Patients in UK cancer trials quadruples
pharmafile | November 11, 2010 | News story | Research and Development | Cancer Research UK, NCRI, National Cancer Research Institute, UK clinical research, cancer trials
The number of cancer patients in the UK participating in clinical studies has quadrupled in the last decade, according to a new study.
The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) cancer conference in Liverpool was told trial participants rose from one in 26 in 2000 to around one in six this year.
The figures represent a fourfold increase and are greater than in both Europe and the US, where fewer than one in 20 cancer patients participate in clinical trials.
Professor David Cameron, lead author on the study and a former director of the NCRN, said: “With more patients in clinical trials than ever before, we can now look forward to reaping the benefits of new and exciting developments in diagnosing, preventing and treating cancer.
“Importantly, these figures demonstrate the huge enthusiasm and willingness of British people to participate in research that could potentially lead to life-saving new treatments in the future.”
In a statement Cancer Research UK said that the increase had been made possible by the establishment of the National Cancer Research Network (NCRN).
The NCRN is one of eight clinical research networks and aims to provide the NHS with an infrastructure to support cancer clinical studies and improve the speed and quality of research.
The NCRN has now supported over 800 cancer research studies, involving more than quarter of a million volunteers.
Every NHS hospital and cancer centre in the country now participates in cancer research, allow greater access for patients to clinical trials at their local hospitals.
Dr Jonathan Sheffield, chief executive of the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network that funds the NCRN, said: “With average life expectancy increasing, the pressure on healthcare budgets will continue to grow.
“This means that clinical research is more important than ever as a means of understanding the most effective way of treating patients, and focusing our resources on the best possible care.”
Sheffield added that the success of the NCRN shows that “we now have a highly effective model for involving patients in research that could benefit them now, and other NHS patients in the future.”
Ben Adams
Related Content
Scientists discover reason for resistance to bowel cancer treatment
Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK have demonstrated what may cause some treatments to stop …
Sosei Heptares and Cancer Research UK announce first patient dosed in phase 1/2a trial
Sosei Heptares and Cancer Research UK have announced that the first patient has been dosed …
UK nonprofit National Cancer Research Institute to close
The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) has announced that it is closing after 22 years …
