We are made up of 32 Local Research Networks covering the whole of the NHS in England and employ over 700 trained members of staff. Our Local Research Networks coordinate and facilitate the conduct of cancer clinical research and offer researchers a broad range of services to support study set-up and delivery.

We are currently supporting over 500 open studies and over 250,000 people have taken part in our trials over the past decade.

The NCRN has a proven track record and world-class reputation for increasing participation in clinical research. Prior to NCRN’s creation less than 4 in every 100 newly diagnosed cancer patients were estimated to be entering clinical studies. In the 10 years since, through our partnerships with the NHS, researchers, funders and patients this has risen year-on-year.

By 2010, 18 out of every 100 newly diagnosed patients took part in cancer studies (18.1%). For comparison, the most recent USA figure is under 3%. 

The NCRN programme includes ongoing initiatives in the following areas:

·          Patient and public involvement
·          NCRI Clinical Studies (Development) Groups
·          Portfolio Development
·          Links with NCRI Accredited and other Clinical Trials Units
·          Information Systems and Technology to support NCRN activities
·          Systematic Reviews to address the gaps in the Evidence-Base
·          Workforce Development
·          Links with Industry

Portfolio

An extensive and dynamic NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio of high quality cancer studies is maintained in liaison with the main cancer funders, the NCRI Clinical Studies Groups and other research groups and networks across the UK.