Ireland’s cancer clinical trials are delivering both medical and financial benefits, with a new report estimating that more than €6.5 million in treatment costs were covered by trial sponsors over the past year. The findings also highlight growing pharmaceutical investment in Ireland and renewed calls to make access to research more consistent for patients across the health service.
Key facts about cancer trials in Ireland
- About €6.5 million in treatment costs were saved through a sample of 38 cancer trials.
- Two hundred and thirty patients accessed those trials.
- Twenty trials generated €6.76 million in inward investment from pharmaceutical companies.
- There were 160 cancer trials open across Ireland at the time covered by the report.
- A total of 3,938 patients participated in cancer trials during the 12 months to August 31st, 2026.
How clinical trials reduced treatment costs
The figures come from Cancer Trials Ireland’s Value of Cancer Trials 2 report. The assessment examined 38 cancer studies accessed by 230 patients during the 12-month period from September 1st, 2025, to August 31st, 2026.
When a person joins a sponsored clinical trial, the organisation funding the study generally pays for eligible trial-related care. This can include medicines, diagnostic imaging, blood tests, biopsies and other procedures required under the research protocol.
That arrangement can reduce costs for several parts of the healthcare system. Depending on the trial, expenses that might otherwise be met by the patient, a private insurer or the State are covered by the sponsor instead. Patients still need to meet the trial’s eligibility requirements and receive care through the approved clinical pathway.
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Pharmaceutical investment rises as Ireland hosts more studies
The report found that 20 of the cancer trials generated €6.76 million in inward investment from pharmaceutical companies. That investment can support research activity, specialist staff, clinical infrastructure and partnerships between hospitals, universities and industry.
Separate figures from the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association showed that 73 industry-sponsored clinical trials across all disease areas opened in Ireland in 2025. This compared with 51 in 2024 and 41 in 2023, indicating a sustained rise in trial activity.
Ireland improved its position from 18th to 14th among the 27 European Union member states for industry-sponsored clinical trials per capita. Despite that progress, the ranking suggests that Ireland continues to compete with other countries for investment, research capacity and patient access.
Which cancer trials are available?
There were 160 cancer trials open across Ireland. Lymphoma and haematology studies were the most common, followed by trials involving genitourinary cancers, breast cancer and lung cancer.
Across all cancer research activity during the reporting period, 3,938 patients took part in trials. Of those, 702 participated in interventional studies, including 423 patients enrolled in drug trials.
Clinical trials can test new medicines, combinations of existing treatments, diagnostic approaches or other interventions. Participation does not guarantee that a treatment will work, and every study is governed by eligibility criteria, safety monitoring and ethical oversight.
Public support for more clinical trials
A survey of 1,000 people conducted in July 2026 found strong public support for expanding cancer research in Ireland. Eight in 10 respondents said they would like to see more trials taking place in the country, a rise of 10 percentage points compared with 2024.
Nearly three-quarters said they would be willing to participate in a clinical trial, while two in 10 knew someone who had already taken part. The results suggest that interest may be higher than public awareness of how trials work and where patients can find information about them.
What patients should know
- Trial access depends on the type and stage of cancer, previous treatment and the study’s eligibility rules.
- Patients should discuss possible trial participation with their oncology team.
- Research participation is voluntary and requires informed consent.
- Trial-related costs and coverage differ between studies, so patients should ask for a clear explanation before enrolling.
Calls for clearer accountability in the health service
Professor Seamus O’Reilly, clinical lead of Cancer Trials Ireland, said Ireland could do more to establish and operate cancer trials. He identified protected research time, secure employment for research staff and faster administrative processes as areas requiring attention.
He also called for specific health-service targets covering clinical trials. Such measures, he argued, could improve transparency around access and help identify differences between patients or regions.
The issue is not only how many studies open, but whether eligible patients can hear about them in time and reach participating centres. Delays in referral, limited research capacity or uneven availability can all affect access to potentially important treatment options.
What happens next for cancer research in Ireland?
The latest figures point to momentum, but they also show why continued investment and better coordination matter. Expanding trial capacity will require collaboration between the HSE, hospitals, researchers, universities, patient groups and pharmaceutical companies.
For patients, the most practical next step is to ask their cancer care team whether an appropriate trial is available. Information should be based on the individual diagnosis and treatment plan rather than general online searches.
Frequently asked questions
How much did cancer trials save the State?
A sample of 38 cancer trials accessed by 230 patients was associated with approximately €6.5 million in treatment-cost savings over the year covered by the report.
How many cancer trials are open in Ireland?
The report identified 160 cancer trials open across Ireland, with lymphoma and haematology studies among the most common.
Do patients have to pay to join a clinical trial?
Trial arrangements vary, but sponsors generally cover eligible study-related costs for medicines, tests, imaging and procedures. Patients should confirm the details with the research team.
Can every cancer patient join a trial?
No. Each study has specific eligibility criteria, which may include cancer type, disease stage, previous treatments and overall health.
Why the findings matter
The latest report shows that cancer clinical trials are more than a route to testing new treatments. They can give eligible patients access to structured research care, reduce pressure on treatment budgets and attract pharmaceutical investment to Ireland.
At the same time, the figures underline the need for fair and timely access. Ireland has expanded its trial activity, but stronger research infrastructure, clearer targets and better public information will be important if more patients are to benefit. For anyone seeking the latest Irish news on healthcare, the central takeaway is clear: clinical trials are becoming a more important part of cancer care and Ireland’s health research economy.