On International Clinical Trials Day, Cure Leukaemia celebrates the life-saving difference that clinical trials make to people living with blood cancer through its funding of the Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) – a pioneering national network of clinical research centres enabling access to novel treatments across the UK.

The TAP network currently spans 15 leading centres, connecting patients to cutting-edge treatments, within clinical trials, regardless of where they live. The programme, funded by Cure Leukaemia, has significantly accelerated the delivery of clinical trials, transforming how blood cancer research is translated into real-world therapies.

Professor Chris Fox, Consultant Haematologist in Nottingham and Lead Clinical Investigator of the PRiZM+ trial commented:

“Clinical trials are the essential link between the lab and the patient. They offer access to innovative treatments and provide hope, especially for patients with rare or hard-to-treat blood cancers. Cure Leukaemia’s support for the TAP Network ensures that we can continue driving progress and improving outcomes across the country.”

Spotlight on Four Groundbreaking TAP Trials

On this year’s International Clinical Trials Day, Cure Leukaemia is proud to highlight four vital clinical trials that are being delivered through the TAP Network, showcasing both the scope and scale of the programme:

  • STELLAR – A Phase 2 randomised trial for adults with Richter’s syndrome, a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. The STELLAR trial is the first randomised trial for Richter’s syndrome in the UK, and it demonstrates the nation’s growing ability to run trials in rare diseases. The study also includes crucial translational research that will help tailor future therapies.
  • PRiZM+ – This pioneering Phase 2 platform trial is evaluating Zanubrutinib therapy in adults with relapsed brain lymphoma. In the first year, 20 patients with this rare and aggressive blood cancer were recruited, with first results due to be presented at an international conference next month. Later this year, recruitment will re-commence for a further 20 patients using a world-first three-drug combination, offering long-term hope for those facing limited treatment options.
  • AMMO – One of the TAP Network’s highest recruiting studies, AMMO trial tests a new drug in treating and extending the lives of patients with a rare bone marrow cancer, where treatment options are very limited. The treatment can be taken orally at home, making it much more convenient for patients. The trial has just concluded and results are expected to be published at the end of 2025.
  • Fedora – Focused on patients with Myelofibrosis, the Fedora trial is tackling a critical area of unmet need, gathering information about whether a combination of treatments is tolerated, and whether it provides a therapeutic benefit to patients. The FEDORA Trial has now completed recruitment, with results expected to be published soon.

Jonathan, a Fedora trial participant recruited in Cardiff, shared:

“Being part of the Fedora trial gave me access to a treatment I wouldn’t otherwise have had. For patients like me, clinical trials aren’t just research – they’re a lifeline. I’m grateful for the chance it’s given me”.

Together, the TAP network trials have recruited hundreds of patients from across the UK, delivering immediate benefit to those involved and laying the groundwork for new therapies to be adopted into standard care, potentially transforming the lives of thousands more.

Cure Leukaemia’s work in funding the TAP Network and the vital roles of specialist clinical research nurses ensures that patients across the UK have access to world-class trials and potentially life-saving treatments. With continued support, we can bring more trials online, for more patients, in more locations.

This International Clinical Trials Day, support Cure Leukaemia and help accelerate the future of blood cancer treatment.