The Cancer Trials Ireland Podcast

About The Cancer Trials Ireland Podcast

Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials. Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well as through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public. Since 2017, Cancer Trials Ireland has rolled out an annual campaign (Just Ask) to promote public awareness and understanding of clinical trials and associated issues. Just Ask 2023 is support through an unrestricted grants from AbbVie, Bayer, MSD, Novartis, & Pfizer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Cancer Trials Ireland

Category

education · health & fitness · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Dec 2021

Latest episode

11 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Bench to Bedside: Cancer Research

   Cancer research is a complex, multi-faceted journey that does not begin with clinical trials, requiring a critical link from discovery science in the lab to treatments delivered in the clinic—a process often called 'bench to bedside. Without this translational component, new discoveries slow down, and patient access to innovative treatments is hindered. This episode explores how to foster this essential cycle, addressing current challenges like funding for translational research, the need for greater integration and collaboration across the island of Ireland, and the vital role of industry partnerships. The discussion highlights key findings from the All-Ireland Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) Landscape Report and the growing impact of patient-led studies like ProAct. Host Dr. Ciara Kelly is joined by two of Ireland’s leading cancer experts: Professor Liam Gallagher, Professor of Cancer Biology at UCD and Co-Lead of the All-Ireland Cancer Research Institute, and Angela Clayton-Lea, the CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Professor Gallagher's path to cancer biology. The cycle of bench-to-bedside research. HRB translational research funding challenges. Why all-island collaboration is extremely important. Patient-led research and the ProAct project. MORE INFORMATION https://www.cancertrials.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   19 Jan 2026

   Future of Clinical Trials in Ireland

   Clinical trial activity is not yet fully integrated into the Irish healthcare system as a standard of care, leading to slower patient access to innovative treatments and missed opportunities for system-wide improvement. This episode explores the critical need for a research-active health system, the power of incorporating mandatory performance metrics, and the significant financial and clinical value that trials bring to the country. The discussion delves into the work of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group and Cancer Trials Ireland's ambitious strategy to double the number of open trials. Joining Dr. Ciara Kelly is Professor Donal Brennan, a Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at UCD and formerly the Chair of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group, and Angela Clayton-Lea, the CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Professor Donal Brennan's career path. Trials should be part of standard care. The National Clinical Trials Oversight Group. The importance of mandatory metrics/KPIs. Future outlook for clinical trials in Ireland. MORE INFORMATION https://www.cancertrials.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   9 Jan 2026

   ENGOT: Gynae Cancer Trial Collaboration

   The challenge of low clinical trial availability for gynaecological cancers in countries with small populations requires a unified, international approach to research. Gynae cancer patients often have limited treatment options, highlighting a massive unmet need that single institutions or smaller nations cannot solve alone. This episode dives into the crucial work of the European Network for Gynaecological Oncological Trial Groups (ENGOT) and its collaboration with Cancer Trials Ireland. The discussion covers how this powerful collective fosters new, innovative trial options for women across Ireland and Europe, addresses recruitment challenges, and maintains an academic vision to drive patient-focused research. Host Lucy Murphy is joined by two extraordinary leaders: Professor Isabelle Ray-Coquard, Medical Oncologist and the current Chair of ENGOT, and Professor Karen Cadoo, Gynaecology Medical Oncologist, Researcher, and one of the chairs of the Gynae DSSG at Cancer Trials Ireland. They bring deep expertise in clinical trials, oncology research, and international cooperative group collaboration THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT ENGOT's history, mission, and structure. Collaboration key to rare cancer trials. Academic vision versus pharma priorities. Challenges of drug reimbursement in Ireland. Future focus: personalized gynae medicine. GUEST DETAILS Professor Isabelle Ray-Coquard is a Medical Oncologist and the current Chair of the European Network for Gynaecological Oncological Trial Groups (ENGOT). She is a key opinion leader in the gynae cancer space, driven by the belief that international collaboration is the only way to bring innovative therapy to patients with gynaecological cancers. She champions the importance of maintaining an academic vision in clinical trial design and ensuring database sharing for further clinician-based research. Professor Karen Cadoo is a Gynaecology Medical Oncologist, Researcher, and one of the chairs of the Gynae Disease Specific Subgroup (DSSG) at Cancer Trials Ireland. Having worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, she has extensive experience in women's health and inherited cancer genetics. She advocates for Irish patients' access to international trials, recognizing the value of the collaborative group structure for rare cancers and securing access to cutting-edge therapies that may not be locally reimbursed.5. Best Quotes with Timestamps QUOTES The success of ENGOT comes from two important points. One is solidarity and friendship. - Prof. Isabelle Ray-Coquard The second point is the transparency. Everything is revealed to everybody. There is no discussion outside of behind people, and it's also because we have this transparency that we trust in each other - Prof. Isabelle Ray-Coquard The opportunity to collaborate with international groups is so valuable to us." - Prof. Karen Cadoo MORE INFORMATION Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Discover more at cancertrials.ie KEYWORDS #GynaeOncology #ClinicalTrialsIreland #ENGOT #CancerResearch #PersonalisedMedicine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   16 Dec 2025

