Today is Clinical Trials Day- an opportunity to recognise the vital role that research plays in improving outcomes for children and young people living with cancer.
The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity is proud to fund one of the Paediatric Clinical Oncology and Haematology Research Nurse roles within the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Meet Alana Sharpe
Alana is a familiar face to many families within the Children’s Haematology Unit Belfast. Having worked in the Unit for many years, her current role helps ensure children and young people have safe and equitable access to clinical trials and innovative treatments, while supporting families throughout every stage of their journey.
Working as part of a team of four research nurses, Alana helps co-ordinate and deliver clinical trials for children and young people receiving treatment both on the ward and in clinic.
She explained:
“My role involves recruiting patients where appropriate, obtaining the relevant consents and ensuring their safety remains a priority while patients receive their trial treatment,”
Alongside monitoring patient safety and collecting important study data, Alana also carries out biological sampling for studies and biobanking, processes samples for analysis, and works closely with multidisciplinary teams in Belfast and national centres involved in paediatric oncology research.
No two days are ever the same.
“My diary is planned in advance, so I’ll know what patients are attending and what bloodwork or interventions are needed,” Alana said.
“As a team, we monitor for patients who are admitted unexpectedly and complete relevant safety documentation.”
She also attends weekly multidisciplinary meetings where potential referral opportunities for open studies are discussed, helping to identify children who may benefit from participation in research.
Driving Progress
Clinical trials remain one of the most important drivers of progress in childhood cancer care.
“Research and clinical trials are the main reason that childhood cancer survival rates have improved so vastly over the last few decades,” Alana explained.
“Doctors and researchers are continually trialling better treatments and carefully designed studies. Children’s cancer is different from adult cancer and cannot be treated in the same way. Child-specific studies are needed to understand how cancer behaves in children and young people’s bodies.”
Personalised approach to treatment
Many studies shaping childhood cancer care across the UK and Ireland are now exploring more personalised approaches to treatment through advanced molecular and genetic testing.
“These therapies can be tailored to each individual, depending on their molecular and genetic results,” Alana said.
“Precision treatments may eventually reduce exposure to unnecessary chemotherapy or radiation, lowering the risk of long-term side effects while still treating the cancer effectively.”
Research teams are also increasingly using circulating tumour DNA analysis- a blood test that measures tiny fragments of tumour DNA released into the bloodstream by cancer cells.
Researchers hope this could eventually help clinicians monitor disease more closely and even detect relapse earlier, often before symptoms appear.
While research and innovation are central to her role, Alana says supporting children and families remains at the heart of everything she does.
“My role supports children and their families in a number of ways,” she said.
“I break down information and help to explain exactly what a clinical trial or study will involve, including the treatment plan, interventions, potential risks and benefits, and what tests and procedures are involved.”
Together with the wider medical and research teams, Alana ensures families receive clear written information as well as child-friendly resources to help them make informed decisions about taking part in studies.
“Families are always given plenty of time to read and review the information and I will check in regularly with them to answer any questions or queries and ensure they understand everything,” she said.
“The choice to participate is entirely up to the patient and their family.”
Throughout treatment, research nurses remain a consistent point of contact for families, helping to co-ordinate care, monitor side effects and provide reassurance during an incredibly challenging time.
For Alana, the inspiration behind the work is simple.
“I am inspired by the courage and resilience the children and young people show during their treatment journey,” she said.
“I’m proud that the work I’m doing today will improve outcomes for many children in the future.”
On Clinical Trials Day, the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity is proud to support research roles that continue to improve patient experience, promote equity of access, and advance excellence in children’s cancer care in Northern Ireland.
