The Cancer Trials Ireland Podcast

Ireland lags behind European countries in cancer clinical trial availability despite significant financial savings and improved patient outcomes. Angela Clayton-Lea, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland, explains how just 18 of 117 open trials generated €14.8 million in direct drug savings and €36.7 million in inward investment whilst patients on trials receive cutting edge treatments and closer medical follow up. Former Minister Denis Naughten and Dr Rebecca Cramp, Director of Code and Regulatory Affairs at Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, join host Dr Ciara Kelly to discuss the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group's 20 recommendations, hospital KPI implementation, and cross-departmental investment needed to transform Ireland into an attractive destination for pharmaceutical industry research benefiting patients and clinicians nationwide.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTPatients better outcomes trials accessIreland lags European trial numbersDrug savings inward investment benefitsOversight Group recommendations KPI targetsMindset shift trial access rightGUEST DETAILSHost: Dr Ciara Kelly hosts this episode exploring the value of cancer trials for Ireland's healthcare system and patients.Guests: Angela Clayton-Lea is CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland leading organisation mission to increase clinical trial access nationwide. Denis Naughten is former Minister and TD with longstanding interest in health research and innovation policy. Dr Rebecca Cramp is Director of Code and Regulatory Affairs at Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association representing industry investment perspective. Together they bring comprehensive expertise spanning patient advocacy, political implementation, and pharmaceutical industry collaboration.QUOTESPatients do better on a cancer trial, gaining access to cutting-edge new drugs, more monitoring, and better outcomes overall due to higher institutional standards - Angela Clayton-Lea.The sector has benefited from Cancer Trials Ireland streamlining the application process, but the lack of electronic health care records makes it difficult to make an economic case for investment - Denis Naughten. Clinical trials result in a significant saving to hospitals and attract the best clinicians in the world to Ireland, provided there is the right investment - Dr. Rebecca Cramp. Ireland has only 117 trials open, far fewer than comparable nations like Denmark (385), despite having an excellent calibre of clinicians - Angela Clayton-Lea.MORE INFORMATIONCancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Discover more at cancertrials.ieKEYWORDSCancer trials, clinical trials, Ireland, patient outcomes, drug savings, inward investment, radiotherapy, government investment, pharma industry, research and development,

The cancer diagnosis is a sudden shock that throws your future into question, leaving you desperate for the best possible treatment options and clear answers on what comes next.Exploring cancer clinical trials offers a path beyond the standard of care, providing access to the newest scientific treatments and an intensive level of patient oversight. This episode shares the raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful experiences of three patients who made the decision to take part in cancer trials, detailing everything from the informed consent process to managing complex side effects and the significant commitment involved.Joining Head of Communications Ken Rogan are Anne Bodley, a breast cancer survivor who went on a preventative trial; Seamus Cotter, a stage four lung cancer patient whose trial offered a vital lifeline; and Jed van der Poel, who is currently in remission from high-risk multiple myeloma thanks to his trial treatment.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTReal-life cancer diagnosis and trial pathInformed consent and making the decisionExtra care and intensive patient monitoringManaging side effects and emergency carePaving the way for future treatmentsGUEST DETAILSAnne Bodley, Seamus Cotter, and Jed van der Poel are current and former participants in cancer clinical trials in Ireland. Anne Bodley's experience was with a preventative breast cancer trial, while Seamus Cotter, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, successfully completed an immunotherapy trial. Jed van der Poel is on a lifetime trial commitment for incurable multiple myeloma. All three share their unique journeys, highlighting the benefits of clinical trials and providing an invaluable patient perspective on the process, commitment, and outcomes.MORE INFORMATIONCancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Discover more at cancertrials.ieKEYWORDS#CancerTrials #ClinicalTrials #Immunotherapy #CancerResearch #PatientExperience

GDPR and its impact on clinical trials in Ireland is a critical issue. We explore why the timeline for initiating trials is extending, often leading organisations to seek opportunities in other countries.We hear how experiences shared by patient advocates, such as our guest Patrick Kilvahan, underscore the critical need for systemic changes to ensure that clinical trials are an integral part of patient care. Tragically, two other patients who were eligible for the trial did not survive the waiting period due to delays. This poignant account underscores the urgency of addressing the bureaucratic hurdles that can cost lives.We also speak with expert guests Paul Egan and Rose Kidd who argue a need for a ministerial order to streamline processes, emphasising that the public interest in clinical research should take precedence.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTOverview of Delays in Clinical Trials in IrelandThe Role of GDPR in Clinical Trial DelaysPatient Perspectives on Data Sharing in Clinical TrialsThe Need for Change in GDPR InterpretationChallenges in Bringing Trials to IrelandMetrics and Ireland's Standing in EuropeGUEST DETAILSPatrick Kilvahan is Chair of Cancer Trials patient consultants committee, who has also had his own experience with waiting times for clinical trials. Paul Egan is a Senior Counsel and member of the Board of Cancer Trials Ireland with particular experience around GDPR. Rose Kidd, is President of Global Operations Delivery - ICON, who works to drive clinical trials into Ireland and is all too familiar with the barriers to care. MORE INFORMATIONCancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials. Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well as through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public.Since 2017, Cancer Trials Ireland has rolled out an annual campaign (Just Ask) to promote public awareness and understanding of clinical trials and associated issues. Just Ask 2023 is support through unrestricted grants from AbbVie, Bayer, MSD, Novartis, & Pfizer.

