The NCRI Gynaecological Group identified their strategic priorities in September 2022 to address challenges faced in gynaecological cancer research and to ultimately improve outcomes for gynaecological cancer patients with currently unmet needs.
NCRI Gynaecological Group strategic priorities 2023-2026
Early Detection
Earlier detection of cancer is vital to improving overall survival and an integrated multidisciplinary approach is essential to ensure that research is rapidly translated into patient benefit. This strategic area aims to identify the key areas of need and improve the outcomes of gynaecological cancer patients.
Personalised Medicine
A key aim of the NCRI Gynaecological Group is to develop trials that incorporate clinical and translational endpoints to facilitate the development of predictive biomarkers/companion diagnostic tests that can identify those patients who are most likely to benefit and spare others the toxicity of treatment. When developing such tests, the following areas should be considered:
- Study design including window, neoadjuvant trials and umbrella designs.
- Improved understanding of tumour microenvironment.
- Role of combination therapy/multi-modality treatment approach.
- Predictive biomarkers development.
- Use of Imaging endpoints.
- Role of AI.
- Ensure equitable access to clinical trials for diverse social and ethnic groups.
- Consider the role of real-world treatment evaluations/comparisons with phase III trial outcomes.
Rare Cancer: Vulval Cancer
Vulval cancer is a relatively rare disease and historically there have been limited academic/commercial interventional trials conducted. Vulval cancer remains an area of significant need, which this priority will seek to address.
Improve wellbeing in women undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancers
Patient centred research to improve symptom management and well-being following treatment for a gynaecological cancer is a key focus. This working group will review the outcomes from the Living With and Beyond (LWBC) James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership (PSP), as well as opinions of NCRI Consumers and NCRI Partners and set priorities for improving living with and beyond gynaecological cancers.