at the GCIG Berlin Meeting, the Code brings together 33 international gynaecological cancer clinical trials groups, including ANZGOG, to improve how diversity is embedded across clinical trial design, conduct and reporting. ANZGOG Director Professor Alison Brand AM is among the contributing authors, reflecting ANZGOG’s leadership within the global gynaecological cancer research community and its commitment to high-quality, inclusive clinical trials across Australia and New Zealand.
A global framework to improve clinical trial diversity
The GCIG Code of Conduct provides practical guidance to improve diversity in clinical trials across 12 key domains, including:
- inclusive eligibility criteria in clinical trials
- standardised reporting of diversity data in cancer research
- patient-centred communication and informed consent
- reducing barriers to clinical trial participation
- governance, ethics and accountability in research
- global collaboration in gynaecological cancer trials
This represents a shift from principles to implementation, supporting researchers and clinical trial groups to actively improve equity in cancer clinical trials.
Why clinical trial diversity matters
The publication highlights that underrepresentation in clinical trials limits the generalisability of evidence and may contribute to ongoing inequities in cancer outcomes. Embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in clinical research ensures that findings from gynaecological cancer clinical trials are more representative of real-world populations and clinically meaningful across different groups. The Code reinforces a clear global position: diversity is essential to scientific validity and high-quality clinical evidence in cancer research.
ANZGOG’s role in global gynaecological cancer research
As Australia and New Zealand’s peak gynaecological cancer research group, ANZGOG plays an active role in international collaborations through GCIG to improve outcomes for people living with gynaecological cancers. This publication reflects ANZGOG’s ongoing contribution to efforts to advance gynaecological cancer research, clinical trial innovation, and equitable access to trials.
The GCIG Code of Conduct is endorsed by ESGO and FIGO and will be reviewed biennially, ensuring continued evolution of best practice in international clinical trial design.
Read the full published article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1048891X26003610
GCIG is a global network that brings together 33 research groups dedicated to clinical trials in gynecologic cancers.
