New technologies needed in clinical trials, says Cancer Research

More funding should be given to research on developing imaging tools used in cancer drug studies, according to a review published by a Cancer Research advisory committee.

Referring specifically to magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and positron emission tomography (PET), the study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute states that without access to these imaging tools, researchers could “miss out on vital information about the effects of the drugs being tested”.

Commenting on the research, Professor Paul Workman, the lead author of the report and chair of the committee, said: “A fundamental part of clinical trials is that they should measure how drugs move through the body and what effects they have.

“Advances in technologies such as MRS and PET can improve how we monitor drugs, and can also reduce the need for invasive procedures such as biopsies.
Harpal Kumer, the chief operating officer of Cancer Research UK, added that the charity is planning to invest more in imaging technology over the “next few years” in order to “accelerate drug development”.

Professor Workman also stated that although the research tools are becoming increasingly available, it is important that “we all make the best use” of them.

Cancer Research UK states that it supports the work of 3,000 scientists, doctors and nurses working throughout the UK on a range of cancers, including those that affect the bowel, breast and skin.

© Adfero Ltd