National Institute for Health Research Cancer Research Network (NCRN)

Welcome to the NCRN Website

The National Institute for Health Research Cancer Research Network (NCRN) provides researchers with the practical support they need to make cancer clinical studies happen in the NHS, so that more research takes place across England, and more patients can take part.

We are made up of 32 Local Research Networks covering the whole of the NHS in England and employ over 700 trained members of staff. Our Local Research Networks coordinate and facilitate the conduct of cancer clinical research and offer researchers a broad range of services to support study set-up and delivery.

We are currently supporting over 500 open studies and over 250,000 people have taken part in our trials over the past decade.

The NCRN has a proven track record and world-class reputation for increasing participation in clinical research. Prior to NCRN’s creation less than 4 in every 100 newly diagnosed cancer patients were estimated to be entering clinical studies. In the 10 years since, through our partnerships with the NHS, researchers, funders and patients this has risen year-on-year.

By 2010, 18 out of every 100 newly diagnosed patients took part in cancer studies (18.1%). For comparison, the most recent USA figure is under 3%.

International Clinical Trials’ Day - 20th May

International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated on or around 20^th May each year, and this year marks 265 years since James Lind launched his controlled clinical trial in 1747 (*www.jameslindlibrary.org).

Thanks to James Lind, carefully regulated clinical trials are currently the most effective way to establish which new treatments are beneficial for human health.

It is an opportunity for us to highlight and acknowledge the importance of clinical research importance of research to health care and celebrate what has been achieved.

NCRN continues to contribute towards a rise in recruitment to cancer clinical studies, helping to identify the best treatments and care for cancer patients in the future.

For researchers
·         Find further details of how you can access support for your study
·         Find your local research network and links to further information about it
·         Find information about the NCRI Clinical Studies Groups

·         Read about us in our NCRN Booklet
·         Find further details about each of the clinical research studies and trials on the Portfolio Database

For patients and the public
·         Visit our Patient and Public Involvement pages
·         Getting involved in clinical research poster
·         The NCRI Consumer Liaison Group and how to get involved leaflet
·         Find your local research network and links to further information about it
·         Search for a clinical trial of interest on the UK Clinical Trials Gateway

The NCRN programme includes ongoing initiatives in the following areas:

·          Patient and public involvement
·          NCRI Clinical Studies (Development) Groups
·          Portfolio Development
·          Links with NCRI Accredited and other Clinical Trials Units
·          Information Systems and Technology to support NCRN activities
·          Systematic Reviews to address the gaps in the Evidence-Base
·          Workforce Development
·          Links with Industry

Portfolio

An extensive and dynamic NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio of high quality cancer studies is maintained in liaison with the main cancer funders, the NCRI Clinical Studies Groups and other research groups and networks across the UK.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 May 2012 )

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