Clinical Drug Trials
The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity has enabled almost 2,000 cancer patients to participate in pioneering clinical drug trials in the last eight years. It is the largest Cancer Research Clinical Drug Trial Programme in the Essex Hospitals Network.
A team of research nurses work together providing care for cancer patients at the two centres: Broomfield Hospital in Essex, and North Middlesex University Hospital in London. In the last eight years the research nurses have been involved in trialling a total of 14 new agents which are now on the market and readily available.
The Helen Rollason research nurses provide cancer patients with access to treatments which may be licensed but are not yet available on the NHS or are awaiting NICE approval or are simply a novel new agent. There are currently 40 drug trials taking place at the two research centres in Essex and London.
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a process to look at the most effective way of treating cancer.
This can be done by:
• Investigating benefits of current cancer treatment
• Examining drawbacks of current cancer treatment
• Considering the best way of delivering cancer treatments
It can also:
• Compare a new treatment with the best-known treatment available
• Investigate specific side-effects of treatments
• Trial new treatment options and novel drugs
Am I eligible to participate in a research trial?
The criteria for clinical trials varies but part of a research nurse’s role is to check the suitability of individuals for clinical trials:
• Early access to cutting-edge treatments not always available on the NHS
• Treatment options and choices increased
• Specialist clinic referral
• Novel drug treatments
• Increased monitoring of symptoms with scans and blood tests
• Direct access to a named nurse
• 24-hour medical advice
• To be able to participate in the future development of cancer treatments
What is a research nurse?
A Helen Rollason research nurse is a specialist research nurse dedicated to the care of cancer patients participating in clinical drug trials, and the study of cancer.
What is the role of a Helen Rollason research nurse?
The role of a research nurse is to ensure effective co-ordination of patient care as part of a multi-disciplinary team. This team incorporates consultant oncologists, radiologists, nurses and allied health professionals.
A Helen Rollason research nurse aims to:
• Be the patient advocate
• Foster patient autonomy
• Work with the patient on their cancer journey
• Optimise health opportunities for patients
• Work in collaboration with the wider multi-disciplinary team
• Provide information and support at key landmarks of the care pathway
• Offer support to family members
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