Clinical trial organisations
There are many organisations involved in research.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
The Centre for Drug Development (CDD) also develops and assesses new treatments for patients with cancer.
Cancer Research UK is committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. This includes lots of easy to understand information about cancer. There is also a database of clinical trials.
As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send us a question online.
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre (ECMC) Network
The ECMC network brings together cancer doctors, research nurses and scientists to help make clinical trials of new treatments quicker, easier and safer. The ECMC network is made up of 17 adult centres and 12 paediatric locations across the UK. They are all involved with clinical trials of experimental treatments and tests.
The ECMC initiative was set up in 2007 and is funded by Cancer Research UK, the Little Princess Trust and the Departments of Health of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The funding helps these centres run early phase clinical trials (phase 1 and 2). These trials test new and experimental cancer treatments, including personalised therapies. Researchers also analyse thousands of blood and tissue samples (biopsies) in laboratories to help find out more about how treatments work and what happens to cancer cells.
Medical Research Council (MRC)
The Medical Research Council is a national organisation funded by the UK Government. They work closely with the NHS and UK health departments. They fund research in all areas of healthcare, including cancer. Their research ranges from laboratory work to clinical trials with patients.
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is mainly funded by the Government through the Department of Health and Social Care.
They provide the staff, facilities and technology to help the research process. They work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public. Their aim is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.
Be Part of Research is run by the NIHR. The website has information about clinical trials and other research running in the UK.
Email: enquiries@nihr.ac.uk
NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme
The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme is mostly funded by the NIHR. It is a national research programme that looks at tests and treatments to see how well they work and if they are cost effective. The HTA support research and clinical trials in all areas of healthcare. This includes cancer prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Email: htafunding@nihr.ac.uk
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)
The EORTC was founded in 1962 to improve the standard of cancer treatment in Europe. They fund research into cancer, including the development of new drugs. They also fund and co-ordinate a large number of clinical trials across Europe.
The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)
The EBMT aim to bring together healthcare professionals that treat patients with stem cell transplants, to share experiences and work together. They fund clinical research and promote education, quality control and standardisation of transplants.
International Cancer Research Partnership (ICRP)
The International Cancer Research Partnership (ICRP) is a network of cancer research funding organisations who work together to improve global collaboration. They have a database of information about worldwide cancer research. It was set up in 2000 to help researchers find information about current cancer research projects. Members of the public can also look at the information on the ICRP website, but it tends to be written for medical professionals.
International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN)
The ISRCTN is a database of trials that are running worldwide. It was set up in 2000 and gives each trial a unique identifying number. It includes trials for cancer as well as other diseases. The aim is to ensure that trials and the results of trials are easy and available to access.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is an American organisation that carries out cancer research. They fund laboratory research and clinical trials for cancer patients in the US and around the world. They provide information about cancer and its treatments in English and Spanish.
We have listed some organisations below that are involved in research for specific types of cancer.
Bowel (colorectal) cancer
Guts UK
Guts UK is a charity that supports research into a large range of digestive disorders, including cancer. They also produce information for patients.
Email: info@gutscharity.org.uk
Phone: 020 7486 0341
The Bobby Moore Fund
The Bobby Moore Fund raises money for research into bowel cancer. They aim to raise awareness of symptoms so that people are diagnosed earlier.
Email: bobbymoorefund@cancer.org.uk
Phone: 0300 1231022
Brain Tumours
The Brain Tumour Charity
The Brain Tumour Charity funds research into brain tumours and offers support and information to those affected. It also raises awareness and influences policy.
Helpline: 0808 800 0004
Breast cancer
Breast Cancer Now
A UK wide organisation that funds research into breast cancer and campaigns for better treatments and services. They have their own research centre within the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton, Surrey. They also offer support and information for people affected by breast cancer.
mail: hello@breastcancernow.org
Phone:0333 20 70 300
Blood cancer
Blood Cancer UK
Blood Cancer UK raises money for research into the causes and treatment of leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma. They also provide information and support and produce information booklets
Blood Cancer UK have a trials support service. You can contact one of their nurse advisors to find out about trials that are running in the UK. The nurses are experienced in blood cancers and clinical trials. They can talk through the available trials with you and see if there are any suitable trials for you to join.
To arrange a referral for this service, visit the Blood Cancer UK trial referral page
Email: support@bloodcancer.org.uk
Phone: 0808 2080 888
Myeloma UK
Myeloma UK fund research looking at patient care and treatments for myeloma They provide information and support for patients and their families. They also produce booklets and have details of myeloma support groups in the UK.
Tel: 0800 980 3332
Email: myelomauk@myeloma.org.uk
UK Myeloma Society
The UK Myeloma Society develops and promotes clinical trials for myeloma. They also develop guidelines for treatment and education resources and healthcare professionals.
Lung cancer
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
This organisation, founded in Roy Castle's memory, funds research into lung cancer and provides support for those affected. Their two main areas of research are early detection of lung cancer and improving the patient experience
Email: foundation@roycastle.org
Phone: 0333 323 7200
Melanoma skin cancer
Melanoma Focus
Melanoma Focus fund research into melanoma. They also provide support and information for patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
Helpline: 0808 801 0777
Prostate cancer
Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate Cancer UK fund research focussing on prevention, diagnosis and treatments. They provide information and support for patients with prostate cancer. They have a helpline and information about support groups, and produce leaflets for patients.
Helpline: 0800 074 8383
Related information
Next review due: 15 July 2028
Last reviewed
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