The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin has inaugurated the Republic of Ireland’s first dedicated Phase 1 oncology clinical trials unit, START Dublin. This initiative is a collaboration between the Mater Hospital, University College Dublin, and the START Center for Cancer Research (START), based in San Antonio, US.
START Dublin joins START's global network as its eighth site, furthering the mission to expand access to early-phase clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies. The network currently manages over 500 active studies across its US and European centers, partnering with more than 150 pharmaceutical companies.
Aims and Objectives
START Dublin aims to ensure that every Irish patient with advanced cancer has the opportunity to participate in a suitable study, addressing a significant need in the clinical research landscape. According to Consultant Oncologist Dr. Austin Duffy, Director of Research and Principal Investigator at START Dublin, approximately 30,000 people are diagnosed with cancer annually in Ireland. The new unit aspires to offer these patients access to promising new drugs years in advance of their general availability.
Operational Capacity and Support
Dr. Duffy will lead a team of seven, with plans to enroll around 50 patients in trials within the first year and eventually scale up to 300 patients. The unit benefits from a strong referral network of 70 oncologists and serves approximately 2,750 new patients each year. Its central location in Dublin enhances accessibility for patients nationwide.
Leadership Perspectives
"START Dublin will be a vital place to give hope and access to the newest medicines for those with advanced cancer," stated Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, during the opening. Nick Slack, Chair and CEO of START, added that the Dublin site expands their commitment to bringing early-phase cancer research to communities worldwide, providing patients with critical access to novel therapies.
Patient Advocacy
Melanoma patient advocate Miriam Staunton emphasized the importance of early-phase trials for Irish cancer patients, noting that they offer opportunities for those who have not responded to existing treatments and contribute to the pipeline of later-phase trials. She expressed her support for ongoing research and development of new treatments, highlighting the significant strides made in cancer treatment in recent years.