Ireland is in a fortunate position to have a dedicated body managing cancer trials, however, we are always looking to improve our efficiency when it comes to start-up times.Today we’re speaking to two members of the Cancer Trials Ireland team who have been working tirelessly to rethink our procedures, how they work with tight regulatory requirements and, most importantly, how we can reach that top 10% in the EU for study start times.Our guests are both dedicated members of the Cancer Trials Ireland team. Angela Clayton-Lea joined the team in 2018 as Chief Operations Officer and Olivia McLoughlin has been with the team 18 years and is currently Head of Clinical Operations. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT●       Appointing an experienced COO and Start-up Team●       Implementing a ‘Lean’ approach to processes●       Improving Ireland’s current position in Europe for start-up times●       Upskilling staff to work within strict regulations more efficiently●       Hopes for the future of clinical trials and patient careGUEST DETAILSAngela Clayton-Lea joined Cancer Trials Ireland in October 2023 as Chief Operations Officer. https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/about-the-irish-cancer-society/who-we-are/our-leadershipMORE INFORMATIONCancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials.Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials.Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well as through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public.Since 2017, Cancer Trials Ireland has rolled out an annual campaign (Just Ask) to promote public awareness and understanding of clinical trials and associated issues. Just Ask 2023 is support through unrestricted grants from AbbVie, Bayer, MSD, Novartis, & Pfizer.KEYWORDS#cancertrials #clinicaltrials #regulatory #biometrics #statistics #oncology #radiotherapy

Cancer Trials Ireland is made up of a network of people who are really driven by one thing, and that's to bring new treatments and clinical trials to patientsToday we meet two important members of Cancer Trials Ireland who have travelled the world in their learning and research and are now applying that knowledge at home.We hear what triggered their interest in research and trials and what unique offerings Ireland has for fellow experts in the field.Our guests are Professor Gerry Hanna recently joined as Vice Clinical Lead in Cancer Trials Ireland and is Chair of Clinical Oncology at Trinity College. Professor Michaela Higgins is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin and a Clinical Professor at University College Dublin (UCD). THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT●       The impact of trials on enhancing clinical services●       Learning from mentors in various fields●       Benefits of travelling for learning and research●       Readjusting to life in Ireland with higher patient numbers and demands●       Ireland’s unique selling point for researchers and cliniciansGUEST DETAILSProfessor Michaela Higgins is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin and a Clinical Professor at University College Dublin (UCD). https://www.ucd.ie/cancertrials/about/whoweare/professormichaelahiggins/Professor Gerry Hanna is the Marie Curie Chair of Clinical Oncology at Trinity College Dublin and a Consultant in Radiation Oncology at the St Lukes Radiation Oncology Network and at the Trinity St James Cancer Institute. Gerry also holds honorary appointments at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, the University of Melbourne and Queen’s University Belfast.https://www.stjames.ie/consultants/hannagerry/MORE INFORMATIONCancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials.Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials.Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well as through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public.Since 2017, Cancer Trials Ireland has rolled out an annual campaign (Just Ask) to promote public awareness and understanding of clinical trials and associated issues. Just Ask 2023 is support through unrestricted grants from AbbVie, Bayer, MSD, Novartis, & Pfizer.KEYWORDS#cancertrials #clinicaltrials #cancerresearch #oncology #patient #fellowship #leadership

