Stakeholders In Clinical Research Research Networks R&D Drivers Professor Phil Warner

What are research Networks? A managed Topic Specific Clinical Research Network, It may involve a Primary Care Research Network and a Comprehensive NHS Research Network. It aims to bring an integrated approach to clinical research involving several research teams, patients etc.

Definition of a research Network Must conduct research in human subjects or use data from human subjects to improve human health Surveillance systems and registries eligible if there has been some research output Must have scientific leadership that either develops research ideas and protocols or evaluates ideas and protocols bought to it by outside individuals or organisations

Definition of a research Network Must demonstrate multi-study capability by publishing at least two studies from within the group of institutions Must include at least three participating entities At least 3 entities must be independent or semi independent from each other At least 3 entities must have some independent decision making ability about the research in which they participate

Definition of a research Network Network support systems and networks facilitated to enable sharing of resources between organisations are therefore not research networks These definitions are intended in the U.K. to help evaluate research networks

The National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre (NIHR CRN CC) supports clinical research and helps to facilitate the conduct of trials and other well-designed studies within the NHS. The NIHR Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) in England is one of the four networks that comprise the UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN). (Others in Scotland, Wales Northern Ireland

So Let’s Take a Look at Some Networks

The NCRN was established in April 2001, and aims to provide the NHS with an infrastructure to support high quality cancer clinical studies and to improve the speed, quality and integration of research resulting in improved patient care. The NCRN has achieved and surpassed its target to double the number of cancer incident cases accrued into cancer clinical studies. This success contributed to the decision by the Department of Health to establish the NIHR CRN CC, expanding the concept into other disease areas.

The NCRN will increase involvement and recruitment into trials through the creation of cancer research networks across England, closely aligned to cancer service networks. NCRN funding is allocated to networks to appoint research staff, such as research nurses, data managers and medical staff sessions and to access pharmacy, pathology, radiology and other areas of support, such as information systems and training, all of which are integral to high quality research. Thirty two cancer research networks have been established. Each network is required to appoint a clinical and administrative lead (Clinical Lead for Research and Research Network Manager) with responsibility for the overall leadership and management of the local networks.

Three Counties Cancer Research Network Clinical Lead for Research: Professor Hugh Barr Address: Three Counties Cancer Research Network Gloucestershire Royal NHS Trust Great Western Road Gloucester GL1 3NNTelephone N°: Fax N°:

Three Counties Cancer Research Network Research Network Manager: Maxine Taylor Three Counties Cancer Research Network The Chapel St Paul's Medical Centre Swindon Road Cheltenham Glos GL50 4DPTelephone N°: Fax N°:

Three Counties Cancer Research Network Trusts in the Network GLOUCESTERSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUSTGLOUCESTERSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST FOUNDATION TRUST FOR GLOUCESTERSHIREFOUNDATION TRUST FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE HEREFORD HOSPITALS NHS TRUST WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUSTWORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

3CCRN Colorectal / Lower Gastro-Intestinal / Bowel Cancer Trials The second UK Phase III anal cancer trial: A trial of Chemoradiation and Maintenance Therapy For Patients with Anal Cancer. Chemotherapy or no chemotherapy in clear margins after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer. A randomised phase III trial of control vs capecitabine plus oxaliplatin Phase III trial comparing either chemotherapy plus cetuximab or intermittent chemotherapy with the standard continuous palliative combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and a fluoropyrimidine in first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

3CCRN Colorectal / Lower Gastro-Intestinal / Bowel Cancer Trials Follow-up After Colorectal Surgery. A randomised controlled trial to assess the cost effectiveness of intensive versus no scheduled follow-up in patients who have undergone resection for colorectal cancer with curative intent Drug treatment for bowel cancer: making the best choices when a milder treatment is needed. NSCCG 22 March 2005 National Study of Colorectal Cancer Genetics.

Industry The UK has a strong history in clinical research and the healthcare industry has made a significant contribution to this track record through the conduct of its research and development programmes in the NHS. The NIHR CRN is working to address the specific challenges and pressures faced by the healthcare industry in this area.

As for all other research taken on by the networks, industry-contract studies must be formally adopted by the NIHR CRN. The NIHR CRN industry team has developed a process specifically for the adoption of industry-contract studies which has been informed by discussions with industry through the NIHR CRN Industry Road Map Group. The process takes into account the needs of industry, in particular, the time constraints faced by companies. The Industry Trials Adoption Process is a highly streamlined process in order to meet the tight timelines often required by industry. Industry

Patients and Public NIHR CRN CC aims to improve patient care and allow people across the country access to the best treatment. A common theme that runs throughout its work is Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) because NIHR CRN CC believes that active PPI is needed if it is to achieve a programme of research which directly reflects the needs and views of patients and the public..

Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network (DeNDRoN)

The Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network (DeNDRoN) facilitates the conduct of randomised prospective trials and other well-designed studies of the dementias and neurodegenerative diseases, including those for prevention, diagnosis and treatment

The creation of a UK research network for dementias and neurodegenerative diseases allows a sharing of resources and methodological expertise across a wide range of disabling long-term disorders which we recognise to share many common factors.

It builds on the strengths already present in the UK as well as increasing general capacity in the field of dementia and neurodegeneration and will cover major diseases including Alzheimers, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease.

The Networks East Anglia (Hosted by Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, led by Dr Andrew Tarbuck) North East (Hosted by Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust, led by Professor John O'Brien) North Thames (Hosted by Camden and Islington Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust, led by Dr Craig Ritchie) North West (Hosted by Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, led by Dr Jane Byrne) South Coast (Hosted by Hampshire Partnership Trust, led by Dr Clive Holmes) South West (Hosted by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, led by Professor Roy Jones) Thames Valley (Hosted by Oxford Radcliffe NHS Trust, led by Dr Rupert McShane) Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network Wales Dementia Research Network Scotland (led by Dr Peter Connelly and Professor John Starr, funded by the Chief Scientist Office, Scotland)

A Network within one City In Australia The Cancer Research Network, established in 2006, is a cross-Faculty initiative of the University of Sydney. The Network has been established to link cancer researchers in the University of Sydney and its teaching hospitals and affiliated research institutes and institutions, and thereby help build high quality cancer research capacity and achieve international cancer research excellence in areas of strength.

University of Sydney Cancer Research Network One of the main aims of the network is to increase awareness of, and capacity for, multidisciplinary collaboration across groups. In the process, this will build a sense of community among cancer researchers across discipline and geographical boundaries.

University of Sydney Cancer Research Network The Network fosters communication with and among members to facilitate research collaboration, with an emphasis on research translation. Translational medicine, often known as bench to bedside, focuses on moving research discoveries from the laboratory into clinical practice to diagnose and treat patients.

Research Networks Enable researchers to share: Ideas Resources Patients and data Facilities Costs Overcome barriers Thus leading to stronger research