Prostate Cancer - the "Radicals" Trial

Men with early stage prostate cancer are usually treated via surgery to remove the affected area. Dr Chris Parker is determined to find out the best way to stop the disease returning after surgery, whilst also minimising the risk of long term side effects from treatment.

At present, doctors carefully monitor men recovering from surgery and begin follow-up treatment only if the disease shows signs of returning. But Dr Parker is  leading this clinical trial to investigate whether this approach could be improved if treatment begins immediately after surgery, using radiotherapy to kill off any remaining cancer cells. This research has the potential to change the way men with prostate cancer are treated and create a brighter future for those affected.

Ovarian Cancer - the "ICON8" Trial

Sadly, most women with advanced ovarian cancer will not survive their disease. Dr Andrew Clamp is leading this clinical trial which he hopes will result in more effective and kinder treatments to improve survival and reduce side effects.

Doctors normally treat ovarian cancer with surgery and chemotherapy - traditionally chemotherapy has been given in large doses, once every few weeks. But Dr Clamp is among a growing number of scientists who think that there might be a better way; he is testing if smaller doses of drugs, given more often, may be better at fighting this cancer and reduce the unpleasant and potentially serious side effects that women frequently experience. As advanced ovarian cancer is often difficult to treat successfully, trials like this are crucial to improve survival and quality of life for women with the disease.