David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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562. To ask the Minister for Health the number of cancer patients accessing clinical trials; the performance in terms of the percentage of patients accessing clinical trials compared to key performance indicator targets set previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41155/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Based on data from Cancer Trials Ireland (CTI) the proportion of patients on cancer therapeutic clinical trials was 3% in 2017.  It is a key performance indicator of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 that this be increased to 6%.

A number of agencies are endeavouring to establish the total number (and the %) of patients on cancer therapeutic clinical trials.  When it is fully rolled out, the National Cancer Information System, which is being introduced on a phased basis to all public hospitals providing cancer services, will capture this information.  However, the roll-out will take a number of years.

Cancer diagnostic and treatment  services continued throughout the Covid pandemic in line with Government prioritisation.  However, the number of people coming forward decreased significantly in mid-March to May due to the fears in regard to Covid, and the reaction of people to restrictions in place at that time.  While numbers have recovered since, Covid is also likely to have impacted on the number of patients on clinical trials this year.