The Cancer Trials Ireland Podcast

Clinical trial activity is not yet fully integrated into the Irish healthcare system as a standard of care, leading to slower patient access to innovative treatments and missed opportunities for system-wide improvement.

This episode explores the critical need for a research-active health system, the power of incorporating mandatory performance metrics, and the significant financial and clinical value that trials bring to the country. The discussion delves into the work of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group and Cancer Trials Ireland's ambitious strategy to double the number of open trials.

Joining Dr. Ciara Kelly is Professor Donal Brennan, a Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at UCD and formerly the Chair of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group, and Angela Clayton-Lea, the CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Professor Donal Brennan's career path.
Trials should be part of standard care.
The National Clinical Trials Oversight Group.
The importance of mandatory metrics/KPIs.
Future outlook for clinical trials in Ireland.

MORE INFORMATION

https://www.cancertrials.ie

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The challenge of low clinical trial availability for gynaecological cancers in countries with small populations requires a unified, international approach to research. Gynae cancer patients often have limited treatment options, highlighting a massive unmet need that single institutions or smaller nations cannot solve alone.

This episode dives into the crucial work of the European Network for Gynaecological Oncological Trial Groups (ENGOT) and its collaboration with Cancer Trials Ireland. The discussion covers how this powerful collective fosters new, innovative trial options for women across Ireland and Europe, addresses recruitment challenges, and maintains an academic vision to drive patient-focused research.

Host Lucy Murphy is joined by two extraordinary leaders: Professor Isabelle Ray-Coquard, Medical Oncologist and the current Chair of ENGOT, and Professor Karen Cadoo, Gynaecology Medical Oncologist, Researcher, and one of the chairs of the Gynae DSSG at Cancer Trials Ireland. They bring deep expertise in clinical trials, oncology research, and international cooperative group collaboration

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

ENGOT's history, mission, and structure.
Collaboration key to rare cancer trials.
Academic vision versus pharma priorities.
Challenges of drug reimbursement in Ireland.
Future focus: personalized gynae medicine.

GUEST DETAILS

Professor Isabelle Ray-Coquard is a Medical Oncologist and the current Chair of the European Network for Gynaecological Oncological Trial Groups (ENGOT). She is a key opinion leader in the gynae cancer space, driven by the belief that international collaboration is the only way to bring innovative therapy to patients with gynaecological cancers. She champions the importance of maintaining an academic vision in clinical trial design and ensuring database sharing for further clinician-based research.

Professor Karen Cadoo is a Gynaecology Medical Oncologist, Researcher, and one of the chairs of the Gynae Disease Specific Subgroup (DSSG) at Cancer Trials Ireland. Having worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, she has extensive experience in women's health and inherited cancer genetics. She advocates for Irish patients' access to international trials, recognizing the value of the collaborative group structure for rare cancers and securing access to cutting-edge therapies that may not be locally reimbursed.5. Best Quotes with Timestamps

QUOTES

The success of ENGOT comes from two important points. One is solidarity and friendship. - Prof. Isabelle Ray-Coquard
The second point is the transparency. Everything is revealed to everybody. There is no discussion outside of behind people, and it's also because we have this transparency that we trust in each other - Prof. Isabelle Ray-Coquard
The opportunity to collaborate with international groups is so valuable to us." - Prof. Karen Cadoo

MORE INFORMATION

Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Discover more at cancertrials.ie

KEYWORDS
#GynaeOncology #ClinicalTrialsIreland #ENGOT #CancerResearch #PersonalisedMedicine
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Ireland lags behind European countries in cancer clinical trial availability despite significant financial savings and improved patient outcomes.

Angela Clayton-Lea, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland, explains how just 18 of 117 open trials generated €14.8 million in direct drug savings and €36.7 million in inward investment whilst patients on trials receive cutting edge treatments and closer medical follow up.

Former Minister Denis Naughten and Dr Rebecca Cramp, Director of Code and Regulatory Affairs at Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, join host Dr Ciara Kelly to discuss the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group's 20 recommendations, hospital KPI implementation, and cross-departmental investment needed to transform Ireland into an attractive destination for pharmaceutical industry research benefiting patients and clinicians nationwide.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Patients better outcomes trials access
Ireland lags European trial numbers
Drug savings inward investment benefits
Oversight Group recommendations KPI targets
Mindset shift trial access right

GUEST DETAILS

Host: Dr Ciara Kelly hosts this episode exploring the value of cancer trials for Ireland's healthcare system and patients.

