NICTN and Q Radio team – NICTN Big Brunch, NI Cancer Centre 30 May 2018

Staff from the NI Cancer Trials Network (NICTN) at the NI Cancer Centre send a BIG thank you to all the staff, patients and visitors who supported their Q Radiothon Big Brunch, 30 May 2018. A total of £566 was raised towards Friends of the Cancer Centre, Action Cancer, Marie Curie and the Cancer Fund for Children.  Adding to the fun atmosphere there was a live Q Radio broadcast by presenter Errol Doherty who interviewed staff.  Lots of goodies had been baked by staff and NICTN also wish to thank the many businesses who donated supplies for the event: Doorsteps, Lisburn Road, Windsor Co-op, Johnsons Coffee, Genesis and Brew Coffee Shop, Moy.

NICTN team members at the Cancer Centre Foyer Q Radiothon NICTN Big Brunch 30 May 2018

To celebrate International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) members of the NI Cancer Trials Network, the NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (Mrs Margaret Grayson and Dr Ed Goodall) and the Cancer Research UK Research Engagement Manager provided clinical trial information in the Cancer Centre foyer 18 May 2018.  Once again patients, visitors, researchers and funders at the event showed unreserved support for cancer clinical trials.  This year, to coincide with ICTD the HSC R&D Division distributed the ‘I Am Research’ leaflet, promoting the campaign ‘to shout about how fantastic research is…to raise awareness of the benefits of research and the positive impact it has on people’s lives.’  The range of support in the Cancer Centre illustrated just part of the vast tapestry of involvement in clinical research and the cancer patient pathway.  NICTN, patients and charities were joined by QUB researchers and an array of staff in the Cancer Centre including Oncologists, Nurses, Radiographers, Medical Physicists, Domestic Services and Medical and Nursing students (see photos).  Photos International Clinical Trials Day NI Cancer Centre 18 May 18

The NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF) and NI Cancer Trials Network (NICTN) warmly congratulate Margaret Grayson and Lynette McHendry on their Queen’s Birthday Honours.  Forum members, staff and the wider cancer research community are delighted by the news and recognition of their extraordinary achievements.  Typical reactions have been ‘Fabulous news, so well deserved’, ‘Two amazing and inspirational women. Many congratulations to both!’

Margaret Grayson, NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF) Chairperson, has been awarded an MBE for services to cancer research in NI. Margaret is a trailblazer in Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in cancer research in NI.  Chairperson since the NICRCF was established in 2011, her exemplary leadership and passionate advocacy for PPI in cancer research has been instrumental is creating a culture change of partnership working.  In NI and beyond Margaret works enthusiastically with researchers and other PPI representatives influencing cancer research and PPI.  Margaret is a valued member of many groups including HSC R&D Public Involvement Enhancing Research, several Cancer Research UK advisory panels, National Cancer Research Institute Consumer Involvement Steering Group, Independent Cancer Patients’ Voice and use MY data.   A frequent guest speaker, PPI workshop facilitator and member of many study/project committees and research steering groups, Margaret’s energetic and constructive approach always brings fresh insight and maximises patient benefit. NICRCF members and staff have enormous admiration for Margaret and universally acknowledge how deserving this award is and how fortunate we all are to work with this wonderful friend and colleague!

NICRCF member Lynette McHendry, fundraiser and educator, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, has been awarded an MBE for services to women in the UK with breast cancer.

Following a diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer in 2015, Lynette set about a campaign to raise awareness of symptoms and raise money for research into Inflammatory Breast Cancer.  Lynette says ‘At every opportunity I tell people about Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I don’t refer to it as Breast Cancer as I want every women to know of the very different symptoms than a lump.’  Read more about Lynette’s story here: Lynette McHendry’s Story June 2018.  Lynette is an inspiration and support to so many.  Her amazing achievements in education and fundraising are a testament to her passion and determination.

Both Margaret and Lynette are most deserving of these awards and all who know them are delighted they have received recognition for their wonderful work and service!

