Join us in celebrating International Clinical Trials Day! Every May 20, International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) is celebrated around the world. This special day enables us to celebrate the advances made in the discovery of new treatments, and to raise public awareness of the importance of clinical trials in healthcare. For several years now, the healthcare establishments in the Q-CROC network have been highlighting oncology research during ICTD. Once again this year, several centers are organizing awareness-raising activities to mark the day.
Clinical research plays an essential role in the fight against cancer. Thanks to the hard work of research teams and the participation of people with cancer in clinical trials, we have been able to improve both long-term survival and patients’ quality of life. Without research, there would be no new treatments, and without participants, there would be no research possible.
Clinical research in oncology in Quebec
+2400 participants last year
+700 clinical trials currently recruiting volunteers
+40 cancer types studied
Why Is May Associated with Clinical Research?
Nearly 300 years ago, on May 20, 1747, a pivotal moment in medical history unfolded. Dr. James Lind, a Scottish physician, embarked on what would become the first documented clinical trial. His mission: to find effective treatments for scurvy, a debilitating disease that plagued sailors during long sea voyages.
Dr. Lind’s approach was groundbreaking. He divided the afflicted sailors into separate groups and administered different treatments to each. Among these treatments, he included citrus fruits—a choice that would prove transformative. Within days, the sailors who received citrus fruits experienced a remarkable improvement in their symptoms. Dr. Lind had inadvertently discovered a cure for scurvy, and in doing so, he laid the very foundations of clinical research.
Since that pivotal moment, clinical trials have evolved significantly. Today, they play a crucial role in advancing medicine and healthcare. Researchers rigorously test new drugs, devices, and therapies to ensure their safety and efficacy. These trials occur across various fields, including oncology, where breakthroughs in cancer treatment continue to emerge.
For those interested in delving deeper into clinical research, particularly in the field of oncology, I recommend exploring our dedicated web page for ICTD.