Scottish Cancer Research Network (SCRN)

The Scottish Cancer Research Network (SCRN) is an initiative supported by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government to increase, support and sustain clinical trial activity in cancer care in partnership with the UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC). Initial targets for the SCRN included increasing the overall recruitment of cancer patients to clinical trials. This has been achieved by improving the supportive research infrastructure in NHS Cancer Services in Scotland.
In 2008 the Scottish Government set out new targets for the NHS in Better Cancer Care, An Action Plan of recruiting 13.9% of cancer patients to clinical research. At the national meeting in 2009, the SCRN identified additional national future objectives:

• Breadth of portfolio Support recruitment to a range of trials, not just common cancers
• Randomised Controlled Trial focus Support recruitment to therapy trials.
• Translational research Work in partnership with the Experimental Cancer Medicine Network (ECMC) or equivalent
• Equity of access To facilitate access to clinical trials outside the main Cancer Centres

The SCRN is divided into four regions: the North, East, South-East and the West. Each region has a Clinical Lead and a Network Manager to direct their regional trial portfolio and research teams. The clinical research supported by the SCRN is peer reviewed, quality research and for the most part from the National Cancer Research Institute clinical trial portfolio