Myeloma charity body publishes its first trial results
pharmafile | June 9, 2015 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | ctn, eric low, muk one, myeloma
The Myeloma UK Clinical Trial Network (CTN) has published data from its first trial marking a major milestone for the network.
The CTN brings together pharma, doctors, researchers and the NHS regulatory bodies to establish a portfolio of early phase trials of novel treatments for myeloma in the UK.
Said to be built on speed, efficiency and taking a prioritised, strategic and patient centric approach to clinical trials, the CTN has now it has published trial results for the first time – named MUK one – in the British Journal of Haematology.
The trial was set-up and recruiting patients within a year, which makes it one of the fastest trials of its type in the UK for myeloma. The charity says this demonstrates proof of concept for the CTN, making it a model for best practice in setting up and conducting innovative clinical trials in the NHS.
Myeloma is a cancer arising from plasma cells, a type of white blood cell which is made in the bone marrow.
Myeloma UK chief executive Eric Low notes: “The CTN was established in 2009 to prioritise and speed up implementation of clinical trials with a view to improving patient outcomes. To have achieved all of these goals in our first ever trial is very pleasing.”
It involved 95 patients and was managed by the Clinical Trial Research Unit at the University of Leeds. It was designed to identify the optimal starting dose of bendamustine when given in combination with thalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed and refractory myeloma patients.
Data showed that 60mg/m2 doses given twice per month in combination with thalidomide and dexamethasone, are effective in treating patients and produced fewer side-effects than doses of 100mg/m2.
MUK one Chief Investigator Prof Steve Schey adds: “We conduct studies that can inform regulatory bodies to facilitate the delivery of the best anti-myeloma care in the world, and this study has demonstrated that UK haematologists can successfully deliver state-of-the-art, patient orientated clinical research in a timely manner that will significantly inform and impact patient care.”
Myeloma UK has a portfolio of early phase clinical trials of novel myeloma treatments open as part of the Myeloma UK CTN which features 29 centres across the UK. The charity receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and fundraising activities.
Brett Wells
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