The Bone Cancer Research Trust recognises that in order to beat primary bone cancer we must invest in a variety of research including cell and tissue experiments, developing computer models and, when absolutely necessary, animal research.
We do not take the decision to fund animal research lightly. We only fund high quality research using animals provided that all local and national regulations are adhered to, excellent health and welfare standards are maintained, and the study addresses the '3Rs':
- Reduce: minimise the number of animals used
- Refine: improve animal welfare by modifying or developing techniques
- Replace: avoid or replace animals in research
As members of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) we support their position on animal research and we follow their guidance (updated July 2024).
More information can be found on Understanding Animal Research (UAR)’s webpages on why we use animals in research.
You can download our Animal Research Policy here (updated August 2024).
To-date only 17% of our studies have used animals. All of these studied used mice, except for one study which used rats.
If you would like to donate to Bone Cancer Research Trust but don't want your money to be used for animal research then please let us know when you donate and we can allocate your funds elsewhere.
For further information please follow the links below, or contact us.
Useful links:
- Home Office Regulations on Animal Research
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research
- AMRC leaflet : The use of animals in research?
- Animals in science statistics
- Guidance on transparency in research involving animals
- Guidance on implementing the 3Rs when funding research
- Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Amendment regulations