Margaret Grayson received the Iris Colvin Lifetime Achievement Award for Health, presented by the Women’s Forum NI on 21 April 2018 at Belfast City Hall. She is warmly congratulated by her friends and colleagues from the NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum, NICTN and others within the HSC and beyond.  The award acknowledges Margaret’s exemplary leadership and care for cancer patients.  During her career as a Therapy Radiographer, Margaret developed the role of Information and Support Radiographer and won UK Radiographer of the Year in 2004.  Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2004, and retirement in 2010, Margaret has continued to be an energetic advocate for patients through her role as Personal and Public Involvement Representative in cancer research both locally and nationally, including NICRCF Chairperson since 2011.  In 2016 she received a special commendation in the Cancer Research UK Flame of Hope ‘Research Engagement Award’ category. Margaret is a very deserving recipient of this lifetime acheivement award and all who know her are delighted she has received this recognition for her work.

Thank you to all those involved in cancer research in NI and members of the NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF) who participated in a Survey and Focus Group on Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in research. The Survey was undertaken to:

• Evaluate the existing experience of PPI in cancer research in NI from a stakeholder perspective
• Evaluate if PPI objectives and standards are being met
• Identify areas for further development and gather recommendations to help inform a new cancer research PPI strategy

The results are published here PPI in Cancer Research in NI NICTN_NICRCF Survey and Focus Group Results Final v26.03.18 and demonstrate an overwhelming endorsement of the value of PPI and the NICRCF. As one researcher remarked ‘I cannot describe the input of the Forum more highly. They are a dedicated bunch who give depth and clinical relevance to research. What they have taught me about research….no book or lecture ever could.’

A summary of Future Recommendations are:

1. Provide dedicated PPI funding and expenses processes
2. Enhance PPI support structures
3. Expand PPI Representative numbers and networking
4. Enhance training
5. Raise researcher and public PPI awareness
6. Increase PPI opportunities
7. Share PPI impact

The strategy for PPI in Cancer Research in NI will be renewed, informed by the Survey and Focus Group results.

The Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) Network is dedicated to supporting pioneering, early-stage clinical trials and translation of scientific discoveries into new cancer treatments for patients. Belfast ECMC is a collaboration across NICTN, the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, QUB, and the NI Biobank. Scientists, doctors, nurses and patient representatives from six centres (Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield) attended an ‘ECMC North Showcase’ in Newcastle-upon-Tyne 15 March 2018.  The aim was to share research and promote collaboration across the network.

Belfast ECMC speakers included Professor Richard Wilson, who kicked-off the presentations by senior investigators describing a phase I trial of 5-FU and CV6-168, currently in development.

Professor Richard Wilson, ECMC North Showcase, 15 March 2018

Dr Eileen Parkes presented her research on the biology underpinning the DNA Damage Response Deficiency (DDRD) assay, developed by QUB and Almac Diagnostics, and Dr Philip Dunne described how ‘Intra-tumoural stromal heterogeneity undermines colorectal cancer transcriptional classification’. Belfast poster presentations were by Dr Suneil Jain and Professor Daniel Longley.  The event was very successful and a useful collaborative and networking opportunity for all involved.

Belfast ECMC is one of 18 adult centres across the UK. It is funded by HSC R&D Division and Cancer Research UK.

Networking Photos from ECMC North Newcastle 15.03.18

Staff from the NICTN and members of the NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF) were delighted to meet and chat to members of the public during the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) Open Day held on 17 February 2018. Over 300 visitors attended the information sessions/stands and lab tours.  There was a lot of interest in cancer clinical trials and the role people affected by cancer can play in shaping our clinical research.  Please contact us if you require any further information.  Photographed are NICTN staff Ruth Boyd and Ruth Irwin (1st and 3^rd from the left) and NICRCF members (2^nd, 4^th and 5^th from the left) Margaret Grayson, Janine McCann and Ffiona Crawford.

