Lab workers looking at some data

NHS Cancer Alliance implements Inspirata AI to improve clinical access

Cancer informatics and digital pathology provider Inspirata and the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire Cancer Alliance (SWAG) announced today a new partnership designed to accelerate the process by which patients with cancer in the region are identified and matched with relevant clinical trials.

The partnership involves an initial implementation of Inspirata’s Trial Navigator™ software at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), as the first step of a multi-site roll-out of the clinical trial matching solution for the benefit of patients across the geography. This initiative is part of the alliance’s long-standing aim of improving clinical trial access.

Dr Helen Winter, Clinical Director of SWAG Cancer Alliance, said: “We are excited to partner with Inspirata in implementing Trial Navigator.

“We hope that this solution will afford both clinicians and patients in the region a greater choice of potential treatment options. Similarly, expedite the fulfilment of existing, and the hosting of new clinical trials as we look to recover services affected by the pandemic.”

Trial Navigator draws on oncology-specific natural language processing (NLP) AI to eliminate common bottlenecks within the trial matching workflow by working with the Trust’s existing information governance processes to search the individual medical reports, notes and referral letters of patients with cancer, abstracting key information about their disease and automatically cross-referencing attributes identified against study eligibility criteria held within clinical trial databases. The software then immediately surfaces studies most likely to represent a patient-fit for clinical evaluation.

Dr Axel Walther, Clinical Trials Unit Lead at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, UHBW said: “Clinical trials are an integral part of the optimal management of cancer patients but having a complete and up-to-date picture of the ever-changing trial landscape can be time-consuming.

“Working with Inspirata to automate this aspect of the oncology workflow means our clinical teams can spend more time with patients evaluating potential trial options to best suit them. More patients will be able to take part in trials relevant to their cancer, increasing treatment options and driving innovation.”

It is also hoped that the introduction of Trial Navigator will help to assist in recruiting a wider demographic of patients to take part in cancer research, as a recent audit has shown that some cohorts of patients are less likely to participate in clinical trials than others. It is anticipated that this software will bring opportunities forward and medical teams will be able to offer these to patients more readily.

Health meeting supported by data

Helen further explained: “Recent evidence points to a myriad of factors contributing to the under-representation of different groups in cancer studies. This can include pressures on healthcare professionals’ workload, time constraints and lack of trial information.

“The implementation of Trial Navigator is designed to help our care teams extend access to cancer research to everyone within our community wishing to take advantage.”

Automation of clinical trial matching will also assist the SWAG Cancer Alliance in working towards NHS England’s defined aims for the building-back of cancer services following Covid-19.

Dr Adam Dangoor, Chief Clinical Information Officer at UHBW said: “NHS England detailed the tackling of inequalities and utilising innovations in practice as key strategic points of its Cancer Service Recovery Plan.

“In engaging Inspirata we are addressing a long-standing aim of our Cancer Alliance of ensuring more patients are put forward for trial. In addition, making our pathways more efficient and automatic so we can provide the most effective care for our patients.”

Oenone Duroe, General Manager Inspirata Europe, said: “Inspirata is thrilled to have been afforded the opportunity to work with the SWAG Cancer Alliance and is excited to help the region cement its reputation for innovation and clinical trial excellence.”

Inspirata’s engagement with the SWAG Cancer Alliance follows an equivalent collaboration with Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s Health Partners Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) and Cancer Research UK around automated patient matching with early-phase clinical trials.

To further discuss the potential around using AI to improve patient access and treatments, Inspirata will be hosting a webinar on March 2,  2022, alongside a number of health partners including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London.

Register your interest here

NHE September/October 2023

NHE September/October 2023

Empowering the next generation to lead the way in hard-to-treat cancers.

The September/October 2023 edition of NHE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key health sector topics, from digital transformation to navigating post-pandemic challenges.

Videos...

View all videos
National Health Executive Presents

National Health Executive Presents

NHE365 Virtual Events

NHE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of healthcare services. Over 365 days you'll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with the knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

National Health Executive Podcast

Ep. 36
How interoperability can support the NHS's core goals
with Ed Platt

In episode 36 of the National Health Executive podcast, we were joined by Omnicell’s UK professional services director, Ed Platt, to discuss interoperability in the NHS, practical examples of where it can be leveraged best, the importance of the health service's digital transformation journey and more.

More articles...

View all