STAMPEDE - Landmark Prostate Cancer trial

The STAMPEDE trial has played a major role in transforming prostate cancer treatment since it began in 2004. Led in part by Professor Noel Clarke at The Christie, the study introduced an innovative multi‑arm, multi‑stage trial design that allowed several treatment options to be tested simultaneously. One of its most significant findings demonstrated the effectiveness of abiraterone, a hormone therapy taken as a tablet.

The research showed that two years of treatment with abiraterone could halve the chance of prostate cancer returning and reduce the risk of death by 40%, offering life‑changing benefits for patients and their families. These results contributed to the therapy’s approval for routine NHS use, meaning around 8,000 additional men each year will now have access to this treatment. Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust contributed to this important work by recruiting 89 participants and supporting their follow‑up throughout the trial period.

Carolyn Mansfield, Karen Hillyer and Annabel Plumb from the Surgery & Cancer Research Team

New Clinical Research Unit

Leighton Hospital now has its first dedicated space for clinical research.  Funded by the Clinical Research Network North West Coast, the old GP hot-hub portacabin outside ward 7 has being refurbished to provide a clinic room for research participants.

The unit was opened by the Chief Medical Officer, Clare Hammell, on 8th October 2024.

We have already used the unit to see research participants for trials in CCICP, Women's Health and Cancer research.