   Value Of Cancer Trials To Ireland Explained

   Ireland lags behind European countries in cancer clinical trial availability despite significant financial savings and improved patient outcomes. Angela Clayton-Lea, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland, explains how just 18 of 117 open trials generated €14.8 million in direct drug savings and €36.7 million in inward investment whilst patients on trials receive cutting edge treatments and closer medical follow up. Former Minister Denis Naughten and Dr Rebecca Cramp, Director of Code and Regulatory Affairs at Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, join host Dr Ciara Kelly to discuss the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group's 20 recommendations, hospital KPI implementation, and cross-departmental investment needed to transform Ireland into an attractive destination for pharmaceutical industry research benefiting patients and clinicians nationwide. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Patients better outcomes trials access Ireland lags European trial numbers Drug savings inward investment benefits Oversight Group recommendations KPI targets Mindset shift trial access right GUEST DETAILS Host: Dr Ciara Kelly hosts this episode exploring the value of cancer trials for Ireland's healthcare system and patients. Guests: Angela Clayton-Lea is CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland leading organisation mission to increase clinical trial access nationwide. Denis Naughten is former Minister and TD with longstanding interest in health research and innovation policy. Dr Rebecca Cramp is Director of Code and Regulatory Affairs at Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association representing industry investment perspective. Together they bring comprehensive expertise spanning patient advocacy, political implementation, and pharmaceutical industry collaboration. QUOTES Patients do better on a cancer trial, gaining access to cutting-edge new drugs, more monitoring, and better outcomes overall due to higher institutional standards - Angela Clayton-Lea. The sector has benefited from Cancer Trials Ireland streamlining the application process, but the lack of electronic health care records makes it difficult to make an economic case for investment - Denis Naughten. Clinical trials result in a significant saving to hospitals and attract the best clinicians in the world to Ireland, provided there is the right investment - Dr. Rebecca Cramp. Ireland has only 117 trials open, far fewer than comparable nations like Denmark (385), despite having an excellent calibre of clinicians - Angela Clayton-Lea. MORE INFORMATION Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Discover more at cancertrials.ie KEYWORDS Cancer trials, clinical trials, Ireland, patient outcomes, drug savings, inward investment, radiotherapy, government investment, pharma industry, research and development, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   10 Dec 2025