Guests: Angela Clayton-Lea is CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland leading organisation mission to increase clinical trial access nationwide. Denis Naughten is former Minister and TD with longstanding interest in health research and innovation policy. Dr Rebecca Cramp is Director of Code and Regulatory Affairs at Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association representing industry investment perspective. Together they bring comprehensive expertise spanning patient advocacy, political implementation, and pharmaceutical industry collaboration.

QUOTES

Patients do better on a cancer trial, gaining access to cutting-edge new drugs, more monitoring, and better outcomes overall due to higher institutional standards - Angela Clayton-Lea.

The sector has benefited from Cancer Trials Ireland streamlining the application process, but the lack of electronic health care records makes it difficult to make an economic case for investment - Denis Naughten.

Clinical trials result in a significant saving to hospitals and attract the best clinicians in the world to Ireland, provided there is the right investment - Dr. Rebecca Cramp.

Ireland has only 117 trials open, far fewer than comparable nations like Denmark (385), despite having an excellent calibre of clinicians - Angela Clayton-Lea.

MORE INFORMATION

Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Discover more at cancertrials.ie

KEYWORDS

Cancer trials, clinical trials, Ireland, patient outcomes, drug savings, inward investment, radiotherapy, government investment, pharma industry, research and development,

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The cancer diagnosis is a sudden shock that throws your future into question, leaving you desperate for the best possible treatment options and clear answers on what comes next.

Exploring cancer clinical trials offers a path beyond the standard of care, providing access to the newest scientific treatments and an intensive level of patient oversight. This episode shares the raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful experiences of three patients who made the decision to take part in cancer trials, detailing everything from the informed consent process to managing complex side effects and the significant commitment involved.

Joining Head of Communications Ken Rogan are Anne Bodley, a breast cancer survivor who went on a preventative trial; Seamus Cotter, a stage four lung cancer patient whose trial offered a vital lifeline; and Jed van der Poel, who is currently in remission from high-risk multiple myeloma thanks to his trial treatment.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Real-life cancer diagnosis and trial path
Informed consent and making the decision
Extra care and intensive patient monitoring
Managing side effects and emergency care
Paving the way for future treatments

GUEST DETAILS

Anne Bodley, Seamus Cotter, and Jed van der Poel are current and former participants in cancer clinical trials in Ireland. Anne Bodley's experience was with a preventative breast cancer trial, while Seamus Cotter, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, successfully completed an immunotherapy trial. Jed van der Poel is on a lifetime trial commitment for incurable multiple myeloma. All three share their unique journeys, highlighting the benefits of clinical trials and providing an invaluable patient perspective on the process, commitment, and outcomes.

MORE INFORMATION

Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Discover more at cancertrials.ie

KEYWORDS
#CancerTrials #ClinicalTrials #Immunotherapy #CancerResearch #PatientExperience
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GDPR and its impact on clinical trials in Ireland is a critical issue. We explore why the timeline for initiating trials is extending, often leading organisations to seek opportunities in other countries.

We hear how experiences shared by patient advocates, such as our guest Patrick Kilvahan, underscore the critical need for systemic changes to ensure that clinical trials are an integral part of patient care. Tragically, two other patients who were eligible for the trial did not survive the waiting period due to delays. This poignant account underscores the urgency of addressing the bureaucratic hurdles that can cost lives.

We also speak with expert guests Paul Egan and Rose Kidd who argue a need for a ministerial order to streamline processes, emphasising that the public interest in clinical research should take precedence.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Overview of Delays in Clinical Trials in Ireland
The Role of GDPR in Clinical Trial Delays
Patient Perspectives on Data Sharing in Clinical Trials
The Need for Change in GDPR Interpretation
Challenges in Bringing Trials to Ireland
Metrics and Ireland's Standing in Europe

GUEST DETAILS

Patrick Kilvahan is Chair of Cancer Trials patient consultants committee, who has also had his own experience with waiting times for clinical trials.

Paul Egan is a Senior Counsel and member of the Board of Cancer Trials Ireland with particular experience around GDPR.

Rose Kidd, is President of Global Operations Delivery - ICON, who works to drive clinical trials into Ireland and is all too familiar with the barriers to care.

MORE INFORMATION

Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials.

Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials.

Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well as through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public.

Since 2017, Cancer Trials Ireland has rolled out an annual campaign (Just Ask) to promote public awareness and understanding of clinical trials and associated issues. Just Ask 2023 is support through unrestricted grants from AbbVie, Bayer, MSD, Novartis, & Pfizer.
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