Clinical Trials and Research
Clinical Trials and Research – Seeking New Treatments for Sickle Cell
A clinical trial is research which looks at how effective and safe a treatment or medicine is. There have been very few treatment options for sickle cell in the last 50 years. We have been campaigning for a number of years to make more options available to people living with sickle cell. Through clinical trials a wider choice of safe and effective treatment for sickle cell will become available in the future but they need participants to make this happen. There are also research studies conducted in different organisations aimed at finding out more about living with sickle cell, so more support can be designed around people living with the condition. We encourage people to get fully involved.
Why take part in a clinical trial?
One of the main reasons you may want to take part in a clinical trial is to help further research and to be part of the process which leads to new medicine and treatment for sickle cell.
You can find out more about why you should take part in clinical trials and other information about the process here: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/
Clinical Trials and research studies in the UK
The list below provides information and links to a range of clinical trials and research studies for sickle cell in the UK. If you are looking to participate in a clinical trial, click on the links to find more information on what it will require from you, if you are eligible and if there are any risks.
Did you know that sickle cell disorder can affect the eyes?
The sickle eye project is looking for people with sickle cell disorder, to help improve their eye care and vision related quality of life. You can take part whether or not you have been experiencing problems with your vision.
Sickle cell disorder poses a threat to vision by damaging blood vessels in the eyes, a process called sickle cell retinopathy. At first, it quietly affects side vision, making early signs hard to notice. But if ignored, it can get worse and cause serious issues like bleeding or the retina detaching. Quick treatment is crucial at this point to prevent vision loss.
Information on how to get involved and a list of the hospitals taking part across England are here.
For more information on Clinical Trials visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-trials/
Or you can get in touch with our helpline by calling 02089637794 or emailing info@sicklecellsociety.org
The Sickle Cell Society is dedicated to ensuring that service users get the information and support that they need. This page has been created in order to provide that.
Feedback from the Sickle Cell Service Review has shown a continued desire for information on clinical trials. We hope that this page will serve as a response to the Review.
For more information about the Sickle Cell Service Review click here.
