Research and trials
This section provides some valuable links to help you when considering whether or not to participate in trials as well as how to find trials that are suitable.
Cancerbackup provide a valuable booklet "Understanding trials" which is available free
of charge to patients, by calling (0) 20 7696 9003. Alternately you can see
it online at http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Trials/Understandingtrials
Finding a trial is
sometimes a challenge. Often a doctor will approach you and provide you with
information about a trial which is going on in the hospital, whilst some decide
to look for trials themselves. One of the most comprehensive resources for
trials information is the World Health Organisation International Clinical
Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). This is a searchable database, including all
the principle international clinical trials. To learn more about the ICTRP
please see http://www.who.int/ictrp/en/
To search the database please go to http://www.who.int/ictrp/search/en/index.html
To search the database please go to http://www.who.int/ictrp/search/en/index.html
Ovacome works with
trials clinicians across the UK as advocates for women with ovarian cancer. We
sit on the National Cancer Research Network study group for Gynaecological
cancer as well as the Consumer Liaison group. These groups are charged with the
development of national cancer clinical trials and work to a broad, but common
remit. This includes overseeing existing studies, considering new research
questions, developing proposals and securing funding, as well as providing
expert advice. The Gynaecological group organise and run an annual trials
meeting and where appropriate contribute to NICE and HTA reviews and
appraisals. For more information about the work of the National Cancer Research
Network (NCRN) please see their website at http://www.ncrn.org.uk/
Ovacome also sit as
members of the Steering Committee for several of the largest UK trials, ensuring
that participants experiences and views are considered at the top level of the
studies management. If you have any questions about clinical trials, please call
one of our nurses on the helpline - 0207 380 9589. If you would like to share
experiences about participating (or not) in a trial, you can email us at trials@ovacome.org.uk, or write to us.
