Clinical Trials Roundtable: Empowering Conversations

At the recent Brighton and South East Breast Study Day, oncologists and nurses came together for an in-depth Clinical Trials Roundtable, designed to open up honest discussion around the realities of clinical trial access for people living with secondary breast cancer.

This interactive session, hosted by Make 2nds Count, created a safe space for healthcare professionals to share challenges, reflect on experiences, and explore how we can collectively improve patient access to research opportunities.

Why this roundtable matters

Forming the basis of discussion was the landmark study “A Little Bit Written Off”, which captured the views of 768 patients with secondary breast cancer. The findings were stark:

• Only 23% of oncologists had raised clinical trials as an option with patients.

• Just 32% of patients had raised the subject with their clinicians

• The vast majority of patients wanted to hear about trials directly from a trusted healthcare professional.

• Only 39% of patients felt very involved in decisions about their treatment.

Patient voices in the report highlighted widespread misconceptions about trials: fears of being treated as “guinea pigs”, concerns about placebos, and the belief that trials are only a “last resort”.

How the session worked

The roundtable, facilitated by Lead Clinical Trials Nurse Melanie Tolson, with 28 years oncology experience (including 20 years dedicated to breast research), and Corinne McDougall, Clinical Trials Coordinator, was guided by six structured discussion points, covering:

1. Barriers to accessing information and joining trials.

2. Whether national recruitment figures reflect local experience.
   

3. Why trial discussions are not always raised in clinic.
   

4. Tools needed to support trial conversations.
   

5. Challenges in referring patients to out-of-area trials.
   

6. Cultural barriers faced by patients when considering a trial.

Every voice was welcomed, every perspective valued, and contributions recorded anonymously.

Key benefits for healthcare professionals

• Practical insight: Participants could openly share the obstacles they face day to day, from limited trial availability to time pressures in clinic.

• Peer learning: The roundtable format encouraged oncologists and nurses to learn from each other’s local approaches.
  

• Action-oriented: The charity committed to listening and identifying concrete ways to support professionals and patients - whether through resources, advocacy, or education.

• Safe environment: By removing judgement and ensuring anonymity, the session created the freedom to discuss sensitive issues honestly.

What’s next?

This roundtable isn’t just a one-off, it’s part of a wider conversation on the clinical trials landscape in secondary breast cancer taking place across the UK. Interested in taking part? The session is available to be hosted at other breast cancer events for healthcare professionals. By attending, you’ll:

• Gain real-world insights from colleagues about clinical trial access.
  

• Help shape solutions that charities like Make 2nds Count can take forward.
  

• Contribute to improving the experience and outcomes of patients with secondary breast cancer.

If you’re organising a study day, conference, or professional meeting in breast oncology, get in touch with us by email to research@make2ndscount.co.uk. Together, we can break down barriers, shift perceptions, and ensure more patients have the opportunity to benefit from research.