NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: VORTEX - BIOBANK
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The VORTEX trial is the first trial coordinated by the CR UK Clinical Trials Unit in this type of cancer. It is a phase III randomised trial of volume of post-operative radiotherapy given to adult patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma. The objective of this trial is to assess if a reduced volume of post-operative radiotherapy increases limb function in these patients without compromising local control. The trial is open to recruitment and aims to complete recruitment of 400 patients within 4 years. VORTEX-BIOBANK is the translational research sub-study associated to the main study. The primary objective is to develop a pre-treatment tumour molecular profile to identify patients who may benefit from early adjuvant systemic therapy e.g. a hypoxia modifying agent. Tumour and normal fresh tissue, paraffin tissue blocks and blood samples will be collected prospectively.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: CRUK/07/032: BR13: Primary chemotherapy with temozolomide vs radiotherapy in patients with low-grade gliomas after stratification for genetic 1p loss: a phase III study (EORTC 22033-26033)
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: This is a prospective, randomised phase III study with an initial registration step. Patients diagnosed with a low grade glioma and who have had a biopsy are eligible for study. Patients with low grade gliomas may have their treatment delivered immediately or delayed until necessary. Traditionally treatment at this point is with surgery and radiotherapy. This is toxic and does not lead to cure. It is known that chemotherapy can also produce responses in this group of patients and may be less toxic. However, the role of chemotherapy is not defined. This study seeks to explore the role of chemotherapy in this disease compared to radiation therapy in terms of survival, toxicity and quality of life. http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search/StudyDetail.aspx?StudyID=1764


Research activity codes: 6.5 RADIOTHERAPY AND OTHER NON-INVASIVE THERAPIES;6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: A phase III, randomised, controlled study comparing sorafenib with placebo in patients with resected primary renal cell cancer carcinoma at high or intermediate risk of relapse
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: (1) By analysing prognostic factors in a large group of patients following resection of a renal cell carcinoma, subgroups with a low (3%), intermediate (26%) and high (69%) risk of relapse within 5 years were identified. No treatment has been shown to reduce this risk. Sorafenib is a new kinase inhibitor that caused shrinkage of tumour in over 72% of patients with advanced clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in a Phase III study. (2) In the UK approximately 6200 people develop RCC annually. One third having advanced disease at presentation and another third developing metastases following resection. 50% of patients with advanced RCC die of their disease within 9 months. An adjuvant therapy that improved long-term survival would represent a major therapeutic advance. (3) SORCE aims to discover whether the adjuvant use of sorafenib following resection of an intermediate or high risk primary RCC reduces the risk of developing metastases and death and if so for how long treatment should continue. It will also consider the cost-effectiveness of sorafenib. An associated translational research programme will build a bank of tissues for analysis of molecular markers, aiming to identify patients likely to benefit from sorafenib therapy. (4) Following surgery, patients will be allocated (2:3:3) to (A) placebo 400mg po bd for 3 years, (B) sorafenib 400mg po bd for 1 year followed by placebo 400mg po bd for 2 years, or (C) sorafenib 400mg po bd for 3 years. Patients who develop relapsed disease whilst taking placebo can be offered sorafenib. Last updated 18/02/2008


Research activity codes: 6.2 CELLULAR AND GENE THERAPIES;8.2 HEALTH AND WELFARE ECONOMICS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: ICON6: an international, randomised trial of molecular-targeted therapy with AZD2171 with platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer relapsing more than 6 months following completion of first-line platinum-based treatment
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: This trial is comparing standard treatment and a new treatment blocking blood vessel growth, with standard treatment alone for ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer that has come back (recurred). The new treatment is called cediranib, Recentin or AZD2171.


