Hi there Moonshine888 and thanks for the post

I am so sorry to hear about your relatives situation. This must be such a difficult time for the family.

I can understand you wishing to explore if there is anything else that can be done, including the option of a trial, but I am afraid no one here will be able to say.

Patients generally need to have what is known as a good performance status to join a trial. This basically means they need to be fairly fit and well and be able to walk and carry out every day activities on their own. You haven't said what your relative can or can't do in this way however if the doctors don't think they are fit enough for treatment they are unlikely to be well enough for a trial either.

We usually suggest that people interested in trials to discuss this with their doctor. They are often aware of trials and if there is a suitable one they can refer the patient to the trials team at the nearest participating centre.

There is a clinical trials database on the website that lists all the trials we are aware of and have been given permission to put on here. The open trials for advanced bowel ( colorectal) cancer I have also searched for you to look at. However the nurses here aren't involved in the day to day running or recruitment onto trials, this is done by the doctors and nurses at the hospitals.

All trials have strict entry requirements and all of these need to be met in order to be able to be considered to join.

As I say the patient needs to talk the possibility of a trial with their team to see what their thoughts are about this. Failing that the patient could consider getting a second opinion at a different hospital.

I hope this is helpful information but do get back if you have further questions. You may also prefer to give us a call on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer. The nurses are here weekdays 9-5.

All the best

Naomi