<p>If the treatment of cancer is to advance, it is essential that research and development (R&amp;D) are identified as priorities within the healthcare professions. Clinical trials are a key stage in the R&amp;D process and are the only reliable way to find out if a different operation, or type of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is better than what is already available. This article presents an overview of clinical trials in cancer care and discusses the role of the research nurse in such trials.</p>