   Cancer Trials: Patient Stories

   The cancer diagnosis is a sudden shock that throws your future into question, leaving you desperate for the best possible treatment options and clear answers on what comes next. Exploring cancer clinical trials offers a path beyond the standard of care, providing access to the newest scientific treatments and an intensive level of patient oversight. This episode shares the raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful experiences of three patients who made the decision to take part in cancer trials, detailing everything from the informed consent process to managing complex side effects and the significant commitment involved. Joining Head of Communications Ken Rogan are Anne Bodley, a breast cancer survivor who went on a preventative trial; Seamus Cotter, a stage four lung cancer patient whose trial offered a vital lifeline; and Jed van der Poel, who is currently in remission from high-risk multiple myeloma thanks to his trial treatment. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Real-life cancer diagnosis and trial path Informed consent and making the decision Extra care and intensive patient monitoring Managing side effects and emergency care Paving the way for future treatments GUEST DETAILS Anne Bodley, Seamus Cotter, and Jed van der Poel are current and former participants in cancer clinical trials in Ireland. Anne Bodley's experience was with a preventative breast cancer trial, while Seamus Cotter, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, successfully completed an immunotherapy trial. Jed van der Poel is on a lifetime trial commitment for incurable multiple myeloma. All three share their unique journeys, highlighting the benefits of clinical trials and providing an invaluable patient perspective on the process, commitment, and outcomes. MORE INFORMATION Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials. Discover more at cancertrials.ie KEYWORDS #CancerTrials #ClinicalTrials #Immunotherapy #CancerResearch #PatientExperience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   17 Dec 2024

   The Urgency of Clinical Trials and GDPR Delays

   Patient advocate Patrick Kilvahan, Senior Counsel Paul Egan, and ICON President Rose Kidd discuss how GDPR delays impact clinical trial timelines in Ireland, potentially costing lives, in an interview about systemic changes.

7. 

   10 Dec 2024

   Increasing the Pace of Cancer Trials Access

   Cancer Trials Ireland's Angela Clayton-Lea and Olivia McLoughlin discuss strategies to accelerate cancer trial access in Ireland by streamlining procedures and improving efficiency within regulatory requirements in this interview.

8. 

   3 Dec 2024

   Changing The World From Ireland

   Professor Gerry Hanna and Professor Michaela Higgins discuss their experiences and research in cancer trials, highlighting Ireland's unique contributions to the field in this interview.

9. 

   25 Nov 2024

   Making Cancer A Priority for The Next Government

   Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, discusses the importance of prioritizing cancer care, advocacy, and clinical trials in the upcoming Irish general election, highlighting patient-led initiatives and the need for improved access to treatments in this interview.

10. 

    27 Sept 2023

    Learnings from NCI-MATCH

    GI medical oncologist Peter J. O’Dwyer MD, discusses key learnings from the NCI-MATCH precision medicine cancer trial, including genomics and implications for future cancer treatments in this interview.

11. 

    30 Aug 2023

    Working with Cancer Trials Ireland

    CEO Eibhlín Mulroe shares her career journey at Cancer Trials Ireland, discussing the organization's values, challenges, and the impact of cancer research in Ireland in this interview.

12. 

    24 Aug 2023

    Molecular Tumour Board

    Medical Oncologist Dr. Dearbhaile Collins, Patient Representative Tanya Knott, and Coordinator Claire Bermingham discuss how the Molecular Tumour Board works and its successes with patients in this interview episode.

13. 

    8 Aug 2023

    Pancreatic Cancer

    Dr. Grainne O’Kane and Frances Crowley discuss pancreatic cancer's challenges, research advancements, and patient advocacy, highlighting the importance of fundraising and patient involvement in research; this is an interview.

14. 

    22 Dec 2021

    PPI from an Investigator’s Perspective

    Professor Sean Dinneen discusses public and patient involvement in research with Eibhlín Mulroe, highlighting how patients act as co-researchers and co-investigators in achieving research goals in this interview.

15. 

    14 Dec 2021

    Pancreatic cancer & uses of the Pat Smullen Fund

    Professor Austin Duffy discusses the complexities of pancreatic cancer treatment and how the Pat Smullen Fund supports innovative studies like PATCH, while Anna Shevlin details the fund's broader impact on pancreatic cancer research; this is an interview.

16. 

    9 Dec 2021

    The HSE National Framework for the Governance, Management and Support of Health Research

    Eibhlín Mulroe interviews Dr. Ana Terrés about the HSE National Framework for the Governance, Management and Support of Health Research, highlighting its impact on health research in Ireland.

Who has been a guest on The Cancer Trials Ireland Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Patrick Kilvahan
• Paul Egan
• Rose Kidd
• Professor Gerry Hanna
• Professor Michaela Higgins

Contact The Cancer Trials Ireland Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.