Why are there clinical trials?
Advances in cancer treatment have occurred because many thousands of patients have taken part in research. We can only continue to improve cancer treatment for the future if patients agree to take part in research today.
What is a clinical trial?
It needs to be proved beyond doubt that new treatments are effective. A clinical trial is a scientific way of studying new treatments or new ways of giving existing treatments.
A clinical trial is one of the final stages of a long and careful cancer research process. Studies are carried out with cancer patients to find out whether new ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer are safe and effective.
Velindre Cancer Centre is a leading centre for clinical trials. Our Clinical Trials Unit has run over 100 national and international clinical trials. All trials are approved by a Local Research Ethics Committee. This committee is made up of doctors, medical professionals and people from different walks of life. They look at the importance and wisdom of each trial to protect patients from unethical trials.
Many trials compare a new treatment with the most effective treatment that is currently available. This means that in a trial some patients will receive new treatments and some will receive the standard treatments. Patients who receive the standard treatments can be reassured that their treatment is as good as the treatment they would receive if they were not in a clinical trial.
What does it mean for me?
Each trial has very specific eligibility criteria. You may be asked to consider taking part in a clinical trial if there is one suitable to your diagnosis and treatment. The research nurse will go through this with you.
Taking part in a clinical trial is entirely voluntary. We will give you detailed information about the trial. You can ask questions and discuss the trial with your family before you decide if you would like to take part.
Your decision will not affect the standard of care you receive. If you do not wish to take part you will continue to receive the highest standard of care and the most appropriate treatment currently available.
What are the advantages of taking part?
What are the disadvantages of taking part?
Further information
If you would like more information about clinical trials please ask your hospital doctor or contact the relevant research staff listed on the next page.
Clinical Trials Unit contact numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre - 029 2061 5888
Unit Manager: Jane Darmanin - Ext 6110
Unit Administrator: Cindy Langford - Ext 6222
Research Assistant: Jamie Morgan - Bleep 218
Research Link Nurse: Rhianydd Jones - Bleep 197
Breast team (Bleep 225)
Research Lead: Clare Boobier - Ext 6986
Research Nurse: Karen Davies & Sarah Fry - Ext 6962
Administrator: Hana Wilbraham - Ext 6479
Urology / Melanoma team (Bleep 152)
Research Lead: Clare Boobier - Ext 6986
Research Nurse: Joanne Preece & Sarah Fry - Ext 6311
Administrator: Lucy Wilbraham - Ext 6312
Colorectal / Upper GI team (Bleep 131)
Research Lead: Amanda Jackson - Ext 6550
Research Nurse: Kathy Bishop & Deborah Jones - Ext 2285
Administrator: Angela Kitto - Ext 2286
Lung / Lymphoma team (Bleep 105)
Research Lead: Amanda Jackson - Ext 6550
Research Nurse: Nikki Coates - Ext 2298
Administrator: Caroline Vitalo - Ext 6551
Gynae team (Bleep 166)
Research Lead: Amanda Jackson - Ext 6550
Administrator: Caroline Vitalo - Ext 6551