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Clinical Studies Groups | |||||||||||
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The NCRI Clinical Studies Groups represent a central component of the new framework for cancer research in the UK, providing the primary route through which new ideas for clinical trials are developed. There are currently 21 NCRI Clinical Studies Groups, including 15 cancer site specific Groups, five generic Groups and one Consumer Liaison Group. Four of the generic Groups are the new Development Groups in Palliative Care, Primary Care, Psychosocial Oncology and Complementary Therapies. The latter is the newest Group and was established in Summer 2004. The groups are funded by the major cancer charities and the MRC and are UK wide in their remit. Each of the Groups is formally constituted. There is a system of membership rotation and a transparent appointment process for new Chairs. Public advertisements are placed for both Chairs and members of the Groups. Any changes to the membership of a Group are immediately recorded on the website of that Group. The Groups differ in their size of membership and balance of specialities within them. Each Group has a number of scientific members, two consumer representatives and a number of observer/ funding body representatives. Several Clinical Studies Groups have Sub Groups or Working Parties which are open to individuals who are not necessarily members of the parent Group. The Chair of a Clinical Study Group is responsible for approving Sub Groups and Working Parties and their membership. The Groups meet twice a year and have a common format to their agenda. In addition the various Sub Groups and Working Parties meet to progress the work of the Group between meetings. Details of the sub-groups and working parties are available here. The Groups are charged with the development of national cancer clinical trials and work to a broad, but common remit. This includes overseeing existing studies, considering new research questions, developing proposals and securing funding from NCRI members, as well as providing expert advice. Decisions are being informed by the work of NCRN, in particular its programme of evidence and economic reviews, and the activities of NTRAC. Additionally, many of the Clinical Studies Groups organise and run an annual trials meeting and where appropriate contribute to NICE and HTA reviews and appraisals. Each group undergoes independent progress review every three years. Membership of the Progress Review Panel includes international specialists, one or more NCRN Directors and representatives from the funding bodies. Renal, Melanoma, Breast and Gynaecological Clinical Studies Groups have been peer reviewed as part of the first wave. The Consumer Liaison Group (CLG) was established in June 2000 to provide a national overview of consumer concerns and act as a central resource for guidance on consumer issues. Each of the Clinical Studies Groups has at least two representative members from the CLG and CLG members are involved in several NCRI Trial Steering Committees and the NCRI Boards. A series of think-tank meetings have been held, resulting in a report which has assisted the NCRN/NCRI in developing a strategy for consumer involvement in cancer clinical research. The CLG is now working with the NCRN and NCRI to consider how consumer input into cancer clinical research could be developed further. A major ongoing initiative is the collaboration with Macmillan Cancer Relief to develop consumer involvement in research within Cancer Research Networks. Consumer involvement is also an integral feature of NTRAC's activities and the CLG are working closely with NTRAC on new initiatives in early clinical trials. This is an exciting time for the Groups, each of which is actively identifying gaps in current research and developing new trials to address these. The groups host a rolling programme of National Meetings open to all those involved in clinical research. These are free and attract Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for Network staff. The Secretariat, responsible for the overall day-to-day management and support of the Groups, is led by Dr Eileen Loucaides. Strategic management of the Groups, including peer review, is the role of the NCRN Operational Steering Group where all the major Funding Bodies are represented. The current Groups are listed below with links to further information. If you would like to know more about any of the Groups, please contact: Dr Eileen Loucaides, or telephone 0207 061 8582. Existing Clinical Studies Groups
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