Clinical trials
The Dorset Cancer Research Network (DCRN) has been congratulated by the Executive Management Team of the National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) for its performance during 2010/11.
Over a fifth of newly diagnosed cancer patients in Dorset have participated in National Institute of Health Research Clinical Research Networks cancer portfolio studies open in the network (680 patients).
Very high levels of recruitment to the portfolio overall have been maintained and recruitment to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) further increased.
Significantly more patients with cancer (and pre-malignancy) have participated in RCTs this year (386 compared with 301) - this equates to over 12% of newly diagnosed patients.
This places DCRN as the second highest recruiter to RCTs which is an outstanding achievement for the team.
Dorset will continue to maintain and increase the number of trials available to patients. We are aiming to further increase activity in surgical, radiotherapy, head and neck and industry trials. A network wide haematology research nurse specialist has been appointed with a view to increasing recruitment into haematology trials.
Participating in a clinical trial
If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial please discuss this with hospital staff next time you visit the hospital. They will be able to provide you with information on trials that may be suitable for you.
Further information about participating in clinical trials can be found on the following websites:
- Dorset Research Consortium
- UK Clinical Trials Gateway
- Get Randomised - information for patients about taking part in randomised clinical trials
- UK Clinical Research Collaboration – information for patients in understanding clinical trials
- CancerHelp UK - find trials recruiting patients, recent research or look at trial results. You can also find out more about clinical trials
- INVOLVE - promoting public involvement in NHS , public health and social care research
