Ken Reid, Patron of Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI described his participation in the Flair study and the importance of research on World Blood Cancer Day. View Irish News story here.

The NI Cancer Trials Network at Belfast Trust was one of several centres in the UK involved in the FAST-Forward study of radiotherapy for women following surgery for early breast cancer.

Between 2011 and 2014 over 4000 participants were randomly assigned to one of 3 arms:

• 40Gy in 15 fractions (over 3 weeks – standard of care)
• 27Gy in 5 fractions (over 1 week)
• 26Gy in 5 fractions (over 1 week)

Five-year results are now published in the Lancet revealing a one-week course of radiotherapy in fewer but larger doses is as safe and effective as the standard three-week therapy.  Researchers have already seen a change in practice, reducing hospital visits for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as reducing demands on the health service.  Read more here.

Massive thanks to the staff and patients in Northern Ireland for their contribution to this study.

During the current COVID-19 crisis patient safety remains a priority for all our existing research patients.  NICTN has consequently taken the decision to suspend recruitment to the majority of clinical trials and other research studies until further notice.  This decision will remain under constant review.

Anyone with concerns about their treatment options should discuss this with their own doctor.

Dr Melanie Morris (NICTN), Dr David Montgomery (PCUK) and Prof Joe O’Sullivan (QUB/BHSCT) 22.01.20

During a visit to the FASTMAN Centre of Excellence in Belfast, Dr David Montgomery, Prostate Cancer UK Executive Director, met with some members of the NI Cancer Trials Network. Topics discussed included current research, personal and public involvement in research and future directions.  FASTMAN is a Belfast-Manchester prostate cancer research collaboration funded by PCUK/Movember.

The NICTN is indebted to Mr John Creswell, who has shared his account of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, including participation in the SPORT study at the NI Cancer Centre, Belfast.  Mr Creswell and his wife visited the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, during celebrations for World Cancer Research Day, 24 September 2019.  During the event John met up with researcher Dr Ciaran Fairmichael (see photo below).

John has willingly shared his story to help raise awareness of cancer research.   NICTN wishes to thank John, and fellow participants in cancer clinical trials, without whom we would be unable to advance cancer treatments.

Read about John’s journey here:

John’s Journey with Prostate Cancer 24.09.19

The NICTN and members of the NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF) got involved in a variety of activities to raise awareness of cancer research in Northern Ireland for World Cancer Research Day, 24 September 2019.

In Antrim Hospital, CRUK co-funded Clinical Research Nurses Philip McAuley and Alison Begg raised awareness of cancer clinical trials (see photo below).

NICTN staff and members of the NICRCF attended a tour of the NI Precision Medicine Centre in the Health Sciences Building and visited the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, QUB.  NICTN staff and Forum members alike were inspired by what they saw and heard, and wish to thank QUB for organising the visit and thank researchers and NI Biobank staff for their tour and time discussing current innovations in cancer resesarch (see photos attached).

World Cancer Day Tour Precision Medicine Centre and CCRCB QUB photos 24.09.19

Speakers (Lt-Rt) Professor Gordon Jayson, Dr Mark McComiskey, Dr Laura Feeney, Professor Richard Wilson, Mrs Julia Tolan

Staff of Belfast Trust and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) welcomed the public and charities to an ovarian cancer information event held in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB), QUB, 18 June 2019. The symposium, highlighting innovation in ovarian cancer research and care, was organised by NI Cancer Trials Network (NICTN) and pharmacy staff of the Belfast City Hospital in honour and recognition of their sadly and much missed colleague Angela Hogg, a passionate advocate of cancer research throughout her career and treatment for ovarian cancer.

During arrival and refreshments information stands were provided by representatives of the NICTN, NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum, Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Belfast Trust, Northern Ireland Biobank, Cancer Research UK and Cancer Lifeline. A variety of leaflets and materials were also provided by the charities Target Ovarian Cancer, Ovacome and the Eve Appeal.

