Trusts and major donations

All new treatments have to be assessed in clinical trials to find out if they are safe and effective.

Cancer Research UK is funding over 100 clinical trials in the UK.

Here are just three examples:

• A national trial aimed at improving the treatment of small cell lung cancer, which causes over 9,000 deaths annually in the UK.
• An international trial to see if the drug anastrozole helps prevent breast cancer in post-menopausal women at high risk of the disease.
• A national trial to find better pain-reducing treatments for patients whose cancer has spread to their bones.

Successes

It takes many years and millions of pounds to develop a drug from an initial idea through to its safe use in cancer patients.

Cancer Research UK has an excellent track record in developing new anti-cancer drugs, and is a European leader in this field.

Our researchers have contributed to the development of key drugs such as Temodal® for some brain cancers and cisplatin for testicular cancer.

A senior researcher's view

Professor Richard Begent, from the Royal Free and UCL Medical School, says:

"The generous support which my lab has received from major donors has helped make it possible to design potential new cancer treatments, which are now being delivered to patients in clinical trials.

"We have much more to do and support from trusts and individuals is very much appreciated."

Read more about clinical trials

Our award-winning website CancerHelp UK is an invaluable source of information for patients wishing to enter a clinical trial. It also offers a wealth of information about cancer and its treatment for patients and their families.

How you can help

Clinical trials are the only way to bring new treatments to patients. If you are interested in supporting these trials, please contact us.