Director: Tim Maugham

The Wales Cancer Trials Network (WCTN) was established in 1998 with the objective of increasing clinical trials activity in Cancer Centres and Units across Wales. The strategy for stimulating activity is to provide cancer teams with specialist research nurses and data managers to increase trial recruitment, set up new trials locally and involve new investigators. Seven local clinical trials offices have been supported across the Principality. Local trials staff are supported by a co-ordinating office which manages WCTN staff, allocates resources, co-ordinates problem solving, and provides regional trials services for Wales such as randomisation line and statistical support.

The WCTN supports a portfolio of over 50 non-sponsored cancer trials across Wales and a network of trialists in oncology, haematology and surgery in order to sustain and increase patient accrual. A crucial factor in sustaining trial activity is the development of a research culture in the cancer service in Wales. The WCTN aims to make clinical research a much more routine and acceptable part of NHS care and to play a role in facilitating translational research by maintaining close links between clinicians and scientists in Wales.