In recent years, if not decades, cancer research has developed enormously. The goal was, is and remains to better understand the disease "cancer" in order to be able to make more accurate diagnoses based on this understanding and subsequently develop better and more targeted therapies. Therapies that can improve and prolong the lives of patients or even cure cancer. Research involves studies. And this is exactly where patient participation in research comes in. By being involved as early as the study development stage and later in the study design and implementation, patients bring an additional perspective with their experience and knowledge, which can provide important impetus.
With the launch of One NCT in February 2023, patients will be involved in research as research partners in a structured and permanent way for the first time in Germany. Patients are involved in all phases of a research project - from the initial question to the final discussion of the results. They contribute their own experiences as well as additional perspectives on important issues. How can study protocols be implemented and how attractive are they? How comprehensible are study documents? Which research topics are important to us patients?
Against this background
- the members of the Patient Research Council NCT Heidelberg support researchers and physicians in the development of clinical trials
- the Patient Research Council represents the patient perspective in NCT decision-making bodies, working groups and events.
The NCT Patient Expert Academy (NCT PEAK) provides members with an educational program that is understandable to laypersons and offers an excellent opportunity to acquire knowledge about the basic principles of studies and science at various levels. The training program is available free of charge to all interested patients, including those outside the committee.
