Cancer Research UK has granted £10 million to the Cancer Trials Unit at the University of Birmingham, which aims to develop new tests and treatments for cancers over the next five years. The grant will enable researchers on over 100 national and international trials to continue developing treatments and tests, as well as allowing patients with complex and rare cancers to participate in research. One patient, Francesca Williams, who was diagnosed with rare cancer Ewing’s Sarcoma after a tumour was found in a rib bone just after her 27th birthday, says she “wouldn’t be here now” without the trial-led experimental treatment plan at the Birmingham centre. Williams was one of 640 patients across Europe who participated in the trial, which found that 6% of patients were free of cancer after three years, and by shortening the existing treatments was adopted as the new standard across the continent. Williams, who moved to Austria, is now cancer-free and is expecting her first baby in July.
Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit has already improved the management of prostate cancer and treatments for patients with blood cancers through its work. Prof Pamela Kearns said the renewal of funding was a “major boost” and would accelerate cancer treatment improvements, especially for children.
Investigating genetics and combination therapies
Scientists at University College London (UCL) are developing techniques to investigate the genetics of cancer cells and how they interact with their surroundings. The team has developed a new technique, which enables them to study the genes that cancer cells have switched on or off. The researchers also plan to test combinations of drugs to find the best treatment combinations. Working on breast cancer lab models, they believe their technique will also work in other cancers, including those affecting the blood, ovaries and kidney.
