Pioneering cancer trials for the region
HEALTH: Eight “pioneering” cancer research projects in Yorkshire are to receive £6.5m in funding, including £1.4m for a Hull University project to develop a new guide for GPs on how to manage patients’ concerns.
There will also be more than £2m spent on lung cancer trials in Leeds and Sheffield.
EIGHT “PIONEERING” cancer research projects in Yorkshire are to receive £6.5m in funding, including £1.4m for a Hull University project to develop a new guide for GPs on how to manage patients’ concerns, and more than £2m on lung cancer trials in Leeds and Sheffield.
The projects, funded by Harrogate-based Yorkshire Cancer Research, have been specifically chosen to focus on improving early diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for cancer patients in the region. Every week in Yorkshire, 583 people are diagnosed with cancer.
Chief executive Dr Kathryn Scott said the investment was the result of “extensive analysis of the Yorkshire cancer landscape”.
She said: “We want to ensure people with cancer in Yorkshire have the best possible experience, from the point of diagnosis onwards.
“This means improving their opportunity to be diagnosed at the earliest possible stage; ensuring they receive the best treatment for their cancer and providing innovative support programmes so they can be prepared for and recover well from treatment. It also means increasing access to cutting-edge treatments and ensuring Yorkshire remains at the forefront of worldclass research.”
Among the projects is £1.4m for a four-year trial, led by Miriam Johnson, Professor of Palliative Medicine at Hull York Medical School, to develop and test a new guide to help GPs and practice nurses identify and manage the needs and concerns of people with cancer and their carers.
Almost half the funding, £3.4m, will go to projects in Leeds, including £193,000 for researchers at Leeds Teaching Hospitals to investigate whether an education and lifestyle programme can improve the wellbeing and survival of lung cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. More than 600 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the city every year.
Dr Kevin Franks, who will colead the study, said there was an “urgent need” to ensure patients were as healthy as possible before, during and after treatment to maximise the benefits.
He added: “If successful, this study could lead to a larger scale trial or a region-wide programme involving cancer centres and units across Yorkshire.”
A further £1.7m will be used to investigate whether blood samples taken from people taking part in the Leeds Lung Health Check – a “pioneering” lung screening programme launched in November – could be used to more accurately determine who should have a lung scan and detect lung cancer earlier.
In Sheffield, almost £350,000 will be spent on a lung cancer trial using MRI imaging, and in Harrogate, £712,000 will fund the development of an exercise and health referral service that will combine one-to-one support with group sessions.
If successful, this study could lead to a larger scale trial. Dr Kevin Franks, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.