Transformative NHS cancer studies to recruit thousands in bid to advance treatment options

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The NHS is set to embark on a monumental task for cancer treatment, promising to transform lives with a new initiative that targets three major projects and five types of cancers.

As part of these trials, 150,000 volunteers are being sought to revolutionise the approach to treating the disease. The NHS reports that three cancer projects have been chosen as part of the NHS DigiTrials initiative, which aims to enlist tens of thousands of volunteers over the next two years to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

They hope that the research trials could radically alter cancer treatment as we know it. The largest trial being supported, BEST4 Heartburn Health, requires 120,000 volunteers to test a new screening technique for oesophageal cancer, involving swallowing a compressed sponge on a string to extract cells from the food pipe.

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An additional 20,000 volunteers are needed for MyMelanoma, which will conduct the most extensive study of melanoma ever performed, to improve understanding of melanoma skin cancer and its treatment. Lastly, the PROTECT-C trial, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, will also recruit 5,000 women to participate in saliva-based genetic tests to check their genetic risk of developing ovarian, breast, endometrial and colorectal cancer, reports Surrey Live.

Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, expressed his enthusiasm for the new research initiatives, stating: "We're pleased to be able to announce our support for these new research studies, 3 of which will help detect and treat cancer earlier and another which will improve the care of young children needing complex surgery – studies which could ultimately save lives."

He highlighted the challenges of recruiting patients for clinical trials, especially those facing significant inequalities, and explained how the NHS's DigiTrials service can expedite the process: "Clinical trials and other studies can often struggle to find and recruit eligible patients – particularly those facing the greatest inequalities – so the NHS's DigiTrials service is able to invite people who are suitable for these research studies faster, fairly and at scale."

Diwakar encouraged participation among those contacted: "The DigiTrials team will now start contacting people who may be eligible for the studies to see if they would like to take part, so I'd encourage anyone who receives a text message or letter from the NHS to consider signing up so that this ground-breaking research helps people like you and your communities."

He also spoke about the potential long-term benefits of the trials: "The trials will see the NHS working with leading academics across the country on research which could transform cancer treatment and benefit patients for decades to come."

The NHS DigiTrials recruitment service plays a crucial role in identifying and reaching out to potential participants. Additionally, the Children's Surgery Outcome Reporting project is another study being supported, focusing on postnatal care for children requiring complex surgeries.

A new study focused on children's experiences during surgery is seeking approximately 4,000 volunteers. Baroness Merron, Health Minister in charge of research and life sciences commented: "Revolutionising cancer treatment and screening for everyone could be a lifesaver, giving people the precious time needed to catch cancer quicker, so I'd encourage everyone contacted by NHS DigiTrials to consider taking part in one of these critical studies."

She continued, "As part of our 10 Year Health Plan to radically reform our broken NHS, this government is committed to fighting cancer on all fronts, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment and research".

Starting this month, eligible individuals will begin receiving invitations via letters and texts from the NHS to participate in these vital research initiatives.

Additionally, nhs.uk offers information on participating in clinical trials.