Missed opportunity of clinical trials

CLINICAL trials are the cornerstone of medical research - the definitive method of proving that new innovations are better than current practice.

- DR PETER HENLEY Research funding manager, Cancer Research Wales

The ultimate goal of most cancer research projects is to eventually test their discoveries in clinical trials, where their benefits to patients can be proven.

The dedication of clinicians, research nurses and other healthcare professionals are vital for clinical trials.

However, overstretched NHS staff understandably need to prioritise their day-to-day duties, with time for conducting research often sacrificed.

Unfortunately, this means delivering clinical trials is increasingly difficult.

In Wales in recent years, recruiting enough patients for clinical trials has been challenging - many trials have been forced to recruit patients from other parts of the UK in order to meet their targets.