HHTU News Roundup
Trial manager presents to UKCRC Trial Manager Operations Group
Trial manager Matthew Northgraves presented at the UKCRC (UK Clinical Research Collaboration) trial manager operations group ‘Insights for Trial Managers from around the Network’ webinar on the 26th March 2025. With around 100 people in attendance from across the UKCRC network, it was great to see some of the Trials Unit’s methodological work presented more widely.
HHTU Director presents for International Women’s Day
As a part of the Hull York Medical School celebrations for International Women’s Day, the director of HHTU, Professor Judith Cohen, presented on empowering women in clinical research and paving the path to leadership and inclusion.
Professor Cohen detailed her own career journey, from her A Levels in science and maths to Director of HHTU and Co-Lead of the new NIHR Centre for Addictions and Mental Health Research.
Her interesting presentation discussed gender stereotypes and biases leading to women and girls being discouraged from pursuing careers in clinical research and highlighted the positive action that can be taken to address this gender gap. These include, engaging girls into science subjects from an early age, creating inclusive workplaces, providing mentorship opportunities and increasing women’s participation in clinical trials.
Important findings from a DSH project
Dr Ben Pickwell-Smith has used the University of Hull Data Safe Haven (which is managed by Hull Health Trials Unit) to carry out analysis needed for his PhD. His study was looking at whether there are socio-economic inequalities in the diagnosis and treatment of colon and ovarian cancer in England. To do this a successful application was made through the very strict DARs process. This process ensures that we meet very detailed data governance standards and can demonstrate we are able to look after sensitive data. In this study the dataset linked cancer diagnosis information from the National Disease Registration Service (formally National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service) and Hospital Episode Statistics (information about when a person visits hospital) from NHS England (formally NHS Digital) between 2016-2017.
Ben’s research has found that women living in the most disadvantaged areas of the country were 32% less likely to receive surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer compared to those from more affluent areas. Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatments used in the care of people with ovarian cancer, and those who receive them are more likely to survive. You can read more about Ben’s results in a recent Hull York Medical School article here and read the paper published in Cancer Epidemiology here.
The Data Safe Haven are available to assist with applications to data providers such as NHS England or the National Disease Registration Service. You can email us on DSH@hull.ac.uk to ask any questions or visit out website https://datasafehaven.hull.ac.uk/ for more information.
BREEZE 2 has the greenlight
BREEZE 2 study is investigating a complex, non-pharmacological intervention in adults with pulmonary fibrosis and chronic breathlessness. This intervention includes the use of a handheld fan (provided to patients in this study), breathing control techniques, exercises and activities, managing thoughts about breathlessness and relaxation techniques. The study has gained greenlight this month which means it can start the process of opening it’s 15 sites across the UK.
Other March project headlines:
1 site SIV and 1 Pharmacy SIV were held.
2 SIVs held.
4 site intervention training sessions completed.
5 GP practices randomised. Only 1 more to go.
Both sites in STARLIT 3 are open to recruitment.
21 participants recruited.
Scarborough site has opened for recruitment.