Published: 20 May 2023
A patient who beat cancer after taking part in a clinical trial is calling on the public to get involved with the NIHR's ‘Shape the Future’ campaign.
This comes as new figures are produced by the NIHR to coincide with International Clinical Trials Day (20 May 2023). They show more than 150,000 people have signed up to the NIHR’s Be Part of Research register in just nine months.
The register is for all health conditions and it is now easier to access than ever before through the NHS app. Those without health conditions can also sign up to the register.
Stephen’s story
Stephen Cossins, 71, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. After his cancer began to spread, he took part in the FLAIR trial which investigated drugs that block the growth of the cancer and was partly funded by the NIHR.
Instead of standard chemotherapy, he began taking the drug Ibrutinib three times a day for three months before then taking venetolclax as well. After continuing this treatment for two years, he is now free of cancer.
He said: “It was the best thing I ever did. I entered the trial three years ago and was cured, cancer free, after two years. It’s amazing. My wife and children are all delighted. I don’t think any of us believed this day would come. It’s wonderful but I’m so relieved it’s over.
“I’m one of the lucky ones. I’ve been successful on the trial but I hope it can help other people going through the same thing. If anyone is ever invited to take part in a research study, I’d say put your faith and trust in the nurses and doctors. They know what they are doing. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. And you could save the lives of people living with cancer in the future.”
150,000 sign ups
Increasing numbers of research volunteers are joining the 150,000 people who have signed up to the NIHR’s Be Part of Research service. This is a new digital ‘match-making’ service which helps people to find and take part in suitable health and care research across the UK*.
The service will play a key role in the NHS Long Term Plan to increase the number of people registering to participate in health research.
People can register their interest in taking part in health and care research on the Be Part of Research website or via the NHS App (England only) using their email or NHS login. They can choose the health conditions they are interested in - from diabetes to cancer to back pain - or sign up as a healthy volunteer. They are then sent details on local and national studies that match their interests. Taking part could mean participating in drug trials and scans to focus groups and online questionnaires. Everyone can choose studies which work best for them.
Shape the Future
On Wednesday 5 July 2023, the NHS has its 75th birthday. The NIHR is calling on people to join its Shape the Future campaign to help shape the NHS of the future through supporting and participating in research studies.
NHSE will be marking 75 years by celebrating the contribution of staff throughout its history and will be hosting the NHS parkrun and The Big Tea over the summer.
British public are “vital” to research
The NIHR invests in health and social care research. It tackles health challenges including cancer, diabetes, dementia, COVID-19, mental health and more.
NIHR Chief Executive and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care, Professor Lucy Chappell said:
“The NIHR funds and supports research that aims to make a difference to patients across the country – and even further afield. Our research covers all areas from the laboratory right through to the clinic. It leads to new treatments that benefit us in so many different ways, across so many different areas of health and care. We help the NHS provide the highest quality healthcare, and we constantly ask how we can improve the care and outcomes for all patients.
“Patients and the wider public are vital to this research - it is you who help researchers find the cures, treatments and breakthroughs that can help us, our friends and families to live the best and healthiest lives possible.
“At the NIHR we’re proud to be part of the remarkable 75-year history of our NHS. We want to help the service as it moves forward and tackles the health challenges of tomorrow. To do this, we need as many people as possible to shape the future. You can take part in this - sign up today to Be Part of Research and to make a difference.”
Minister of State for Health Will Quince said:
“Over 150,000 people have signed up to Be Part of Research so far, meaning we’re continuing to lead the way in cutting-edge research and discovering ground-breaking new treatments.
“The volunteers who are taking part in promising research – including one who was cured of cancer – are helping researchers find medical breakthroughs and ultimately helping the NHS to save lives.
“From cancer to obesity, NIHR’s research studies can lead to billions of pounds in savings for the NHS and cut waiting lists through faster diagnosis and enhanced treatment - but it can’t take place without volunteers, so I encourage anyone eligible to sign up.”
*As of May 18, 150,764 people have registered for a Be Part of Research account since the service launched in private beta in July 2022.