latest

Oncology research experts launch joint effort to accelerate innovation

New organisation will enable cancer research work not possible at centres working alone

18th February 2021 about a 2 minute read
"By pooling collective expertise, the Oncology TRC has the potential to accelerate innovations and provide real benefit for people with cancer.” Louise Knowles, Department of Health and Social Care

A new organisation aims to drive forward innovative research in key areas including early diagnosis, surgery, immunotherapy and radiotherapy.

The NIHR Oncology Translational Research Collaboration (TRC) is bringing together leading cancer researchers from across the NIHR’s Biomedical Research Centres.

Through working in partnership, they plan to carry out research that requires real collaborative effort, and would not be possible by centres working alone. The work will also complement research undertaken by other cancer research networks.

The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, which is the UK’s only NICR centre dedicated solely to cancer, will chair the new Oncology TRC.

Professor Stan Kaye, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden and Chair of the collaboration, said: “Progress in cancer research demands collaboration and I am delighted the NIHR’s leading Biomedical Research Centres will unite through the Oncology TRC. 

Work just beginning

“Our programme of work is just beginning, and I am confident that it has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving cancer treatment and care in the next few years.”

Louise Knowles, Head of Research Faculty, Infrastructure and Growth at the Department of Health and Social Care, added:

“Our experience from COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated that collaborative working can drive forward life-saving research. By pooling collective expertise, the Oncology TRC has the potential to accelerate innovations and provide real benefit for people with cancer.”

The Oncology TRC will share expertise and best practice, map the landscape to identify gaps in research and areas of unmet need, and identify opportunities to work with external partners including industry and charities.

More information on the Oncology TRC is available on the NIHR website here

For details on how to work with the Oncology TRC contact the NIHR Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure nocri@nihr.ac.uk