Research activity codes: 6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Cambridge graduate programme in Medicinal Chemistry
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: (1) Structure and content of scheme Year 1 will comprise: i) Formal lecture courses 6 h/week for 16 weeks, covering organic and bioorganic chemistry, pharmacology, and cancer biology. ii) Hot topics 3 h/week for 24 weeks, research level lectures and tutorials covering cancer biology, medicinal chemistry, and biomolecular structure and function. iii) Research rotations 3 rotations of 8-12 weeks in: cancer biology, organic chemistry and pharmacology. At the end of year 1, students will choose a laboratory (-ies) and projects to undertake their main PhD and present a research proposal to be defended in a formal viva examination. In second and subsequent years, students will be supervised by the host Departmnent(s), and will present research progress at an annual symposium. (2) Relevance The programme comprises an in-depth coverage of cancer biology, synthetic and medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology. It will ensure each completing graduate student has the understanding and experience necessary for future cancer research. (3) Selection criteria The programme will be advertised by journals, websites and posters. Shortlisted applicants (10-15) will be interviewed and ranked by a cross-department panel. Offers will be sent out to the top four candidates in each year of the scheme.


Research activity codes: 5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Transatlantic training in cancer medicinal chemistry and drug discovery
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The Department of Chemistry at Imperial College (IC) is spearheading a multidisciplinary programme for the training of 12 PhD students in medicinal chemistry with focus on the design and discovery of novel compounds for the detection and treatment of cancers. Each student will take lecture courses and problem classes in synthesis, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology and cancer biology. The trainees will attend advanced lecture courses given annually by the Cancer Research UK Visiting Prof. of Medicinal Chemistry, who will be an internationally renowned scientist. Training will be enhanced with courses on medicinal chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Emory University, Atlanta, USA (Emory) and AstraZeneca, UK and in computer assisted drug design (Emory). In addition to course work, each student will undertake original research co-mentored by a synthetic chemist at IC and a cancer biologist or clinician at IC or the University of Sheffield. The trainees, on graduation, are expected to establish independent research careers in the cancer area in the UK. The selection criteria for potential trainees are a first class undergraduate degree from a premier institute, undergraduate research experience, ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment and dedication to a career in cancer research.


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Graduate training programme in Medicinal Chemistry
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: (1) Summary of structure Year one is a structured taught year focusing on medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and cancer biology. Lecture courses are supplemented with informal expert-led tutorials in cancer biology to encourage students to identify realistic and promising new cancer targets, and two 10-week projects will give them the opportunity to apply their medicinal chemistry skills against selected target molecules. Following successful completion of year 1 students will be awarded an M.Sc. and move on to 36 months focussed research for D. Phil., jointly supervised by a medicinal chemist and cancer biologist or clinician. (2) Relevance to cancer research Oxford combines excellent medicinal and organic chemistry with state of art cancer biology, providing a rich environment for new drug development. This programme will promote development of the cancer/medicial chemistry interface leading to a generation of new therapeutic drugs targeted to rational cancer targets. In addition the students will emerge as specialist Cancer Medicinal Chemists, potential research leaders able to identify promising new cancer targets and lead interdisciplinary research to exploit them. (3) Qualifying criteria We aim to enrol students with excellent, normally first class, degrees in relevant subjects and strong interest in both medicinal chemistry and cancer research, aiming to produce interdisciplinary research leaders of the future.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: EaStCHEM Centre for Cancer Medicinal Chemistry (ECMC)
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The ECMC’s PhD programme includes: 1. taught courses in all aspects of cancer biology, synthetic and medicinal chemistry (6 months) 2. two three month research projects (6 months); MSc awarded Year 1. 3. a three year research project (36 months); PhD award Year 4. Year 1 will be taught through the Edinburgh Colleges of Medicine and Cell Biology and EaStCHEM. Years 2-4 will involve PhD research projects co-supervised by a medicinal chemist and a cancer biologist. The EaStCHEM Cancer Medicinal Chemistry research training scheme will integrate synthetic and medicinal chemistry with a detailed understanding of cancer biology.. Training will be based on internationally-leading established interdisciplinary research centres, including the interface between chemistry and cutting-edge proteomics and genomics. ECMC will recruit students with the following strengths: 1. A strong record of achievement in chemistry or biochemistry or a related subject, especially in synthetic chemistry (normally the equivalent of a first or upper second class honours degree) 2. The ability to integrate information from disparate sources 3. A desire to drive future advances in cancer drug discovery Our track record of recruiting and training such individuals is outstanding and current recruitment levels at EaStCHEM indicate that this one of our key strengths.


