Clinical trials ‘driving improvement in childhood cancer survivals’

A new UK study has demonstrated a gradual improvement in survival rates from childhood cancer since the 1970s, thanks to better access to clinical trials.

Assessment of data from the UK Children's Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG) shows that only 28 percent of children diagnosed with cancer between 1966 and 1970 survived for five years, but this had risen to 79 percent by 2005.

During this period, the UKCCSG – which was succeeded by the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) in 2006 – worked to set up a comprehensive portfolio of national and international trials for the majority of children's cancers.

Study co-author Kathy Pritchard-Jones, professor of paediatric oncology at the University College London's Institute of Child Health, said: "The key message from this study is that clinical trials are good for you if you are a cancer patient. Taking part in clinical trials is considered best practice for most newly diagnosed childhood cancers now."

The CCLG opened its membership to include all allied healthcare professionals working in the area of childhood cancer last year, which will serve to bring further benefits for patients.