Breast cancer clinical trials have led to better cure rates, say researchers

Clinical trials, especially for breast cancer patients, have seen significant improvement in cure rates here.

Today is International Clinical Trials Day, highlighting the importance of the research to cancer treatments in particular.

The All-Ireland Cooperative Oncology Research Group (ICORG), uses clinical trials to help patients gain early access to life saving treatments, which would not otherwise be available here.

Clinical lead of ICORG and consultant medical oncologist at Tallaght and St Vincents Hospitals Dr Ray McDermott said there were proven benefits to the trials.

"An independent review commissioned by our funders by the Health Research Board shows a direct correlation between the number of clinical trials open in breast cancer in Ireland and improvements in survival rates over the last 10 years."