About our research - Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Could you play a part in developing the treatments of the future?

Clinical trials and studies are part of health research. They help us to find out more about our health, discover new treatments for different diseases, and spot health issues sooner.

Research wouldn’t be possible without people like you taking part. It helps us to stay at the forefront of the latest treatments and scientific developments.

You may have heard some things about health research that make you unsure about taking part. It’s important you have the facts before deciding if you want to be involved.

Did you know that?

Taking part in health research is up to you. You can change your mind at any time, even after you’ve signed up.
We need healthy people to take part in research as well as people with health conditions
All health research goes through safety checks and processes.
Some of our health research takes place in hospital, but you can also take part over the phone, online, or at one of our research facilities.
Your data will only be used as approved by a research ethics committee.

What difference does research make to our lives?

Below are just a few examples of how our recent research is changing lives. If you’d like to know more, you can sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter, Research Matters, by emailing [email protected].

Eight babies born after mitochondrial treatment reduces mitochondrial disease

Research led by Newcastle experts team who pioneered mitochondrial donation using fertilised human eggs, indicates that the new treatment, known as pronuclear transfer, is effective in reducing the risk of otherwise incurable mitochondrial DNA diseases.

Results of the recently published research show that eight babies have now been born without signs of mitochondrial disease, thanks to a technique pioneered by Newcastle experts.

Potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis developed in Newcastle

A clinical trial led by researchers in Newcastle is investigating the best way to administer a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

To date, trials have shown promise in the treatment’s ability to ‘calm down’ the immune system and prevent cells from attacking healthy tissue.

The treatment has been developed by scientists working across Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University.

Withdrawal of kidney treatment significantly benefits patients and NHS

Newcastle-led research means that patients with a rare kidney condition can safely withdraw from eculizumab, a treatment for Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (aHUS).

Eculizumab, while highly effective, significantly increases the risk of sepsis. Now, research has shown that patients can safely withdraw from the drug after six months.

Once treatment is stopped, the risk of developing sepsis is eliminated. Reducing the use of eculizumab also represents a significant cost saving to the NHS, around £4m in one patient’s lifetime use.

Trial results could mean patients with low-risk thyroid cancer can safely forego radioactive iodine treatment

Research led by Newcastle Hospitals and University College London found that patients with low-risk thyroid cancer can be safely spared radioactive iodine treatment.

The authors of the research paper estimate that 2,500 patients in the UK and 400,000 patients worldwide could potentially avoid radioiodine treatment each year.

Find out more about getting involved in research