Every treatment starts with a trial
International Clinical Trials Day is an important reminder of the role clinical trials play in improving cancer treatment, reducing side effects, supporting quality of life and saving lives.
In the lead-up to this year’s International Clinical Trials Day, Cancer Trials Ireland CEO Angela Clayton-Lea spoke to the Meath Chronicle about the value of cancer trials, the need for greater awareness among patients and families, and the importance of continued investment in cancer trials infrastructure in Ireland.
“Every cancer treatment that exists today was once tested through a clinical trial.”
Cancer trials in Ireland today
Cancer Trials Ireland currently has 137 active cancer trials running across Ireland. Almost 5,000 people took part in cancer clinical trials in Ireland last year, with a further 120 trials in follow-up and more in development.
These figures show the scale of cancer trials already taking place across the country. They also point to the opportunity to do more.
Trials are not a last resort
One of the most important messages Angela shared was that clinical trials are not only for people who have exhausted every other option.
Trials can take place at many stages of treatment. They can involve new drugs, radiotherapy techniques, surgical approaches, medical devices, or quality-of-life interventions such as physiotherapy, diet and exercise programmes.
“Trials can take place at many stages of treatment and in many cases should be considered a first opportunity rather than a last chance.”
Why investment matters
Despite growing public interest, access remains a challenge. Currently, approximately 2.7% of cancer patients in Ireland participate in clinical trials involving new treatments, compared with a national target of 6%.
Angela also highlighted that up to 70% of patients would like the opportunity to participate in a trial, but there are not enough trials open to meet that demand.
“The expertise is there, the patients are there, but more investment is needed to expand research teams and open additional studies.”
Better access means more opportunity for patients
For more patients in Ireland to have the opportunity to take part in cancer trials, there needs to be sustained investment in research teams, trial infrastructure and public awareness.
International Clinical Trials Day gives us a chance to recognise the patients, families, research nurses, investigators, trial teams, funders and partners who make cancer trials possible.
It is also a reminder that access matters.
Patients who would like to know more about cancer trials should speak to their treating team about whether a trial may be suitable for them.
Read More
You can read the original Meath Chronicle article, in full, here: https://bit.ly/4tVKqGz
For more on Angela Clayton-Lea’s career path and her perspective on the importance of cancer trials, read her recent Working Life interview in the Irish Examiner. In the piece, Angela reflects on her journey from radiation therapy to hospital leadership and now to Cancer Trials Ireland, and explains why more trials are needed so that patients in Ireland can access “tomorrow’s treatments today”.