Faster clinical trials welcome but must be sustained for those with hard-to-treat blood cancers
United Kingdom
Today (Wednesday 15 April) Blood Cancer UK welcomes new Government figures showing clinical trial set-up times have fallen from 169 to 122 days thanks to major research investment.
Clinical trials are essential for those with blood cancer
But the charity says that for those with blood cancer – the UK’s third biggest cancer killer – this progress must now translate into better access to clinical trials and new treatments, particularly for those with the hardest-to-treat types.
In a data announcement, the Government says it is on track to meet its 150-day target for setting up clinical trials, meaning NHS patients could access cutting-edge treatments months earlier than before.
Clinical trials are essential because they give patients access to new and potentially life-saving treatments, while helping researchers understand how to better target different types of blood cancer.
Yet too many people still don’t access clinical trials because of where they live or due to preconceptions of what it might involve.
Our Chief Executive's view
Helen Rowntree, Blood Cancer UK's CEO
“Cutting trial set-up times from 169 to 122 days, is a significant step forward for patients. Because faster trials mean faster access to potentially life-saving treatments, this has the power to make a real difference.
“For people with blood cancer, clinical trials are particularly important. There are over 100 different types of blood cancer, and because treatments don’t work for everyone, research is often the only way patients can access new and more effective options.
“That’s why this progress matters so much. Blood cancer is still the UK’s third biggest cancer killer, and too many people - especially those with the hardest-to-treat types - continue to face limited options and poor outcomes,
“We welcome the ambition to get trials up and running within 150 days, but this progress must reach people with the hardest-to-treat blood cancers, who have seen the least improvement in survival. Clinical trials are how we develop better treatments, but patients can only benefit if they are able to take part and if successful treatments are then made available on the NHS.
“To truly realise the potential of this progress, we need a clear and sustained focus on improving access to trials across the UK, so that every patient, no matter where they live or what type of blood cancer they have, can benefit.”
