studies open, including for lung cancer
Clatterbridge is treating the first patient in the UK with a new experimental lung cancer immunotherapy– strengthening its position as a national leader in thoracic cancer research.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) has one of the country’s most comprehensive thoracic oncology research programmes, with 16 such clinical trials open to patients, including the new Rosetta Lung-02 study, which is treating its first patient and screening a second one.
The thoracic portfolio has been built up alongside the general increase in number and complexity of research studies at Clatterbridge over the past several years and now includes clinical trials spanning all treatment types, including immunotherapy, targeted therapies and cancer vaccines. The studies offer patients the chance to join clinical research trials across every stage of disease, from pre-surgical neoadjuvant studies to metastatic situations, when cancer has spread.
CCC Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Carles Escriu, who leads thoracic oncology research at Clatterbridge, said the scale and breadth of the programme reflects years of sustained investment in people, governance and patient centred care.
He said: “What we have built at Clatterbridge is, in my view, one of the biggest and most diverse thoracic oncology research centres in the country. Having 16 interventional trials open at the same time means patients in our region can access cutting edge treatments today that could become the standard of care tomorrow.”
The new Rosetta Lung-02 study is evaluating if a new treatment, Pumitamig, an antibody which can attack cancer, combined with chemotherapy is effective in eligible lung cancer patients.
“Starting treatment with the first patient in the UK on the Rosetta Lung-02 study is a great achievement that reflects the incredible commitment of our setup team, clinicians, research nurses, and trial coordinators at Clatterbridge,” said Dr Escriu. “Their tireless work continues to bring cutting-edge therapies to our patients. Clinical research is truly a team sport, and this milestone belongs to the entire team.”
Dr Escriu said one of the most important aspects of the expanding thoracic cancer programme is its robust research infrastructure, with six principal investigators providing leadership and support, aided by a highly experienced multidisciplinary trials team.
This leadership oversight includes weekly trial governance meetings bring together clinicians, research nurses, coordinators and data managers to ensure studies are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
Dr Escrui said: “The programme has developed over several years under the leadership and support of senior management, with close collaboration between clinical teams, research operations and business intelligence colleagues.”
Dr Gillian Heap, Head of Research and Innovation Operations, said the success of the thoracic oncology portfolio demonstrates what can be achieved when research is embedded into routine cancer care and thanked the team for their hard work in building up the programme.
“This work shows the scale of our ambition for patients with lung and thoracic cancers,” said Dr Heap. “As we move into 2026, the Trust remains committed to expanding research opportunities further and strengthening our role as a national hub for thoracic oncology research, ensuring patients in Cheshire and Merseyside benefit from the latest advances in cancer treatment.
“It is fantastic that this team is now treating the first patient in the UK on its latest clinical trial. By empowering clinical and research teams to work together, Clatterbridge is delivering world class research locally and giving patients across our region access to more options, more hope and more choice.”
