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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 11h

Let’s brighten up your Wednesday with another #ProudestOf moment from our brilliant team at the Unit!

This week, we’re spotlighting Yath Yogeswaran, one of our fantastic Research Fellows and a medical statistician on the STAMPEDE2 trial.

Here's what Yath is #ProudestOf from his work at the Unit 👇

A card with a quote from Yath. It reads “I’m proudest of being part of the STAMPEDE2 prostate cancer trial from the ground up - opening a trial is never easy, but seeing it launch, and patients recruited for treatment has been incredibly rewarding. What made this possible, and what I value most about our Unit, is its collaborative spirit, colleagues coming together, supporting one another, and sharing their expertise to make a real difference for patients."

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 1d

🏆 Nominations for the Penta Brighter Future Award are open!

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate inspiring contributions to maternal and child health worldwide with @pentafoundation.bsky.social

🔗 Nominate someone making a difference: penta-id.org/bfa/

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 2d

Heading to #ESMO2025 in Berlin?

Make sure you catch the latest updates from our #ClinicalTrials in prostate, ovarian & kidney cancer, plus the STOPCAP meta-analysis.

Check out the full list of our posters & presentations in the image below 👇

@myesmo.bsky.social

Poster with the detailed schedule of presentations and posters from MRC CTU at UCL researchers at ESMO 2025.

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 7d

Halfway through the week and full of pride… It’s time for another #ProudestOf moment!

This week, we’re spotlighting Gabriela Toledo, one of our brilliant Post-doctoral Research Fellows. She shares how building a supportive and friendly network has made all the difference in her work.

A card with a quote from Gabriela Toledo. It reads “The thing I am proudest of is the collaborative and welcoming community we’ve built among statisticians and doctoral students. Whether it’s socials, stats chats, or the MRC CTU at UCL’s bake off, it’s a genuinely supportive and fun environment that makes work more connected and enjoyable!”

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 8d

💻 Come along to our next Capacity Strengthening Hub webinar with @tghn-news.bsky.social on “How to be a good trial statistician”.

🗓️ 13 October 2025
🕙 10:00-11:30 BST
📍 Online (Zoom)

Register now: lnkd.in/e4RYCqNU

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 14d

It’s time for another #ProudestOf Wednesday!

Today, we’re spotlighting Matteo Quartagno (@matteoq21.bsky.social), Principal Research Fellow, who’s advancing the field with innovative trial designs as part of our #Methodology research.

Here’s what Matteo is #ProudestOf from his work at the Unit 👇

A card with a quote from Matteo Quartagno. It reads “I’m proud to have contributed to the development of innovative trial designs that reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems while helping us identify better treatment strategies more efficiently. Approaches such as MAMS, PRACTical and ROCI have shown how trials can be more adaptive, resilient and impactful. What makes this even more rewarding is how receptive and engaged everyone involved in our trials – from clinicians and trial managers to data managers and research nurses – has been in embracing these innovations. Their commitment has turned methodology into practice, and I’m proud that together we are shaping research that will ultimately improve care for patients.”

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 20d

Continuing the legacy of #STAMPEDE in advancing #ProstateCancer care, we celebrate #UrologicalCancerAwarenessMonth by spotlighting STAMPEDE2.

This new trial explores 2 innovative treatments:
🔹 Targeted radiation
🔹 Nuclear medicine therapy
And plans to add some more.

🔗Learn more:

Home | Stampede2 Trial

buff.ly

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 21d

It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another #ProudestOf moment from our incredible team at the Unit!

This week, we spotlight Asiyya Tahsin, one of our fantastic research administrators and a member of our #PPI group.

We asked Asiyya what she’s #ProudestOf in her work at the Unit 👇

A card with a quote from Asiyya Tahsin. It reads “I’m most proud to have played a small role in supporting STAMPEDE, an astounding MAMS prostate cancer trial. Its adaptive design has since gained global popularity, inspiring similar trials worldwide. STAMPEDE was awarded the NIHR Impact Prize in March, a well-deserved recognition for a project that recruited nearly 12,000 patients and fast-tracked testing of 10 treatments in under two decades. Thanks to the patients and the dedicated team, STAMPEDE has influenced global treatment guidelines and changed clinical practice for prostate cancer multiple times. Its success has given rise to a new and exciting comeback, the STAMPEDE2 trial, which I’m also honoured to support.”

