Faster access to new lung cancer trial at Barts Health
Patients at Barts Health NHS Trust are getting access to new lung cancer research faster than ever before, thanks to a rapid study set‑up that broke national targets.
With support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Life Sciences Industry Hub, Barts Health set up and recruited the first patient in Europe to a global lung cancer trial in just 110 days, well ahead of the government’s goal of 150 days.
The study is testing the safety and efficacy of a new tablet taken by mouth for people with advanced lung cancer. Researchers want to find out whether the drug can slow the disease and help people live longer. If the trial is successful, it could also delay the need for chemotherapy.
Barts Health was one of the first hospitals anywhere in the world to open the study and enrolled the first patient in Europe, ahead of 13 other European countries. This shows how Barts Health is helping patients benefit earlier from cutting‑edge research.
Dr Adam Januszewski, chief investigator for the study in the UK and principal investigator at Barts Health NHS Trust, said: "It has been a great team effort to get this over the line - starting with early engagement with industry via the NIHR Industry Hub."
The Barts Health research team worked closely with the NIHR and the study sponsor to remove delays, simplify processes and keep everything on track. Barts patients also helped by reviewing study documents, improving quality and speeding up approvals.
Leanne Toms, clinical research engagement Lead, on behalf of the sponsor trial team, said: "Working with Barts Health NHS Trust has been a perfect example of what’s possible when everyone is working to the same ambitious goals."
This success means patients at Barts Health can access promising new treatments sooner, while helping improve care for people with lung cancer in the future.
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