More than 1.000 patients participating in Anticancer Fund clinical trials

Brussels, Belgium — The Anticancer Fund announces that more than 1.000 patients are now enrolled in its clinical trials, a symbolic milestone. Across 7 ongoing studies in 31 countries, a total of exactly 1.010 patients are actively contributing to cancer research.

Did you know that James Lind, a Scottish physician, conducted the first recorded clinical trial? As a surgeon of the Royal Navy, he launched an experiment on scurvy in 1747 aboard the HMS Salisbury, in the Bay of Biscay. He developed the theory that citrus fruit cured scurvy. His trial started on May 20, which is now recognized as International Clinical Trials Day.

Today, on International Clinical Trials Day, the Anticancer Fund supports 7 active clinical trials, conducted in collaboration with 190 health centres and hospitals across 31 countries. The 7 active trials, involving 1.010 patients, collectively address 7 different cancer types. 2 studies focus on paediatric cancers.

The studies are taking place in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle-East, Canada and North-America. The multi-country trials underline the commitment of our foundation to international research and patient diversity. Our international action leads to stronger evidence and findings which are more universally applicable. Moreover, it is demonstrated that it increases the research effiency.

Smarter use of existing treatments

The Anticancer Fund invests in clinical research that looks beyond new drug development. Its studies explore:

• Repurposing existing medicines for new uses in oncology.
• Combining different treatment modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, and drug therapy.
• Optimising drug dosages to improve outcomes while reducing side effects.

“Our ultimate goal is to offer patients better treatment options by prioritising creative thinking, scientific rigour and patient relevance. Crossing the 1.000-patient threshold proves that independent, patient-driven cancer research is making an impact,” says Dr. Gauthier Bouche, Director of Clinical Research at the Anticancer Fund.

Changing lives with new solutions

Among the 7 active trials, one particular example is STRASS 2, a phase III study evaluating the potential benefits of chemotherapy before surgery in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. 250 patients are now participating to this study in Europe, Australia, Canada and North-America.

“By joining this trial, patients are helping to improve treatment for rare cancer. They don’t know if it will benefit them personally, and it takes a lot of courage to take that step without certainty. Many participate selflessly, hoping to make a difference for future patients. I find that truly admirable”, adds Gauthier Bouche.

Future-proof research

The Anticancer Fund plans to enrol more patients in the 7 trials in the near future, and 3 additional trials for patients with rare cancers are in preparation.

1.010 patients participating in Anticancer Fund-supported trials

7 ongoing clinical trials

2 paediatric studies included

trials targeting 7 different cancer types

conducted in 190 health centres and hospitals

across 31 countries

3 new trials for rare cancers in preparation