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 23d

To celebrate #UrologicalCancerAwarenessMonth, we look back at the many achievements of #STAMPEDE, the largest ever trial in advanced #ProstateCancer.

After 20 years and 12,000 participants, it has tested 10 different treatments and changed the standard-of-care 4 times.

Read more:

'25 at 25': Transforming prostate cancer treatment through the STAMPEDE clinical trial | MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL

12 Sep 2024

bit.ly

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 25d

To celebrate #WorldSepsisDay, we’re proud to share our work on NeoSep1, a groundbreaking #ClinicalTrial comparing multiple antibiotic regimens to treat babies with #sepsis.

🎧 This #TrialTalk episode explores NeoSep1's rationale and impact 👇

Neonatal infections (part 2): How the NeoSep1 trial will help treat sick newborns

Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening infection that affects up to 3 million babies per year globally. In an effort to identify better treatments, the NeoSep1 clinical trial evaluates new antibiotic

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 25d

Today is #SepsisAwarenessDay, a moment to recognise the urgent need for better treatments of #sepsis.

We're proud to lead the SNAP trial in the UK, investigating the best way to treat Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infections, a common cause of #sepsis.

🔗 Read more about SNAP: buff.ly/GEKw7ZM

SNAP | MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL

Which standard of care antibiotic intervention is the most effective?

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 27d

Last week was #WorldSexualHealthDay, a great time to spotlight our PROUD trial, which showed that daily PrEP can dramatically reduce #HIV infections among men who have sex with men. A game-changer in prevention, with lasting impact.

📽️ Watch the short video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXkR...

25 at 25: PROUD - preventing HIV infections

YouTube video by MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL

www.youtube.com

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 27d

#DADSPORT shows how collaboration can push aggregate data towards #IPD quality, but much quicker. Our #MetaAnalysis framework #JustFAMEIt has shown similar advantages in other projects, particularly if review can be designed & planned before trial results are known.
doi.org/10.1371/jour...

A framework for prospective, adaptive meta-analysis (FAME) of aggregate data from randomised trials

Jayne Tierney and coauthors discuss FAME, an approach for adaptive meta-analysis of data from randomised trials.

doi.org

MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 27d

#DADSPORT results were based on ≥95% of eligible pts. Pre-agreed subgroup analyses were far more complete than if using published results alone. We also requested additional data to overcome trial nuances. Remember, this was not an #IPD review!
www.urotoday.com/recent-abstr...

Duration of Androgen Suppression with Postoperative Radiotherapy (DADSPORT) for Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer: A Collaborative Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Aggregate Data - Beyond the Abstra...

Prostate Cancer, Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer, DADSPORT trial, RADICALS-HD, NRG/RTOG 9601, Androgen Suppression, Androgen Suppression with Postoperative Radiotherapy for Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer...

www.urotoday.com

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 27d

Key strength of #DADSPORT was close collaboration with trial investigators, giving crucial insights, complete data & better interpretation. Most reviews rely on information from trial publications, risking reporting bias. By contrast, our protocol set out specific data items to be requested.

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 27d

Results showed minimal overall survival (OS) benefit (~2% at 8yrs), slightly higher in prostate cancer-specific & metastases-free survival (both ~8% at 8yrs), with no clear diff. between short- (≤6mo) & long-course (24mo) HT. OS benefits appear limited to pts with higher pre-RT PSA level or CAPRA-S.

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 27d

Do #ProstateCancer patients benefit from hormone therapy (HT) added to radiotherapy (RT) after surgery? To find out, the #DADSPORT collaborative #SystematicReview & #MetaAnalysis collected aggregate data from 5 eligible trials (4411 pts). @euplatinum.bsky.social
www.mrcctu.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-st...

DADSPORT meta-analysis results show hormone therapy can delay prostate cancer spread | MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL

www.mrcctu.ucl.ac.uk

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · 28d

Wednesdays are our #ProudestOf days at the Unit!

#ClinicalTrials are a true team effort, and each week we spotlight someone whose expertise makes it all possible.

This week, meet Angus Jennings, one of our Medical Statisticians.

