Radiotherapy research trials

Clinical research is, and always has been, at the very heart of the NHS. Only by carrying out research into “what works” can we continually improve drugs, treatments and care pathways for patients, and understand how to focus NHS resources where they will be most effective.

Find out more about how you can take part in clinical trials via our research department. Watch this video, produced by the Northern Radiotherapy Network, to find out more about how this works.

What does the trial do? This trial is looking at the need to treat the lymph glands in the armpit after having chemotherapy followed by surgery for breast cancer.

Why? The aim of this trial is to find out:

  • Whether not treating the lymph glands in the armpit after chemotherapy and surgery is as good as the current treatment. This is for people who don’t have cancer in the lymph nodes of their armpit following chemotherapy.
  • Whether it reduces the risk of getting lymphoedema and other side effects.
  • Whether it affects the quality of life.

Who is it for? You can join this trial if you:

  • Have cancer that hasn’t spread and there are cancer cells in 1 to 3 lymph nodes in the armpit.
  • Have had a sample tissue (biopsy) of lymph nodes in the armpit confirming cancer cells in the nodes.
  • Have had tests to find out whether your cancer is hormone sensitive or not.
  • Have had chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the cancer.
  • Have had a scan of your armpit to assess how well the chemotherapy has worked. This can be an ultrasound, an MRI scan, a PET scan or a CT scan.
  • Have had 2 or 3 lymph nodes removed, including a sentinel lymph node after chemotherapy.
  • Are at least 18 years old.

To find out more: visit Cancer Research UK or speak to your consultant.

What does the trial do? This trial is aiming to see if standard treatment can be improved by swapping one of the standard chemotherapy drugs.

Why? The aim of this trial is to find out:

  • If we can improve on the standard treatment for early stage Hodgkin Lymphoma.
  • If side effects are reduced.

Who is it for? You can join this trial if you:

  • Have early stage Hodgkin Lymphoma that has not yet been treated.
  • Are aged between 16 and 69 years.

To find out more: speak to your consultant.

What does the trial do? This trial is looking at standard radiotherapy treatment compared to proton beam therapy for adults with oligodendroglioma.

Why? The aim of this trial is to:

  • Improve long term side effects of treatment.
  • Find out how the two treatments affect quality of life.

Who is it for? You can join this trial if you:

  • Have a brain tumour called oligodendroglioma.
  • Have adequate wound healing and recovery after surgery.
  • Can complete tests to show how your brain and nervous system are working.
  • Can care for yourself.
  • Are at least 25 years old.

To find out more: visit Cancer Research UK or speak to your consultant.

There may also be clinical trials in the other areas, please ask your doctor or surgeon, or contact radiotherapy on 0116 2585640 to find out about research that may be suitable for you.