Clinical Trials Unit

The Clinical Trials Unit in St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network was established in 2002 and is supported on an ongoing basis with funding from the Health Research Board and St. Luke’s Institute of Cancer Research.

The Clinical Trials Unit is a multidisciplinary team led by Prof. John Armstrong, Consultant Radiation Oncologist & Director of Research.

It’s key focus is on radiation therapy based research. In the last 10-15 years the development of radiation therapy technology has fundamentally changed the way in which radiation therapy is planned and delivered.

As the largest centre for radiation therapy in the country, the Clinical Trials Unit’s main priority is to direct and co-ordinate the use of this technology for the benefit of our patients on the basis of sound evidence. Radiation oncology clinical trials offer patients an opportunity to access new technologies and treatments that may not otherwise be available in routine practice.

We recognise the importance of collaborative research. In recent years, a number of our clinical trials have been designed to include a translational research component. This translational research is funded by St. Luke’s Institute of Cancer Research. Current collaborative links include University College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Technological University Dublin.

The Clinical Trials Unit co-ordinates and manages all approved clinical trials taking place in St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network and ensures that they are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP). GCP is a set of internationally recognised ethical and scientific quality requirements that must be followed when designing, conducting, recording and reporting clinical trials involving human participants. In addition, the Clinical Trials Unit provides core administrative services including data management, statistical support, trial development support, publication preparation, etc.