Research and Development

Research Types

CCO undertakes clinical research as part of the developing cancer research network across Merseyside. This research involves patients treated within CCO, but may also involve patients having their treatment for cancer within any one of the district general hospitals within Merseyside. Research studies may only relate to clinical or medical oncology ( e.g. how best to deliver radiotherapy, or to assess the efficacy of chemotherapy), or may also involve cancer surgery (e.g. by comparing surgery against radiotherapy or chemotherapy). In the latter case, they are carried out in conjunction with surgical departments of other hospitals.

The majority of clinical studies relate to cancer trials. Clinical trials are categorised into phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 studies, depending upon the nature of the study. For a chemotherapy drug study, the early phases relate to development of the drug and establishing whether it has an effect on the cancer and whether it causes any complications to the patient. A phase 3 study would compare the new drug against the best standard treatment to determine the overall benefit.

In addition to clinical trials, other studies carried out at CCO relate to the development of novel treatment techniques, or the development and assessment of new items of therapy equipment.

CCO is also involved in laboratory-based research carried out at the Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust (CCRT). Here, molecular biology (gene) studies are carried out on samples of tumours to better understand how cancers develop and to try to predict the best ways to treat each individual patient.

All research work within CCO is carried out under appropriate approval of the local ethics committee ( Wirral Ethics Committee). In addition, for a multi-centre trial, approval is required from the Ethics Committee of the lead centre for that trial. All research work also requires the approval of the relevant Clinical Director of CCO and the Chief Executive.

Research Types

Clinical Trials

Other Research