To mark this year’s World Cancer Research Day we’re taking a look back at some of the cancer breakthroughs, innovations, and new treatments that our clinicians and partners have pioneered here at the Trust.
World-leading clinical trials
Our teams have been at the forefront of world-leading clinical trials that have delivered real impact for patients here in Leeds and beyond. Some of our highlights include:
- Aphrodite: this clinical trial, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, explored whether giving patients with rectal cancer higher doses of radiotherapy than usual would result in their cancer disappearing completely.
- RESPECT: we became the only site in the UK to use robotic needle guidance to deliver electrochemotherapy to liver cancer tumours.
- STAR-TREC: this pioneering approach to tackling early-stage rectal cancer uniquely combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy to reduce the need for surgery.
Pioneering innovations and collaborations
Working together with our partners in charities, universities, and industry we lead the way in developing technical innovations that are helping patients receive better treatments and faster diagnoses, such as:
- A pilot, funded by NHS England, used artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret MRI scans for men with suspected prostate cancer, helping to spot lesions in a matter of minutes.
- TANGO, a world-first laboratory quality tool developed by researchers at our National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC) that – in partnership with industry partners, Epredia – will support the adoption of digital pathology and AI in cancer diagnostics by enabling greater consistency and efficiency in laboratory slide staining.
- Partnering DATA-CAN, the UK’s Health Data Research Hub for Cancer, with the West Midlands Secure Data Environment to facilitate access to oncology data for research
We’re proud to be delivering world-leading clinical trials and developing ground-breaking innovations that are helping to tackle cancer, and would like to thank all our colleagues, partners, and patients who contribute to this vital work.