World Cancer Research Day, held on 24 September, highlights the vital role of research in advancing treatments, improving diagnosis, survival, and quality of life. Dr Daniel Swinson, a medical oncologist specialising in colorectal, gastroesophageal and liver cancers, oversees this work at the Trust, to mark the day, reflected on key initiatives in oncology research at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTHT).
Shaping international standards in cancer treatment
While LTHT provides treatment and care for those in Leeds and Yorkshire, it also helps to set international standards in cancer research.
One example is the LTHT-led FOxTROT colon cancer programme with the University of Leeds, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.
The trial’s finding that chemotherapy before surgery improves outcomes resulted in new guidelines, which have since become the national standard for treating these cancers.
Leeds was also the largest UK recruiter to the international STAR-TREC trial in rectal cancer, treating over 40% of UK patients. Leeds’ radiotherapy team helped establish a treatment pathway now adopted internationally.
Together, these studies have shaped global practice and underline Leeds’ success as a research hub.
Kinder, personalised and less invasive treatments
The STAR-TREC trial conducted with the University of Leeds and funded by Cancer Research UK, not only established a new international pathway but also highlighted the potential for less invasive, patient-centred treatments.
Results published in May showed many patients could be treated with drugs and radiotherapy without life-altering surgery, preserving patient wellbeing.
“Replacing major surgery with rationally designed drug treatment, is the holy grail of medical oncology.”
Building on this, Dr Swinson is optimistic about personalised immunotherapy, being explored through FOxTROT and the colon cancer AZUR trials. Immunotherapy trains the immune system to target cancer cells, enabling some patients to avoid surgery and complications.
As Dr Swinson explains:
“People’s bowel function after such surgery can be difficult which can significantly impact on their quality of life. Replacing major surgery with rationally designed drug treatment, is the holy grail of medical oncology. Such treatment may provide selected patients an organ preservation option negating the need for major surgical resection hence benefiting quality of life while still delivering high quality care.”
AI and digital innovation
Better access to high quality research data has the potential to change the future of cancer treatment and LTHT is continuing to explore new ways to apply digital technology and AI in cancer research. The LIBRA study, a UK first, is testing how AI can process mammograms to improve early detection, reduce unnecessary recalls, and ease pressures on staff.
Similarly, the National Pathology Imaging Cooperative (NPIC), hosted at LTHT, is building a digital network to connect pathologists, enabling faster, more efficient cancer diagnosis.
As Dr Swinson explains: “This opens up the opportunity to speed up diagnosis, opening up the opportunity to treat these patients which is potentially curative”.
This further underlines the Trust’s full support for the government’s NHS 10 Year Health Plan, and aligns with one of the three shifts, leveraging modern technology to move from analogue to digital.
A culture of research for the next generation
Dr Swinson credits Leeds’ success to a culture of nurturing staff talent, with close ties to the University of Leeds and participation in initiatives like NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (API) scheme.
“We are very keen supporters of the API scheme, which is providing healthcare professionals both medical and non-medical with the opportunity to work with established principal investigators to learn and become involved.”
LTHT closely collaborates with the University of Leeds through programmes like the Leeds Anchor Network, with key clinical researchers holding dual roles that allow them to contribute to both organisations’ work and strengthen research partnerships.
The Trust also actively supports PhD research projects, with what Dr Swinson describes as a “conveyor belt” approach, with trainees and young researchers equipped to drive the future of cancer research.
A central hub for regional cooperation
Leeds’ world-leading cancer research delivery is strengthened by strong regional collaboration. As Dr Swinson explains:
“We’re extremely grateful for our partners within region to help us recruit to complex interventional commercial and academic trials and to help us provide opportunities to participate in clinical research to the richly diverse populations in our regional cities.”
LTHT’s strong profile is also supported by collaboration with the University of Leeds and industry partners, including GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, and BioNTech, who have recently sponsored trials in the cutting-edge Cancer Vaccine programme at LTHT in head and neck cancer. We are proud to be listed as a PRIME site for IQIVIA, a global leader in life sciences delivering clinical research through partnerships with healthcare and pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Through research, collaboration, and innovative approaches, LTHT continues to improve cancer care for patients across Yorkshire and beyond. By combining cutting-edge science with a patient-centred focus, the Trust is shaping treatments that enhance survival, quality of life, and access to world-class care.