Title: The Institute of Cancer Research Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: BACKGROUND ICR-CTSU is an internationally recognised cancer clinical trials unit with 25 years’ experience in the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials. Led by research methodologists and embedded in a world-renowned cancer research institute we are uniquely placed to develop innovative trials testing clinically and scientifically relevant hypotheses rooted in world-leading science. Aligning with ICR/RM and CRUK strategies we bring together expertise in efficient trials development and delivery with scientific and clinical excellence by partnering with UK key opinion leaders. AIMS We aim to enact translation of world-leading science into high-quality and efficient cutting-edge trials of smarter, kinder treatments which will ultimately translate into improved outcomes for cancer patients internationally. METHODS We will conduct a strategically focussed trials programme utilising innovative trial designs to: • Incorporate novel technologies, treatments and approaches: in patient selection, endpoint evaluation and via novel treatment strategies or experimental settings. • Modulate treatment according to risk and target resistance: utilising dynamic modelling of on-treatment response to inform future treatments. • Evaluate advanced radiotherapy: being integral to clinical development of image-guided therapies. We will prioritise activity in three clinical domains: • Breast cancer systemic therapies and uncommon cancers • Urological and lung cancer systemic therapies and early phase trials • Image-guided and local therapies whilst being responsive to growth of the portfolio in new strategic areas. We will grow our cross-cutting genomics analysis domain to interrogate the wealth of emerging data proposing further novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic strategies to inform clinically relevant biomarker-driven trial designs. We will incorporate novel technologies to enhance data collection via increased use of ePRO and linkage to routinely collected data. HOW THE RESULTS OF THIS RESEARCH WILL BE USED? CRUK Core support will enable ICR-CTSU to : • Provide national and international trials leadership and train the next generation of trialists. • Employ talented, passionate trialists and equip them with the requisite skills to deliver cutting- edge, innovative, high-quality trials efficiently and to sustain growth of ICR-CTSU as a professional trials methodology research group. • Devise trials with novel designs and integrated genomic analysis to explore intermediate biomarker endpoints to inform patient selection and dynamic treatment response and to predict disease outcomes. • Leverage project funding from non-commercial funders and engage with pharmaceutical industry partners in collaborative research. • Ensure trials have maximal patient impact, reach and profile to inform clinical practice.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS