What is a Principle Investigator?

Being a PI in drug development is like living in the future of oncology care! 

As PI you have the real possibility to make a significant impact on the next generation treatments and ultimately on people lives. As PI you have the opportunity to offer your patients a potentially effective new treatment and an extra option of care beyond what is already available, but also you actively contribute in the development of future standards of care. I enjoy the impact that my role may have on the future of cancer treatments and also the responsibility that comes with the role. 

Because the trial may be the very first opportunity to receive a new drug or a new combination of drugs that might help controlling the cancer and possibly prolong life. Patients are offered clinical trials that have a robust rational as possible active treatment for their disease. We often match patients with trials that may target a weakness of the tumour based on their individual cancers characteristics.

For some patients a clinical trial may represent an alternative treatment option, but for some patients there are no other treatment options available as standard of care, and if these patients are very fit and well it is very frustrating not being able to try anything else. Many patients join clinical trials with the knowledge that this may benefit future patients as well as themselves and this is why I feel each of our trial patients are Principal Investigators! 

Safety is paramount for any clinical trial. To be enrolled in a clinical trial  patients need to fulfil a strict criteria. Clinical trials are regulated by stringent protocols that are in place and regularly reviewed and updated to make sure we take all the steps we can to minimise the risks. 

Of course, any trial or treatment comes with risks and this is why we work in a dedicated clinical research facility with highly trained staff. Our patients are frequently monitored with scans, bloods and clinic visits to ensure their safety.

I would always promote discussing clinical trial options with your oncologist because your doctor because they will be able to advise whether a trial is advisable for your cancer. At Sarah Cannon we have a wide network of clinicians enquiring all the time if trials are available for their patients and we keep the network very well informed. Patients might also find information from charities or websites, however I would always advise visiting reputable websites to ensure patients are not misinformed. We also have an enquiries email on our website open to anyone so we can help with the next steps.

The most rewarding part of my role is to be able to offer a patient a new treatment option and see the benefit that can bring. This benefit may be their disease shrinking, prolonging their life or improving their quality of life. 

Alongside this, it is incredible to be able to shape the development of a new drug, being able to match the drug with the right patient and finding more optimal doses and treatment schedule. Being able to think about what is the next step for that piece of research that you have contributed too, to design the next clinical trial that can really make an impact on people lives.