As the Irish general election approaches, a community of patients, advocates, researchers and experts are campaigning for better care for cancer patients. From patient support to finances and wellbeing, Irish patients deserve the same availability of care as any other country in Europe, including access to life-changing clinical trials. We also hear the positive stories of those who’ve been able to access trials and about incredible patient-led initiatives that are improving quality of life for those facing this illness.Our guest, Averil Power, has been a voice for those affected by cancer previously as a politician and now as CEO of the Irish Cancer Society. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT●       Challenges and Priorities for the Upcoming General Election●       Importance of Cancer Trials and Advocacy Efforts●       Patient-Led Research and Personal Stories●       Overcoming issues within the health system such as time and GDPR●       Renewed focus and determination to drive improvements in cancer care and supportGUEST DETAILSAveril Power has been Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society since January 2018. She has over fifteen years’ leadership, policymaking and campaigns experience, having served as CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, an elected member of Seanad Éireann and a policy adviser in several Government departments.Averil holds a Degree in Business, including non-profit management, from Trinity College Dublin and was President of Trinity Students’ Union from 2001 to 2002. She also has a Diploma in Law from the Kings Inns.https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/about-the-irish-cancer-society/who-we-are/our-leadership MORE INFORMATIONCancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials.Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials.Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well as through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public.Since 2017, Cancer Trials Ireland has rolled out an annual campaign (Just Ask) to promote public awareness and understanding of clinical trials and associated issues. Just Ask 2023 is support through unrestricted grants from AbbVie, Bayer, MSD, Novartis, & Pfizer.KEYWORDS#cancertrials #IrishCancerSociety #clinicaltrials #patientadvocacy #funding #cancerresearch

Although the NCI-MATCH precision medicine cancer trial has now wrapped up, we are still learning a lot from this enormous initiative.Today we hear from co-chair of NCI-MATCH about the results, what it has taught us about genomics and what it means for the future of cancer treatment.Our guest is Peter J. O’Dwyer, MD, a GI medical oncologist, Group Co-Chair of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, and professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Within ECOG-ACRIN, he co-chairs the landmark NCI-MATCH precision medicine cancer trial, and is the CEO and Chair of PrECOG. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT●       An introduction to Peter O’Dwyer●       How clinical trials have changed over time●       The evolving area of genomic tests●       Why Next Generation Sequencing should be considered●       A Summary of the NCI-MATCH Trial●       How to improve activity●       Corporate approved settings could be optimal setting for studies●       Advice for clinicians on Next Generation Sequencing●       Improvements in treatment for pancreatic cancerGUEST DETAILSPeter J. O’Dwyer, MD, is a GI medical oncologist, Group Co-Chair of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, and professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Within ECOG-ACRIN, he co-chairs the landmark NCI-MATCH precision medicine cancer trial. He is also the CEO of PrECOG, which develops and leads cancer clinical trials in partnership with industry.Dr. O’Dwyer received his medical degree at the University of Dublin, Trinity College. Dr. O’Dwyer has published over 350 scientific papers, and participates in numerous national and international organisations.https://ecog-acrin.org/about-us/governance/peter-odwyer/MORE INFORMATIONCancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials.Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials.Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well as through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public.Since 2017, Cancer Trials Ireland has rolled out an annual campaign (Just Ask) to promote public awareness and understanding of clinical trials and associated issues. Just Ask 2023 is support through unrestricted grants from AbbVie, Bayer, MSD, Novartis, & Pfizer.KEYWORDS#clinicaltrials, #cancerireland #tumors #genomic #immunotherapy #pancreatic cancer

Cancer research is one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers we know of. To give you the inside track on what it is like to work at Cancer Trials Ireland, CEO Eibhlín Mulroe shares her own story about how she got involved and the big changes she has seen in the last ten years or so.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTWhere the teams passion comes fromWhy the organisation values talent so muchThe pervasive feeling of ‘fighting the good fight’What CTI offers as an employerThe challenges faced by Cancer Trials IrelandGUEST DETAILSEibhlín has a successful history in the not-for-profit health sector working with cancer trials, patient advocacy and the pharmaceuticals industry. She joined Cancer Trials Ireland in 2015 and overseen huge change and growth in her time as CEO. Her outside interests include Canoeing Ireland, member of Boardmatch and Member of the Board of Mindful Nation Ireland.MORE INFORMATIONCancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials. Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well as through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public.Since 2017, Cancer Trials Ireland has rolled out an annual campaign (Just Ask) to promote public awareness and understanding of clinical trials and associated issues. Just Ask 2023 is support through an unrestricted grants from AbbVie, Bayer, MSD, Novartis, & Pfizer.KEYWORDS#clinicaltrials, #cancerireland

Our guests today include Dr Dearbhaile Collins, Tanya Knott and Claire Bermingham. DearbhaileColllins is a medical oncologist, and also the Clinical Lead for the Cancer Trials Ireland MolecularTumour Board.Tanya Knott represents patients on the Molecular Tumour Board steering committee. She’s also aDirector of the SJK Foundation, which was founded in honour of Tanya’s sister Sarah Jennifer Knott,who died of CUP, Cancer of Unknown Primary, aged 31.Our last guest is Claire Bermingham, who co-ordinates the Molecular Tumour Board in Cancer TrialsIreland.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTHow the MTB works and success with patientsNext Generation SequencingThe cost of going privateSarah Jennifer Knotts story and the work of the foundationHow doctors can have MTB review casesMORE INFORMATIONhttps://sjkfoundation.org/about-us/https://www.cancertrials.ie/molecular-tumor-board/