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Research and new methods

Trials in the UK

In the United Kingdom, trials take place in NHS hospitals. They can be found through NIHR Be Part of Research and the Cancer Research UK trial search.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A map
Figure 1.A map — Trials in the UK

01Short answer

Many large leukaemia trials in Britain have run nationally across many centres and have shaped standard treatment. NHS patients usually join through their own haematologist. For visitors from abroad, joining may be limited: check registration, costs and follow-up in advance. Both websites explain things in plain language.

02Simple explanation

NHS hospitals.

NIHR search.

Cancer Research UK.

Check in advance.

03Scientific explanation

NHS: clinical trials are done to compare and improve treatments.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Searching

By disease and location.

St Thomas' Hospital on the bank of the Thames in London
Figure 2.An NHS hospital in London

Joining

Usually through a referral from your doctor.

A network
Figure 3.A network — Trials in the UK

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
SearchingBy disease and location.
JoiningUsually through a referral from your doctor.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

NIHR
National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Multicentre trial
A trial run in several hospitals.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign national join?

Sometimes; conditions depend on the trial.

Which website should I use?

The NIHR and Cancer Research UK searches.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can a foreign national join?

  2. Which website should I use?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NIHR. Be Part of Research
  2. NHS. Clinical trials
  3. Cancer Research UK. Find a clinical trial
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: microscope
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: eligibility criteria
  9. World Health Organization. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform
  10. National Cancer Institute. Patient Safety in Clinical Trials
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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