How we work

Our network is made up of 17 adult and 12 paediatric locations across the UK. The foundation of each centre is a partnership between local NHS Trusts and the university where it's based.

Our adult and paediatric specialist networks

The experimental cancer medicine centres (ECMC) network is closely integrated with wider clinical research systems across all four countries of the UK.

Each centre has unique and world-leading expertise within early-phase clinical research. Collaboration across the network gives us the edge in generating new treatments for cancer.

Adult network

Our 17 adult centres across the UK deliver early-phase cancer studies to enable faster and more personalised treatments for patient benefit.

Paediatric network

Our 12 paediatric centres bring together clinicians and translational scientists to run early-phase clinical trials for children and young people affected by cancer.

What we do

What we offer

early-phase trial infrastructure
translational science capability
an integrated adult and paediatric network
routes to patient engagement
EC Trial Finder
a directory of UK expertise
streamlined study set-up

What makes us different

single entry point for feasibility and site engagement with a specialist network
bespoke offering for collaboration with industry
strong collaboration with UK regulators

What we deliver

9,000+ patients recruited (2022–25)
global first-in-human and first-in-Europe studies
access to a diverse patient population of all ages

Our collaboration model

Businessman and woman having a meeting in a coffee shop, discussing work.

Industry and partners

We are a centralised platform for commercial partners to launch trials quickly with access to expert teams, sites and processes.

Research nurse demonstrating medical equipment usage to other staff.

Our network

Our centres have unique research strengths and work collaboratively to share data, practices, and staff training.

Patients and public

We support patient centric early-phase trials. Patient and public involvement shapes how we do this.

Support and expertise

Our programme office

Our programme office supports the set-up and delivery of clinical research studies and encourages collaboration across the network. We are a single-entry point to our network, developing partnerships with sponsors and connecting them with the right sites to run their clinical trial.

Directory of expertise

Access our directory of expertise for support and advice on your experimental cancer medicine-related research questions, projects and opportunities. We can connect you with the right scientific, translational and clinical expertise within our network.

Our capabilities

We offer expertise in clinical and translational research and genomic testing with an extensive portfolio spanning first-in-class, precision medicine, complex innovative design and first-in-child trials.