Rising Tide Webinar Series Highlights Success Stories of Patient Partnership in Clinical Research
February 27, 2026
The Partnering with Patients to Improve Clinical Trials webinar series, developed by the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research in collaboration with the LUNGevity Foundation, recently released two new episodes showcasing impactful models of patient partner involvement across diverse research settings.
Advancing Paediatric Cancer Research Through Early Patient Partnership
One of the episodes focused on patient partner involvement in paediatric clinical research, highlighting a collaboration within the international Glo‑BNHL trial for childhood non‑Hodgkin lymphoma. The webinar brought together Prof. Amos Burke, Director of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit and Principal Investigator of the trial, and Ms. Nicole Scobie, a parent of a childhood cancer survivor and patient advocate.
The discussion demonstrated how engaging patient partners from the earliest stages, starting with the research question, can meaningfully shape trial design, ethical considerations, and regulatory discussions. Speakers emphasized that patient partners contribute not only with lived experience but also with strategic insight, helping ensure trials are feasible, ethically sound, and aligned with the real needs of children and families affected by cancer. The session also addressed common challenges and misconceptions around patient involvement and underscored the importance of preparation, mutual respect, and equal partnership between clinicians and patient advocates.
Watch the episode here:
Patient Partners as Co‑Principal Investigators: A New Standard for Collaboration
The latest episode of the series explored one of the most integrated models of patient involvement: the patient partner as a Co‑Principal Investigator (Co‑PI). The webinar featured Prof. Dr. med. Elisabeth Kappos, Senior Physician at University Hospital Basel and Principal Investigator of the LYMPH trial, alongside Prof. Maria Katapodi, Professor of Nursing Science at the University of Basel, who serves as both a patient partner and Co‑PI of the study.
Using their breast cancer-related lymphedema trial as a case study, the speakers illustrated how shared leadership between clinicians and patient partners can strengthen trial relevance and reduce patient burden. The discussion highlighted key elements of successful collaboration, including prioritization of patient‑reported outcomes, fair compensation for patient partners, accessible communication, and thoughtful trial design that reflects everyday patient realities. The episode also emphasized mentorship and advocacy as drivers for broader adoption of patient-centered research practices across clinical cancer research.
Watch the episode here:
A Series Showcasing the Future of Patient‑Centered Clinical Trials
Together, these episodes reinforced the core message of the webinar series: meaningful patient partner involvement, whether in paediatric trials or as co-leaders of research, can transform how clinical trials are designed, conducted, and translated into real-world impact. By sharing practical examples and candid reflections from both researchers and patient partners, the series provides a compelling roadmap for embedding patient voices at every level of clinical cancer research.