Our cancer clinical research groups

We support cancer clinical research groups that work together to shape high‑quality research and improve care and outcomes for people living with cancer.

Working together to improve cancer research

We are hosting and supporting three cancer clinical research groups on behalf of the UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research (UKCCCR, also known as the UK3CR). These groups will bring together experts, people with lived experience, and partners from across the UK to help shape the future of cancer research.

The three groups have been established for many years and were previously supported by the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) before its closure in 2023. Following this closure, charities and partners worked together to ensure continuity, leading to the creation of the UKCCCR. Macmillan is part of UKCCCR and is helping to sustain this work and strengthen collaboration across the sector.

As part of UKCCCR, we work to make sure that everyone living with cancer can benefit from high quality, meaningful research that improves care, experience and outcomes.

What we aim to do

Increase access to clinical trials

We aim to make clinical trials more accessible by:

  • developing new, high quality research studies for funding
  • supporting the delivery of UK and international trials across the UK

Learn more about cancer clinical trials.

Drive research that changes practice

Our groups generate evidence that improves cancer treatment, care pathways and quality of life.

Strengthen collaboration across the sector

We work closely with NHS partners, universities, charities and people affected by cancer to build a connected and sustainable research community.

Our research groups

Join a research group


If you want to join a study group or working group, please contact the relevant group lead 

Screening, Prevention and Early Detection (SPED) research group

 

The Screening, Prevention and Early Detection (SPED) Research Group is a multidisciplinary leadership forum that develops and drives a national research agenda focused on improving cancer outcomes through earlier detection and prevention.

Our overarching aim is to design, deliver, and support high quality research that strengthens cancer screening, advances early diagnostic approaches, and improves understanding of cancer risk. 

SPED contributes to a broad portfolio of research spanning screening, early detection technologies, diagnostic pathways, and behavioural science, and continues to support the development of national capability in early cancer detection research.

Working with a wide range of stakeholders across healthcare and research, including international initiatives such as the International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED), SPED fosters a coordinated and sustainable community focused on identifying cancers earlier and reducing inequalities in outcomes.

Structure and governance

The SPED group is chaired by Professor Peter Sasieni.

Clinical and Translational Radiotherapy (CT-RAD) research group

 

The Clinical and Translational Radiotherapy Research Group (CT-RAD) is a multidisciplinary leadership forum that develops and drives a national research agenda focused on improving radiotherapy science, practice, and outcomes.

Our overarching aim is to design, deliver, and support high quality radiotherapy trials that enhance treatment effectiveness, patient experience, and long term outcomes. CT-RAD has shaped a broad portfolio of innovative radiotherapy studies and continues to strengthen national capability in radiotherapy research. 

CT-RAD also provides national leadership for proton beam therapy (PBT) research, offering strategic guidance to ensure the development of robust, patient focused PBT clinical trials as UK capability expands. Working with vast groups of stakeholders across within healthcare and research, CT-RAD fosters a cohesive, sustainable community dedicated to advancing UK radiotherapy research.

Structure and governance

The CT-RAD Steering Committee sets the strategy and has oversight of the group’s activity.

It comprises of:

  • Professor Robert Huddart (Chair)
  • Professor Emma Hall (Workstream 2 Chair - Clinical trials)
  • Professor Chris Nutting (Workstream 4 Chair - Proton steering group)
  • Dr James Good (Workstream 3 Co-chair - Technology)
  • Professor Jonathan Wadsley (Workstream 3 Co-chair - Technology)
  • Dr Navita Somaiah (Workstream 1 Chair - Translational group)
  • Professor Neil Burnet
  • Richard Stephens (Patient Representative)

 

Living With and Beyond Cancer (LWBC) research group

 

The Living With and Beyond Cancer (LWBC) research group is a multidisciplinary leadership forum that sets and drives a research agenda focused on the impact of cancer and its treatment throughout the whole cancer journey.

The group provides strategic oversight of the LWBC clinical research portfolio, identifies priority areas, offers methodological guidance, and creates a platform for collaboration and capacity building across national and international partners, including learned societies and, where appropriate, industry.

Patient representatives are key and equal partners within the group’s leadership and governance. 

Our overarching aim is to design, deliver, and disseminate research that improves support, care, outcomes, and quality of life from diagnosis, through treatment, for people living with indolent or advanced disease, and into palliative/supportive and end of life care.

Strategic priorities are reviewed regularly, with the UK Top 10 LWBC research priorities forming a core reference point.

Structure and governance

The LWBC Steering Committee sets the strategy and has oversight of the group’s activity.

It comprises of:

  • Professor Galina Velikova (Chair) 
  • Richard Stephens (Co-chair & Patient Representative)

The LWBC Research Group has several study groups that develop research in areas of strategic need.

How this fits with Macmillan’s wider research

Alongside our work with clinical research groups, we carry out wider research to understand the experiences and needs of people living with cancer.

This includes:

  • researching cancer experience across the UK
  • estimating cancer prevalence and how it’s changing
  • analysing the cancer workforce
  • evaluating services and conducting primary research

Learn more about our research.