Scottish 16-24 year olds have access to just over a quarter of all trials in the UK
Younger people living with cancer in Scotland have access to just over one in four experimental treatments which are offered elsewhere in the UK.
Researchers in Edinburgh looking at data from the UK Clinical Research Network Cancer Trials Portfolio found only 152 of 534 clinical trials available are offered to 16-24 year olds north of the border.
Cancer Research UK, which is running the Kids & Teens campaign aiming to fund more research in cancer in young people under 24, described the shortage in Scotland as “deeply concerning”.
Our study confirms that children and young adults in Scotland have fewer clinical trials available to them compared to the rest of the UK
Professor Pam Kearns, the charity’s expert on childhood cancers, said: “The shortage of trials available for young people in Scotland is deeply concerning.
“Despite improving survival rates, cancer is the main cause of death in children, teenagers and young adults in the UK.”
The researchers from the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) presented their evidence at a major cancer conference in Liverpool.
They said clinical trials need to be tailored to the needs of young people because there are differences in the biology of their cancers compared with adults.
One of the reasons for the lack of options in Scotland could be due to young adults with cancer being offered treatment across multiple hospitals in Scotland so that they can be treated near to their homes.
This results in a widespread of patients geographically and hospitals struggling to recruit enough young patients to clinical trials.
Dr Angela Edgar, one of the authors of the study and chair of the NCRI Teenage and Young Adults Clinical Studies Group, said: “Our study confirms that children and young adults in Scotland have fewer clinical trials available to them compared to the rest of the UK. The reasons are likely to be complex, but we need to close this trial gap.
“The most disadvantaged are 16-24 year olds. There are fewer trials for them to begin with, and unlike younger children, they are often treated at centres where trial recruitment in this age group may be unfamiliar and overlooked.”
Professor Matt Seymour, NCRI clinical research director, said participating in trials is a win-win for both patients and medical research.
He added: “It is hugely important to highlight groups where we could do better.
“Dr Edgar's study throws down a challenge to increase the access to research for young people in Scotland."