Professor Chris Scott, CCRCB’s Acting Scientific Director, kicked off proceedings welcoming everyone to the Centre and providing an overview of CCRCB’s cancer research vision. The programme for the afternoon was chaired by Professor Richard Wilson, Honorary Professor in Cancer Medicine, CCRCB and Professor of Gastrointestinal Oncology at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Glasgow. Richard worked with Angela over many years and he fondly recounted her vital role in cancer clinical trials and valued membership of the early phase multi-professional team. Julia Tolan, Professional Manager Pharmacy Services, Specialist and Community Services in Belfast Trust gave a moving tribute to Angela, describing her enthusiasm as Pharmacy Technician and her boundless thoughtfulness for colleagues.

Leading the talks on ovarian cancer, Professor Gordon Jayson, Christie Hospital Manchester, gave a comprehensive overview of current treatment approaches and described the research programme being conducted at the Christie Hospital (see link to slides below). Dr Laura Feeney, Clinical Research Fellow/Medical Oncology Trainee, CCRCB, illustrated the work she is currently undertaking to determine a blood biomarker for the early detection of ovarian cancer (see link to slides below).

Following refreshments, Dr Mark McComiskey, Consultant Gynaecologist at the Belfast City Hospital, described surgical advances in ovarian cancer with a particular focus on the evolution of surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer (see link to slides below).  The final speaker, Rachel Smith, Cancer Focus NI Family Service Manager, provided guidance on communicating with children when a significant adult has cancer.

Following these enlightening presentations, a lively Q&A session further demonstrated how relatable and helpful the speakers all were. Patients/public and professionals all contributed to the session and many of the sixty attendees remarked on the success of the event.

Formal feedback indicated the contribution of all the speakers, hearing about future developments in treatment and diagnosis of ovarian cancer and information about family services, had been very useful.

Note: Healthcare professionals wishing to undertake a short e-learning module on helping parents with cancer tell their children can link to ‘Cancer Conversations’ Cancer Focus NI training.

The organisers and staff are extremely grateful for the support and attendance of Angela’s dear family and friends, who contributed so much to the occasion.

See link to photographs from the event below.

Photos Ovarian Cancer Event in Memory Angela Hogg 18.06.19 CCRCB

Prof Gordon Jayson Ovarian Cancer 2017-19 18.06.19

Dr Mark McComiskey Surgical Advances in Ovarian Cancer 18.06.19

Dr Laura Feeney Early detection biomarkers in ovarian cancer 18.06.19

To mark International Clinical Trials Day staff of the NI Cancer Trials Network and members of the NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum set up a clinical trials information area in the foyer of the Cancer Centre on Friday 17th May. Staff, researchers, patients and visitors were invited to write a comment as part of a new campaign launched by HSC R&D ‘Be Part of Research’.  As time went by the notice board was swiftly covered in messages.  Passionate support for research at the NI Cancer Centre was obvious, as was the active teamwork involved.  Research has made a difference and is making a difference in the lives of patients.  Research is how we improve our services, treatment and care, now and in the future.

Thank you to all who participated in the celebration!

Click here to view a slideshow of NICTN photos taken for Be Part of Research ICTD

Margaret Grayson, Chair of the NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF), received an MBE at Buckingham Palace 5th February 2019. Margaret is a trailblazer in Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in cancer research.  NICRCF Chairperson since the group was established in 2011, Margaret has demonstrated outstanding leadership.  She is an exemplary ambassador for PPI, working enthusiastically with healthcare professionals and scientists in cancer research, influencing research and PPI at local and national levels. She is a member of many com

mittees and research steering groups and she is a PPI workshop facilitator.   Margaret’s energetic and constructive approach always brings fresh insight and maximises patient benefit.

Margaret received the award from Prince William. The NICTN, NICRCF, HSC R&D, Cancer Research UK and all who know Margaret are delighted she has received recognition for her services to cancer research. Congratulations Margaret!!