The NHS is set to revolutionize cancer care with a new initiative targeting three major projects and seeking 150,000 volunteers to reshape the approach to treating the disease. The NHS DigiTrials initiative aims to enlist tens of thousands of volunteers over the next two years to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients across five cancer types. These research trials could potentially transform cancer treatment as we know it.
BEST4 Heartburn Health Trial
The largest trial being supported, BEST4 Heartburn Health, requires 120,000 volunteers to test a novel screening technique for oesophageal cancer. This innovative method involves swallowing a compressed sponge on a string to collect cells from the food pipe, offering a less invasive approach to early detection.
MyMelanoma Study
An additional 20,000 volunteers are needed for MyMelanoma, which will conduct the most extensive study of melanoma ever undertaken. This study aims to improve the understanding of melanoma skin cancer and its treatment, potentially leading to more effective therapies and personalized treatment plans.
PROTECT-C Trial
The PROTECT-C trial, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, will recruit 5,000 women to participate in saliva-based genetic tests. These tests will assess their genetic risk of developing ovarian, breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancer, enabling proactive risk management and early intervention strategies.
NHS DigiTrials Initiative
Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiatives, stating, "We're pleased to be able to announce our support for these new research studies, 3 of which will help detect and treat cancer earlier and another which will improve the care of young children needing complex surgery – studies which could ultimately save lives." He also highlighted the challenges in recruiting suitable patients for clinical trials, particularly those from groups facing the greatest inequalities.
The DigiTrials team will proactively contact potential participants who may be eligible for the studies. Diwakar encouraged anyone receiving a text message or letter from the NHS to consider signing up, emphasizing that this ground-breaking research could benefit individuals and their communities for decades to come.
Improving Children's Surgical Outcomes
In addition to the cancer-focused trials, the NHS is also supporting the Children's Surgery Outcome Reporting project, which seeks approximately 4,000 volunteers to enhance the surgical experience for young patients requiring complex operations soon after birth.
Baroness Merron, Health Minister in charge of research and life sciences, emphasized the potential impact of participation, stating, "Revolutionising cancer treatment and screening for everyone could be a lifesaver, giving people the precious time needed to catch cancer quicker, so I'd encourage everyone contacted by NHS DigiTrials to consider taking part in one of these critical studies." She also highlighted the government's commitment to fighting cancer on all fronts, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and research.
