Blood Cancer UK responds to new figures showing decline in clinical trial participation
United Kingdom
New figures reveal that the number of people taking part in industry-sponsored clinical trials in the NHS has fallen for the fifth consecutive year, despite improvements in trial set-up times.
The findings, published by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), show a 31% decline in participation since 2022/23. Blood Cancer UK responds to the report, highlighting the importance of improving access to clinical trials, particularly for people with aggressive forms of blood cancer.
Kate Keightley, Associate Director of Health Systems and Clinical Services at Blood Cancer UK, said:
“For people with blood cancer, clinical trials can offer potentially life-extending treatments, sometimes when there are no other options. Blood cancer is the UK's third biggest cancer killer, so new figures from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), showing a 31% fall in people taking part in industry-sponsored clinical trials since 2022/23, are deeply concerning. Faster trial set-up is welcome, but progress means little if people aren't getting the chance to take part.
“We need to make it easier for people to find and access clinical trials. As part of Trial Treat Beat, our new £25 million appeal to help double survival chances for people with the deadliest blood cancers, we're investing in our Clinical Trials Navigation Service. The service offers free, personalised support from specialist blood cancer nurses to help people explore suitable trials and discuss their options with their healthcare team.
“We welcome the ABPI's call for better use of NHS data to identify people who could benefit from clinical trials. Alongside practical support to navigate their options, this could help ensure more people have the opportunity to access potentially life-saving research, regardless of where they live.”
