On World Cancer Research Day 2026 we’re looking back at one of the ways that Leeds Teaching Hospitals has embedded research into patient care, potentially transforming the way that patients with early-stage rectal cancer are treated.
Results from the international STAR-TREC trial showed that four in five patients treated with chemoradiotherapy were able to avoid major surgery and retain their rectum after 12 months. This pioneering new approach was co-led by our partners at the University of Leeds and funded by Cancer Research UK, and meant that patients like Hugh Chown (pictured here at his daughter’s graduation), who received care at Leeds Cancer Centre, may avoid the need for a permanent colostomy bag.
By leading and delivering pioneering clinical trials, we are helping to develop treatments that not only improve clinical outcomes but also preserve quality of life for patients living with and beyond cancer.
Read more about Hugh’s story and the trial findings on the University of Leeds website.