We asked Angus what he’s #ProudestOf in his work at the Unit 👇

A card with a quote from Angus Jennins. It reads “I am proud of my contributions as part of the BREATHER Plus team, working to generate high-quality evidence that addresses critical questions for children and adolescents living with HIV across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly during such a critical time for global health funding”.

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · Sep 8

Yesterday marked #WorldRadiotherapyAwarenessDay, a moment to celebrate the life-saving impact of radiotherapy in #CancerCare. We're proud to spotlight ARCHERY, a novel study working to improve the radiotherapy planning pathway in low- & middle-income countries.

🔗More about ARCHERY: buff.ly/KWKe0yX

Bridging the access to radiotherapy gap with the ARCHERY Study | MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL

08 Sep 2025

www.mrcctu.ucl.ac.uk

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · Sep 3

Wednesday’s here, and so is our latest #ProudestOf moment!

This week, we’re celebrating Nav Kaur ‪@sikhmum.bsky.social‬, Executive Assistant to Prof Max Parmar.‬‬‬

Nav’s proudest achievement? Organising the first-ever event for Black History Month at the Unit.

A card with a quote from Nav Kaur. It reads, “I am proudest of introducing the Unit’s first-ever event for Black History Month in 2023. Without a budget, I drew on local resources and my own initiative, researching Black-owned businesses, highlighting the contributions of Black men and women in science, and curating films and articles. At the event, we created space for important discussions on white privilege, racism, lived experiences, and allyship. It was a very emotional and impactful moment. In 2024, we held a bigger event with speakers and contributions from Black colleagues who shared their journeys. I feel proud to have paved the way for this, helping ensure that Black history and the experiences of Black staff are recognised, valued, and celebrated within our community.”

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · Sep 1

September is #GynaecologicalCancerAwarenessMonth.

#OvarianCancer is the most devastating gynaecological cancer in the UK.

The UKCTOCS trial involved over 200,000 women to explore if screening could save lives, but it wasn’t without challenges.

🎧 Discover the insights in this #TrialTalk episode:

Lessons from UKCTOCS, a large-scale trial in ovarian cancer screening

UKCTOCS (UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening) is one of the largest screening trials in ovarian cancer. More than 200,000 women from England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in it,

buff.ly

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · Aug 27

It’s that time of the week again... Wednesday pride incoming!

Here’s this week’s #ProudestOf highlight from Aaron Horsey @aarononops.bsky.social‬, one of our enthusiastic Clinical Trial Managers at the Unit 👇

A card with a quote from Aaron Horsey, it reads “I'm proud of the work done by the Unit to bring novel treatments to patients as quickly as possible through challenging and innovative clinical trial designs. Studies like STAMPEDE2, which I am fortunate to support, build on this history of efficiently tackling complex problems and seek to carry the tradition forward well into the future.”

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · Aug 20

Midweek already? Let’s celebrate another #ProudestOf moment from our brilliant team at the Unit!

This week, we’re hearing from Annabelle South (@annabellesouth.bsky.social), Principal Research Fellow: Research Impact & Communication.

She reflects on what she’s #ProudestOf in her work at the Unit👇

A card with a quote from Annabelle South, it reads “The thing I’m proudest of in my own work at the Unit is the results of the Show RESPECT study (which looked at how to communicate results to trial participants) influencing HRA and trial funders’ guidance – this will hopefully help ensure that people who take part in trials get access to the results of those trials.”

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · Aug 15

🚴It’s #CycleToWorkDay!

Cycling to work is great for your health, the planet, and your wallet.

We’re celebrating the day with Aaron Horsey, a trial manager and #GreenImpact champion, who shares what his rush hour by bike looks like, both in pictures and in his own words.

@aarononops.bsky.social

Two photos of a park in London, with a cycling lane and a bike sign. Aaron quote reads as: "Commuting by bike means I get to avoid crowded trains and take a direct route through several parks. With my son on the back, he also gets to enjoy being outdoors and we have a great chat. It takes no longer than the tube, we always have a seat, and it saves money - even after the cycle to work payments."

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MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL @mrcctu.bsky.social · Aug 13

It’s Wednesday already… which means it’s time to share another #ProudestOf moment from our colleagues at the Unit.

This week, we hear from Isabella Jacques, one of our Data Managers.

Here’s what Isabella is #ProudestOf in her work at the Unit 👇

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