Cancer Research UK and the Health Departments for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland announce the renewal of the UK-wide early phase trial network

Following the recent review of the Adult and Paediatric ECMC Networks we are pleased to announce that we will be investing over £36 million into 18 adult locations across the UK, uniting world class cancer research and clinical expertise. The new investment follows an extensive review process overseen by an international panel of experts who evaluated each application on scientific excellence, operational delivery of trials and their value to the ECMC Network.
 
For the first time, in addition to the National Institute for Health Research in England, the Paediatric ECMC Network will also be supported by Cancer Research UK and the Chief Scientist Office in Scotland.
 
Nicola Blackwood, Minister for Public Health and Innovation, said: “The collaboration between universities, NHS Trusts and the research community is a key reason these centres are successful, and illustrates why the UK is the best place in the world to be a researcher. I hope this funding will ultimately lead to more timely, life-saving treatments for patients.”
 
The changes to the Adult and Paediatric Networks will take effect on 1st April 2017, when the ECMC Initiative will celebrate its 10th Anniversary, with over 18,000 patients enrolled in over 1,500 trials for 35 cancer types across all treatment modalities. The success of the ECMC Initiative would not have been possible without the long-term commitment from all five funders to provide better treatments for cancer patients in the UK.
 
Further details can be read in our press release. If you have any questions about the review please contact CentresandECMCs@cancer.org.uk