On this week’s programme, Patrick O’Donnell sits down with Angela Clayton-Lee, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland, the national organisation responsible for coordinating cancer clinical trials across the country. With decades of work behind it — and an urgent call for increased government investment — Cancer Trials Ireland is working to expand access to new treatments for Irish patients.
A Long History of Cancer Research in Ireland
When Patrick asks how Cancer Trials Ireland began, Angela explains:
“We originally started back in 1999”. “It was an organisation called I-Corps at the time, and we rebranded about 10 or 12 years ago.”
What began with trials in just breast and prostate cancer has grown into a nationwide network running studies for nearly every cancer type diagnosed in Ireland today.
“Over the years we’ve taken on more and more areas,” Angela says. “We now run trials for pretty much every type of cancer.”
Why Clinical Trials Matter
A key message Angela emphasises is simple: patients on trials do better.
“If a patient is enrolled on a cancer clinical trial, they get access to the newest drugs and cutting-edge treatments,” she says. “They also get more monitoring — more scans, more tests, closer follow-up. That’s why outcomes improve.”
This improved care comes at no cost to the patient or the state. In clinical trials, pharmaceutical companies cover the cost of both the standard treatment and the new investigational drug, as well as many of the scans and tests.
“That’s where the savings come from,” Angela explains. “Instead of the state paying for every part of the journey, the sponsor covers many of those costs.”
A Call for Greater Government Support
Despite the proven benefits, Ireland still lags behind other European countries in the number of trials available.
“Denmark has 385 trials open,” Angela notes. “We have 117. Even Finland, a less wealthy country, has more than we do.”
To demonstrate the potential value, Cancer Trials Ireland recently published a report, The Value of Cancer Trials.
“We took a sample of just 18 trials,” Angela says, “and showed that over four years they saved the state €14.8 million in drug costs and generated €36.7 million in inward investment.”
The report’s message is clear: with more funding, Ireland could open more trials, improve patient outcomes, and save the state millions.
Who Makes Trials Possible?
Across Ireland, 19 hospitals are involved in running trials.
“We have about 762 members,” Angela says. “Oncologists, radiation oncologists, research nurses, trial managers — they’re all part of the network.”
Cancer Trials Ireland serves as the coordinating body, ensuring every study meets the highest international standards.
The role of research nurses, Angela stresses, cannot be overstated.
“They’re the ones patients turn to day-to-day. They guide them through every step.”
How Pharmaceutical Companies Support Trials
Pharma companies, Angela explains, are essential partners.
“They very often pay for the standard-of-care drug, the new drug, and all the scans and tests. That means the state doesn’t take on those costs for patients on trials.”
This early access to new treatments is one of the biggest advantages for patients.
“Every single drug used today was once tested in a clinical trial,” Angela says. “Being on a trial lets patients access tomorrow’s treatments — today.”
Expanding Access Beyond Major Hospitals
Currently, many trials are based in large centres like Beaumont Hospital, which can be difficult for patients from other areas.
“With more funding, we could open more decentralised trials,” Angela says. “For example, someone diagnosed in Connolly could receive more of their follow-up locally instead of travelling to Beaumont every time.”
This would reduce travel burdens and make participation more feasible for more people.
How Patients Join a Trial
Angela encourages patients — and family members — to ask their oncologist whether a relevant trial is available.
“Sometimes it’s a family member who asks,” she says. “A diagnosis is overwhelming, and research might not be the first thing on a patient’s mind.”
If a trial is available, a research nurse explains everything, checks eligibility, and supports the patient throughout, including consent and ongoing follow-up.
“Even patients on the standard-treatment arm of a trial often say they benefit,” Angela adds. “They feel supported, monitored, and reassured. They know they’re in safe hands.”
The Psychological Boost
Beyond medical benefits, trials offer emotional support.
“Patients feel more secure,” Angela says. “They know they can ring their research nurse any time. That sense of close care makes a huge difference.”
Broadening the Scope of Research
Cancer Trials Ireland now runs trials in nearly every cancer type — breast, prostate, lung, melanoma, head and neck, colorectal, gynaecological cancers, bladder, renal, and more.
“But we still need more trials across the board,” Angela says. “We want Ireland to reach the same standard as other European countries.”
Funding Partnerships That Make Research Possible
In addition to state funding through the Health Research Board, the Irish Cancer Society plays a crucial role.
“They fund about 25% of our costs,” Angela explains. “They also run the Travel to Care scheme, which covers transport for patients who need to travel for trials.”
Philanthropic support also makes a major impact. Angela highlights the Pat Smullen Research Fund, launched in honour of the champion jockey.
“Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018,” she says. “His family and the racing community have raised almost €4 million. That funding has allowed us to open four pancreatic cancer trials, with more planned.”
Looking Ahead
Ireland’s national cancer strategy sets a target of giving 6% of cancer patients access to a trial — a goal the country is not yet meeting.
“We’re at about 3.4%,” Angela says. “With increased funding, we could double that.”
A new National Clinical Trial Oversight Group has also been formed, and its upcoming report may shape future policy.
“The timing is right,” Angela says. “There’s a real opportunity now to expand research, improve outcomes, and ensure patients in Ireland have access to the same treatments available elsewhere.”
This interview aired on Disability Matters with Patrick O’Donnell on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
Tune in to Disability Matters Thursdays at 4PM | Repeats: Mon 3AM, Tue 3AM & 7AM | Also available on Mixcloud.