REDEFINE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Decentralisation of Cancer Clinical Trials in the UK: Acceptability, Feasibility, Barriers, and Facilitators from Diverse Stakeholder Perspectives
IRAS ID
358868
Contact name
Fay Cafferty
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Institute of Cancer Research
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
https://osf.io/qy528, Registration on Open Science Framework
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Cancer clinical trials often require extra tests and questionnaires, usually at a single NHS hospital, which can be inconvenient for patients and add pressure on NHS staff. Since COVID-19, healthcare has evolved to incorporate methods like video calls, home testing kits etc, and trials need to adapt too.
Many people with cancer struggle to join trials due to travel, finances, caregiving responsibilities and other reasons. In the REDEFINE study, we are aiming to identify ways to make clinical trials more accessible to everyone, no matter their circumstances. The REDEFINE study is not a clinical trial. It will involve questionnaires, interviews, focus groups/workshops with people affected by cancer, their caregivers and healthcare professionals.
The study will gather insights to explore how technology and alternative care models can make it easier for people to participate in clinical trials. We’ll assess people’s openness to remote options like video consultations, online questionnaires, GP blood tests, and home treatment kits.
Finally, we’ll test whether these approaches improve trial access for people with cancer from different backgrounds, helping the NHS, boosting recruitment, and ensuring better follow-up. As well as enabling more people to participate, this could lead to faster, high-quality research and quicker advancements in cancer treatment.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0309
Date of REC Opinion
16 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion