WIREDGOV

The benefits of clinical trials that help develop new and improved ways of treating patients across the world is being celebrated in Wales. 

Every year International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated around the world on 20th May. Clinical trials involve medical research studies that people voluntarily take part in, helping to provide evidence on new ways of treating patients or developing drugs.

The trials attempt to improve care for people with conditions such as cancer, mental health, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. They take place in settings across Wales, from GP surgeries, hospitals, care homes and dentists.

20th May marks the anniversary of what is regarded as the first clinical trial, carried out by naval surgeon James Lind, who set out to find the best treatment for the disease scurvy in 1747. He divided 12 sailors into pairs, with each of the groups receiving a different dietary supplement. His trial showed that adding oranges and lemons to their diet led to an improvement in the condition.

Since that trial, research has played a significant role in developing and delivering the best care possible for patients all over the world. Across NHS Wales, patients are given the opportunity to take part in high quality clinical trials as a routine part of their care.

John Moreton, 75, from Barry, was diagnosed with prostate cancer ten years ago. Hormone therapy controlled the disease for several years but two years ago his body stopped responding to the treatment and his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels started to go up. PSA levels are used to monitor men with prostate cancer to see if their cancer has returned or is responding to therapy.  

He was asked if he would like to take part in a trial looking at a new drug for men whose prostate cancer is not responding to treatment.

John said:

“My consultant offered me the opportunity to go on a clinical trial looking at this new drug. I said yes because I felt it was better for me than the other option of chemotherapy.

“I take tablets morning and night and I do have to go for regular checks including blood tests and scans. There is support all the way through. I had to see the consultant every month but now it’s every three months and my PSA level has gone down.

“I can do jobs around the house, I do the garden, and I feel great. If it wasn’t for research I wouldn’t be where I am now. Research helped me and it might help someone else.”

Patients may be approached about taking part in a clinical trial by their healthcare team but they are also encouraged to speak to their doctor, nurse or consultant to find out more about the trials that may be available to them.

Chief Medial Officer for Wales Dr Ruth Hussey said:

“At the heart of all clinical trials is a drive to create and develop new, better ways of treating patients. They are about striving to improve care for people with conditions such as cancer, mental health, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. They take place across the NHS in Wales.

“There are many different ways that people can take part in this research, from allowing researchers to look at their medical notes to giving a blood sample, filling in a questionnaire to receiving a new treatment. Volunteering to take part in such trials can result in new treatments that could make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Links

Health Services