Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials are research studies into new types of medical care or combinations of medical care. Trials can be diverse. For instance, they may explore the biological, psychological or financial effects of a new treatment or they may focus on the prevention or diagnosis of an illness.

The development of clinical trials in cancer care is extremely important as a means of exploring and deciding on the most effective and efficient means of treating cancer. This is particularly important in light of the multitude of new drugs and treatments which are continuously in development.

Clinical trials represent the gold standard for treating children's cancer. Wherever possible, children and teenagers from the South West are offered entry into relevant clinical trials.

Clinical trials testing new treatments are divided into different stages, called phases. The earliest phase trials may look at whether a drug is safe or the side effects it causes. Later phase trials aim to test whether a new treatment is better than existing treatments.

There are 3 main phases of clinical trials – phases 1 to 3. Phase 1 trials are the earliest phase trials and phase 3 are later phase trials. More information on clinical trial phases from Cancer Research UK.

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children is a recognized phase 3 trial centre and has open trials in a wide range of childhood malignancies, pharmacokinetic and supportive care studies. It is one of a small number of centres nationwide accredited for paediatric early-phase clinical trials through the ITCC (Innovative Therapies in Children's Cancer consortium). Bristol Royal Hospital for Children is also a member of the Paediatric ECMC network.  All consultants are members of the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) and SIOP Europe.

Helpful Links

Taking part in clinical trials (CCLG) 

Clinical Trial Information (Cancer Research UK)

Is a clinical trial right for my child? (Young Lives vs Cancer)

What are clinical trials? (Teenage Cancer Trust)

Taking part in research - a guide for teenagers and young adults (CCLG)

Teenage & Young Adult Research - clinical trials, genomics and biobanking (TYAR.org)