NICTN co-funded (HSC R&D Division and Cancer Research UK) Clinical Research Nurses (CRNs) attended the first meeting of a Cancer Research UK ongoing programme of education, professional development and support for CRNs.  The meeting was held 05 February 2018 in the renowned Francis Crick Biomedical Research Institute in London.  The day, which included talks from national research leaders as well and workshops and peer networking, was evaluated positively.  Our cancer CRNs play a very valuable role in the delivery of vital cancer research and improving patient outcomes.  CRNs attending were: Back row (Lt-Rt): Philip McAuley – Antrim Hospital, Jackie McGee – Altnagelvin Hospital.  Front row (Lt-Rt): Jennifer McCormick, Denise Bond – Craigavon Hospital, Kirsty McKay – Antrim Hospital.

As part of the NI Science Festival the public are welcome to the CCRCB Open Day on Saturady 17 February 2018 at 10am – 2.30pm.  This event is ‘Celebrating a decade of advances in cancer research in Belfast.’  Drop in to hear about clinical trials, the NI Biobank and population-based cancer research.  Meet staff from the NICTN and members of the NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum.  There are lab tours and interative activities for all the family.  Book places for talks at 10.30 and 12.30 via the NI Science Festival to hear from leading researchers who are translating science into clinical practice.  See the full programme here.

Showcase speakers (left-right) Front Row: Dr Carmel Conefrey, Miss Cliona Kirwan, Mrs Margaret Grayson. Back Row: Professor Rob Stein, Mr Stuart McIntosh, Professor Daniel Rea, Dr Indrani Bhattacharya

The NI Cancer Trials Network (NICTN) were delighted to welcome over 50 attendees to a Breast Cancer Trials Showcase held in CCRCB 14 November 2017.  The meeting, chaired by Mr Stuart McIntosh, NICTN Deputy Clinical Director, brought together national trial leads, breast cancer MDT members from across the region, scientists and patient/carer representatives from the NI Cancer Trials Forum (NICRCF).   The event was a great success with the majority of people who completed evaluations rating the meeting as ‘excellent’ and ‘highly relevant’.  Visiting speakers included Professor Daniel Rea, University of Birmingham, Chair of the NCRI Breast Clinical Studies Group, Miss Cliona Kirwan, University of Manchester and Professor Rob Stein, UCHL. The event led to lively discussion in relation to a range of issues following excellent presentations on clinical trials in the setting of personalised treatment in breast cancer:

ROSCO: Is there a role for CEP17/TOP2A testing in selecting anthracycline or taxane chemotherapy as neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer?

LORIS: Is active monitoring non-inferior to surgery in non-high grade DCIS, in terms of ipsilateral invasive breast cancer free survival time?

PRIMETIME: The risk of ipsilateral invasive breast disease following selection of women categories as very low risk by IHC4+C to direct selective avoidance of breast radiotherapy?

OPTIMA: Does multi-parameter analysis directed treatment assignment reduce chemotherapy use for patients with hormone sensitive primary breast cancer without detriment to recurrence and survival?

Professor Daniel Rea presenting at the Breast Cancer Trials Showcase, CCRCB, 14 Nov 2017

A session on trial decision aids was presented by Dr Indrani Bhattacharya from the Institute of Cancer Research.  Margaret Grayson, Chair of the NICRCF, stated that patients wanted to hear about clinical trials but highlighted the findings of the NI Cancer Patient Experience Survey that reported clinical trials had not been discussed with the majority of patients.  Dr Carmel Conefrey, from the University of Bristol, delivered the final session of the afternoon which focused on the challenges of patient recruitment to trials of less treatment.  She concluded with a comment that had been a recurring theme throughout the afternoon – a cohesive MDT is key to facilitating recruitment to clinical trials!

NICTN wish to thank Roche who kindly supported catering for the event. They also wish to thank staff from NICTN, NIB and CRUK for information stands, and Caroline Crothers, CRUK Research Engagement Manager, for supporting event co-ordination.

Showcase Photos 1 14.11.17

Showcase Photos 2 14.11.17