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Northern Institute for Cancer Research: Medicinal Chemistry graduate training programme
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The training programme will be designed to provide a broad understanding of anticancer medicinal chemistry, through the combination of an integrated taught component and a PhD research project. Students will conduct a thorough initial literature review of the assigned research project, and the taught component in the first year will comprise assessed modules on subjects relevant to cancer research. Full time laboratory-based research will commence in semester 2, with the students continuing to participate in postgraduate training courses, research seminars and a number of one-day medicinal chemistry workshops. The students will also undertake a sandwich placement in a separate research institution, during the third year of their PhD. The overall goal is to produce doctoral-level medicinal chemists with specific expertise in antitumour drug synthesis, a comprehensive understanding of cancer and its treatment, and an ambition to pursue a career in anticancer medicinal chemistry. The successful outcome of the programme will be the provision of chemists equipped to play a key future role in the discovery and development of new anticancer drugs. Students with an appropriate upper second class degree or equivalent will be selected by formal interview and from references, after appraisal of research aptitude and career aspirations.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: CHHIP: a randomised phase III multicentre trial of conventional or hypofractionated high dose intensity modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background Using conformal radiotherapy to increase radiation dose improves control of localised prostate cancer and can be delivered safely without an increase in radiation related side effects. Intensity modulated techniques can achieve further improvements in conformality and normal tissue avoidance. Relevance Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK with over 30,000 cases and approximately 10,000 deaths per year. Radical radiotherapy is the most commonly used curative treatment in the UK. Aims • To test if hypofractionated radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer will improve the therapeutic ratio by improving tumour control or reducing normal tissue side effects • To evaluate PSA related surrogate endpoints • To relate dose volume histogram data to toxicity and to estimate normal tissue complication probability Plan Patients will be randomised to conventional radiotherapy of 74Gy in 37 fractions over 7.4 weeks or the hypofractionated experimental groups of 57GY in 19 fractions over 3.8 weeks and 60Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks. Radiotherapy will be given using conformal and intensity modulated treatment techniques. The primary endpoint is freedom from biochemical prostate cancer recurrence. Secondary endpoints include radiation side effects, metastases-free, cause-specific and overall survival and aspects of quality of life and health economics. Last updated 27/02/2008


Research activity codes: 6.5 RADIOTHERAPY AND OTHER NON-INVASIVE THERAPIES
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: CRUK/07/003: SCOPE 1: A randomised phase II/III multi-centre clinical trial of definitive chemoradiation, with or without cetuximab, in carcinoma of the oesophagus
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background: Definitive chemo-radiation (CRT) can lead to long-term disease control and survival in patients with oesophageal carcinoma. It is likely that significant improvements in outcome will require improved systemic therapy to increase both local and distant disease control as well as optimise radio-sensitisation. Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor, has shown improved outcome when combined with chemotherapy to treat metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and with radiotherapy to treat squamous carcinoma of the head and neck. Relevance to cancer: There are 7,600 new cases of oesophageal cancer per year in the UK. Approximately 25-30% of incident cases have locally advanced disease considered inoperable due to local extent of tumour or co-existing patient co-morbidities. Some patients choose a non-surgical approach such as CRT. Aims of the research: Phase II: to determine whether the addition of Cetuximab to CRT improves treatment failure rate in patients with oesophageal carcinoma and can be delivered safely in a multi-centre clinical setting. Phase III: to determine whether the addition of Cetuximab to CRT improves survival. Outline Plan: Patients with non-metastatic oesophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma who have been chosen to receive CRT by an accredited specialist multi-disciplinary Upper GI team will be randomised to receive Cisplatin and infusional 5Fluorouracil (or Capecitabine), being given concurrently with 50Gy conformal radiation over 5 weeks with or without the addition of Cetuximab.


Research activity codes: 6.5 RADIOTHERAPY AND OTHER NON-INVASIVE THERAPIES;6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: SEND: the role of elective neck dissection in patients with early oral squamous cell carcinoma and no clinical evidence of lymph node metastases in the neck
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The trial aims to establish whether selective neck dissection in addition to resection of the primary tumour increases survival when compared with resection of the primary alone, among patients with early oral squamous cell carcinoma who have no clinical or radiological evidence of neck metastases


Research activity codes: 6.4 SURGERY
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: A UK myeloma forum phase III RCT in relapsed myeloma to assess the role of a second high-dose procedure and autologous stem cell transplant, compared to low-dose consolidation therapy
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell tumour with an annual incidence in the UK and Ireland of 40-50 per million, median age 60-65 years. For younger patients, the current standard of care is induction therapy, consolidated with high-dose melphalan (HDM) and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). However, almost all patients will relapse following initial therapy, and their outlook is poor. Many treatment options exist at relapse, including a second ASCT, but no randomised trials have looked at the outcome of a second ASCT in this setting. This randomised phase III trial aims to compare a second high-dose/ASCT procedure with a less intensive alkylating therapy, following re-induction therapy, in patients who have had a previous transplant at least 18 months before progressive disease, and are deemed fit for a further transplant. Patients will receive PAD (Bortezomib, Adriamycin and dexamethasone) re-induction therapy, following which, stem cells will be mobilized (optional if stored from previous harvest) and patients with sufficient stem cells randomized to receive either HDM with ASCT, or low-dose cyclophosphamide. Primary end point is time to disease progression. Secondary end points are response to PAD, overall response rate, overall survival, feasibility of stem cell collection, quality of life and toxicity/safety. Last updated 27/02/2008


Research activity codes: 6.2 CELLULAR AND GENE THERAPIES
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: BR14/CATNON (TATA): A randomised controlled trial of temozolomide as adjuvant and/or concurrent treatment in anaplastic (WHO grade III) glioma
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background: Following the results of the EORTC temozolomide trial in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, WHO grade IV tumours), the new standard of care for GBMs with WHO PS 0 & 1 has become radiotherapy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide. Grade III tumours (anaplastic astrocytomas, and mixed oligoastrocytomas) were not included in this trial and the value of concomitant and adjuvant Temozolomide should be assessed in this patient group. There are concerns over late neurocognitive effects of the concurrent treatment which are of greater relevance in the better prognosis patients. The 2x2 trial design proposed will enable the effect of the concurrent treatment to be assessed independently of the adjuvant treatment. Relevance to cancer: The trial results will guide the treatment of patients with WHO grade III glioma and may inform the future management of glioblastoma. Specific aims: To determine the independent impact of concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide on neurological function, quality of life and survival in patients with grade III gliomas. Outline plan of research A randomised, phase III trial: eligible patients (WHO grade III glioma) will be randomised to radiotherapy ± concurrent temozolomide, ± adjuvant temozolomide. The primary outcome measure will be survival; patients will also be assessed for neurocognitive effects of treatment and quality of life. Last updated 26/02/2008


Research activity codes: 6.5 RADIOTHERAPY AND OTHER NON-INVASIVE THERAPIES;6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: CRUK/06/031: New EPOC: peri-operative chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases - does the addition of an anti-EGF receptor antibody improve progression free survival? (funded by the Bobby Moore Fund)
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Patients with bowel cancer which has spread to the liver may be cured by a combination of surgery and usually also chemotherapy. The epidermal growth factor receptor is a protein on the cancer cells which is involved in cancer growth. This study examines whether the addition of an antibody the epidermal growth factor receptor to standard chemotherapy, given before and after liver surgery improves the patients survival and quality of life.


Research activity codes: 6.4 SURGERY;6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: TRANSCAL - Translational Study for Children and Adolescents with Low grade Glioma
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background: The UKCCSG has conducted a pilot study (SIOP-LGG1) and is conducting a second study (SIOP-LGG2003) which is investigating the natural history of these tumours as well as the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in progressive/ symptomatic tumours of all ages. By creating a Biobank of tumour and constitutional DNA linked to these trials, it will be possible for future researchers to conduct molecular analyses on samples from patients where the natural history and treatment response data is prospectively collected. Relevance to cancer: Analyses will identify factors determining different patterns of natural tumour behaviour and sensitivity to therapies. Specific aims of the research: - To establish a tumour Biobank of low grade glioma samples - To investigate the relationship between LGG genotype expression and clinical outcomes. - To investigate the relationship between constitutional genotype and clinical outcomes. Outline plan of research: Fixed tumour tissue and blood sample will be collected from all patients entered into SIOP-LGG1 and SIOP-LGG2003. About 900 blood samples will be collected and DNA prepared. Molecular analyses (genotyping and expression studies) of these samples will be the subject of a future grant application.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS