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Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Research Fellow Dr Kienan Savage, who is conducting pioneering research work focusing on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer at CCRCB, lends his support to 'Girls’ Night In'.
As part of breast cancer awareness month, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is asking local women to host a Girls’ Night In during October to raise funds for pioneering breast cancer research at Queen’s University Belfast.
Cancer Focus, the new name for Ulster Cancer Foundation, promotes and supports internationally competitive, high quality research into the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer. Currently the charity is funding a research fellowship at Queen’s that is focusing on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Roisin Foster, Cancer Focus Chief Executive, said: “Research is an extremely important element of what we do. Each year we invest £300,000 - £400,000 in cancer research to help identify the causes of cancer and discover improved methods of diagnosis and treatment. Many cancers previously thought to be incurable are now being treated successfully as a result of scientific research.
“The research Cancer Focus is funding has the potential to make an enormous difference to the lives of many women, but we can’t do it without you. We’re asking women across Northern Ireland to show their support by hosting a Girls’ Night In for a few friends to raise money for our research work. You can organise a pink themed afternoon tea, a movie marathon, a pamper party – whatever you and your friends enjoy doing – and ask for a donation to Cancer Focus. It’s a great reason to have a good time with the girls.”
Leading researcher Dr Kienan Savage has been appointed as Research Fellow for Cancer Focus and leads the research team at the university. Dr Savage has recently identified a number of new cancer genes that appear to be involved in the development of breast and ovarian cancers, and some forms of leukaemia.
“These cancers often arise due to damage to genes within our DNA, known as ‘gatekeeper’ genes. The genes control how often cells divide, allowing cells to grow out of control forming a tumour,” Dr Savage said.
“The new cancer genes which have been discovered appear to play a role in repairing damage to DNA and thereby aid the repair of damaged ‘gatekeeper’ genes, helping to prevent cancer.
“My research will add significantly to our understanding of how these genes work to prevent the development of cancer. It may also lead to the development of new quick and effective tests to help decide which treatments specific cancer patients will benefit from, and may help to identify new proteins that could be targeted for future therapies.
“It’s fantastic to get this opportunity to develop my own independent research which has the potential to be hugely significant for cancer patients everywhere,” he said.
To find out more information about the Girls’ Night In or to request your fundraising pack call the Pink Party Gals at Cancer Focus on 028 9066 3682, email fundraising@cancerfocusni.org or visit www.cancerfocusni.org.
A new £13 million partnership to accelerate cancer-focused drug discovery in Northern Ireland has been launched by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster MLA.
As part of the project, Queen’s and Almac Discovery have announced the scheduling of a phase one clinical trial for ovarian cancer, involving the first novel cancer drug fully developed in Northern Ireland.
Involving up to 60 ovarian cancer patients, the drug being trialled has been created as a result of an earlier collaboration between Almac Discovery and Professor Tracy Robson from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s.
Explaining about the trial, Professor Robson said: “This latest trial involves a new treatment for cancer known as ALM201, which rather than attacking tumours directly, prevents the growth of new blood vessels in tumours, starving them of oxygen and nutrients and thereby preventing their growth. It targets tumours by an entirely different pathway to those treatments currently approved.”
Alan Armstrong, CEO of Almac added: “Bringing new treatments to patients is a complex process. The announcement today of a new clinical trial, which is the result of a previous partnership between Almac and Queen’s School of Pharmacy, is a timely illustration of how collaboration between the University and industry is already creating novel approaches to cancer therapy which have a very real chance of helping patients.”
At today’s event, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, said: “This significant investment in research and development will enhance collaboration between academia and industry. This will ensure the investment is maximised, that research is effectively commercialised and that ultimately, enhanced treatment solutions are made available to cancer patients.
“The fact that Almac and Queen’s are engaged in such ground-breaking research here in Northern Ireland is something that we should be extremely proud of. It will reinforce our position as a leader in research and development for the health and life sciences sector.”
It was also announced today that a new CCRCB/Almac Discovery joint programme in Cancer Drug Discovery will bring researchers from Queen’s University Belfast’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) and scientists from Almac Discovery together to translate research discoveries into treatments for patients.
The two projects represent a total investment of £13M, with £7 million of support offered by Invest Northern Ireland, which includes part funding from the European Regional Development Fund.
As a result of the joint programme, 17 scientists from Almac Discovery have been seconded to Queen’s CCRCB in an industry led venture. The discovery team will work to identify parts of tumours which are susceptible to treatment by cancer drugs and to then develop the new drugs to target them.
The partnership will also enable new approaches to selecting those patients who will be most likely to respond to the new drugs, and to create the technologies needed to deliver the drugs directly to the tumour site in the patient.
The new discovery programme is being led by Professor Tim Harrison, Vice President of Discovery Chemistry with Almac Discovery. As part of this partnership, Professor Harrison has been appointed McClay Chair of Medicinal Chemistry at Queen’s for the next three years.
Commenting on the new partnership, he said: “While Almac Discovery and Queen’s have already been successfully collaborating for a number of years, this exciting new programme is bringing together for the first time, under one roof, some of our most talented scientists. As a result we expect to see an increase in both the breadth of drug targets we are able to identify and a subsequent increase in the development of potential therapeutics for patients.”
Professor Patrick Johnston
Leading Queen’s University scientist, Professor Patrick Johnston, has been named as recipient of the 2013 Bob Pinedo Cancer Care Prize.
The award recognizes Professor Johnston’s pioneering work in translating discovery science for the benefit of cancer patients. His determination and
leadership in establishing a Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Programme in Northern Ireland is testament to his dedication to improving both clinical outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.
This year's Pinedo Prize of $50,000 will be presented at the Society for Translational Oncology’s Fourth Annual meeting, to be hosted by the VU
University Medical Center Cancer Center Amsterdam (VUmc CCA) at the ING House in Amsterdam on the 1st of October, 2013. Prof. Johnston will deliver the keynote lecture at the meeting which will be published by The Oncologist, STO's official journal.
In 2012, the success of Professor Johnston’s overarching vision was recognised when he was honoured to accept a Diamond Jubilee Queen’s Anniversary Prize awarded by Her Majesty, The Queen, for The Queen’s University Belfast-led Comprehensive Cancer Centre and its achievement in reducing cancer mortality rates over the last decade. This significant improvement in cancer outcomes, underpinned by best quality care and innovative research, is a direct result of Professor Johnston’s philosophy of placing the cancer patient at the centre of the cancer care and research agenda.
Speaking about the award, Professor Johnston said: “I am delighted and humbled to have been awarded The Pinedo Prize. It is a great honour to have my work and that of my research team recognised by the international cancer research community in this way.”
Queen’s University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Gregson, said: “Queen’s is bringing some of the finest minds in clinical and
scientific research together to take medical translational research to new levels. It is developing a new £175M Institute of Health Sciences. This is
happening under the leadership of Professor Patrick Johnston who has devoted his life to improving the lives of others. The Society’s award is testimony to his foresight and commitment and is recognition of the work he is undertaking on a global scale.”
Professor Johnston’s research has focused on understanding the cellular signaling pathways in gastrointestinal tumors (with a particular emphasis on
colorectal cancer), and using this information as a foundation to identify novel prognostics and diagnostic biomarkers, and molecular targets to
rationalize and improve patient care. His many significant papers on both cytotoxic and targeted therapies have expanded knowledge of the treatment of colorectal cancer and provided new insights on mechanisms of drug resistance.
“Professor Johnston is a unique physician-scientist and leader in the cancer field”, commented Dr. Bruce Chabner, editor-in-chief of The Oncologist.
"He fulfills the traditional tripartite image of excellence in research, patient care, and teaching, but adds the extra measure of organisational skill
and personal passion in his leadership of the remarkable medical centre at Queen’s University Belfast.”
Professor Johnston currently sits on the Cancer Research UK Scientific Executive Board. His other professional roles include being a member of the
Medical Research Council (MRC) Strategy Board and Chair of the MRC Translational Research Group. He is a Founder and Director of Almac Diagnostics. He is a member of the American Society for Clinical Oncology Scientific Program Committee, Chair of the International Academy for Advanced Oncology, Japan, and Board Member of Medical Schools Council UK. As a Senior Editor for The Oncologist, Co-Editor of The Oncologist European Edition, and Co-Chairman of the Society for Translational Oncology, Prof. Johnston advocates for ways to speed the discovery and translation of important new treatments in the field of cancer medicine to the practice of global oncology.
The Pinedo Cancer Care Prize honors Professor H.M. (Bob) Pinedo, founder of the VU University Medical Center (VUmc) Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), who weds world-class cancer research with a devotion to his patients and their families.
Northern Ireland’s next generation of researchers had an insight into some of the world-leading work being conducted at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology on Wednesday 5 June. Some 90 pupils from six schools in the Magherafelt area had a unique opportunity to meet experts in cancer research, and try out some of the latest research techniques.
Pupils learned about the biology of cancer and the role of science in working towards a cure. They learned how to extract DNA from strawberries, and model the DNA double helix with jelly babies. The ‘meet-the-pathologist’ session gave pupils an insight into how cancer is clinically diagnosed and why personalised medicine is a key development in cancer treatment.
The event formed part of a UK wide initiative which sees Universities and schools working together to promote pupils’ interest in cutting edge research and raise their ambitions. Queen’s is one of the universities involved in the Research Councils UK’s £3.5 million School-University Partnership, which will benefit pupils across Northern Ireland over the next three years. The event launched the first strand of the project, to explore the future role of the creative technologies. Researchers from Queen’s Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC), the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and the School of Pharmacy also ran informative events as part of the day.
The event marks the launch of the first strand of the project, which will see researchers work with schools in the Magherafelt and Newtownabbey areas on projects addressing a number of key societal issues, including the future role of creative technologies. A second project will consider national borders and issues including multiculturalism, globalisation, identities and nationhood. A third project addresses problems of global concern – energy, water, food, environment and sustainability, while the final project will take pupils on an interactive journey from patient symptoms to clinical diagnosis, disease biomarker discovery, drug development and back to the patient for treatment.
Professor Tom Millar, Dean of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Queen’s said: “It is very important, for all our futures, that young people not only understand the benefits that research brings to us as individuals, societies and global communities, but also that they gain some experience of how research is carried out.
“Today’s event will see Queen’s researchers offer a range of exciting, hands-on projects to engage pupils, and give them a glimpse of how science, technology, engineering and the humanities are changing our world.
“We are delighted that the RCUK funding will allow our young researchers to interact with Year 9 and 10 students from 34 schools across Northern Ireland in a variety of projects that will both enrich their experience of the curriculum and inspire them to think about their contribution to our futures.”
Mrs Nicola Boyd and Mrs Patricia Menary (Robin's sister and mother) present Dr Tom Flannery with a cheque for £17,000
Dr Tom Flannery, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Senior Lecturer in Surgical Oncology at Queen’s University’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, was happy to accept an award for £17,000 from the Robin Menary Foundation.
Dr Flannery, who is conducting pioneering research into malignant gliomas at Queen’s said: “I am immensely grateful to the Robin Menary Foundation for their incredible donation which will enable us to continue our research into how glioblastomas invade and are resistant to radiotherapy.”
The Robin Menary Foundation was set up in December 2011, following the death of Robin Menary – a Bangor man – at the age of 38 from a brain tumour and has already raised more than £25,000 to fund research into brain tumours.
Robin was treated at Belfast’s City and Royal Victoria Hospitals following his diagnosis with a grade IV glioblastoma multiforme – one of the deadliest forms of cancer. He was just 36 old and, along with his wife, Catherine, who was seven months pregnant, was looking forward to the birth of their much wanted twins. Just 17 months later he passed away, leaving his entire family devastated.
Nikki Boyd, Robin’s sister explained: “Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer with incidences increasing at an alarming rate. Only 14% of those diagnosed with brain cancer survive beyond five years compared to 50% for most other cancers, rising to as high as 80% for others. Yet when Robin was diagnosed, we discovered that research into this disease, which devastates families, leaving children without a parent, and parents without a child, is shockingly underfunded with less than 1% of cancer research spending over the last ten years being used on sustainable, scientific research to discover more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. That is why we set up the Robin Menary Foundation to raise much needed funds for research into brain tumours.
“When someone you love is told that they have cancer it is devastating, but when they are told that it is incurable and that the prognosis is extremely poor, it is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare. We should be looking forward to celebrating Robin’s 40th birthday on the 28th May this year and he should be enjoying seeing his beautiful twins, Rachel and Rory – now three years old – growing up. They are the image of Robin.”
Robin’s mother, Paddy Menary, remembers: “Robin was a fantastic husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and in the precious few months he had with his twins, a wonderful daddy. Despite going through gruelling radio and chemotherapy, he was just like any new dad. He was so proud of Rory and Rachel and their beautiful mum, Catherine.”
Nikki concludes: “We are determined that Robin’s life will not have been wasted and are proud that we have already been able to support research both here in Belfast and at Brain Tumour Research’s Centre of Excellence in the University of Portsmouth in the South of England. The work of the Robin Menary Foundation is about giving real hope, the one thing Robin didn’t have, to others unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with this dreadful disease.”
To read more of Robin’s story and to discover how you can help fund the fight against brain cancer, visit www.robinmenaryfoundation.com or email robinmenaryfoundation@gmail.com
L-R: Queen's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Gregson; Professor Manuel-Salto Tellez, Queen's/BHSCT; Health Minister, Edwin Poots; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride and Mr Colm Donaghy, Chief Executive, BHSCT
Brendan Crummey (13) from Belfast, son of the late political satirist Sean Crummey is joined by Professor Manuel SaltoTellez, Professor of Molecular Pathology at Queen's and Consultant Pathologist, BHSCT and Dr Jackie James, Lecturer in Pathology and Consultant in the BHSCT at the opening of the Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory and Northern Ireland Biobank at Queen's University Belfast
The opening of a new cancer facility at Queen’s University Belfast (Wednesday, 9 January), the first integrated laboratory of its kind in the UK and Ireland, is to revolutionise cancer research and diagnosis for thousands of patients across Northern Ireland.
The new facility is a partnership between Queen’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
The opening of the Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Lab (NI-MPL) and Northern Ireland Biobank (NIB), means oncologists are now better placed to decide on the best treatment for their patients thanks to improved diagnoses.
The improved diagnoses are as a result of solid tumour samples being examined at a molecular level. This new level of testing helps oncologists tailor individual treatments to individual patients, offering a new era of personalised medicine in Northern Ireland. It will also advance meaningful research in new cancer diagnostics and new cancer treatments.
Professor Manuel Salto-Tellez, Professor of Molecular Pathology at Queen’s and Clinical Consultant Pathologist, BHSCT said: “Each cancer is unique in its genetic make-up. Testing at the molecular level allows us to identify changes in the cancer’s genome that are associated with better outcomes, and better lives, for the patients who suffer from certain types of cancer.
“Our distinctive combination of molecular diagnostics and research under the one roof, supported by the Biobank, makes this facility unique in these islands. We are now routinely delivering a number of diagnostic tests for the patient and along with our colleagues in the Belfast Trust, and across Northern Ireland, we are taking yet more significant steps on the journey, started by our oncologists years ago, which has seen us make significant improvements in cancer survival over the last 15 years.”
Explaining the difference the new facility will make to patients, Professor Joe O’Sullivan, Professor of Radiation Oncology, said: “This new Molecular Pathology facility at Queen’s will improve outcomes for patients by providing more detailed information to doctors about a particular cancer and facilitating the delivery of more individualised cancer treatment.”
Colm Donaghy, Chief Executive, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust said: “Already, over 1,000 patients in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have had their tumours analysed by the new laboratory. The diagnostic activity of the laboratory is under the direct governance of the Trust, making sure that it meets the highest standards of quality in healthcare. Once fully operational, several thousand people with cancer of the colon, breast, lung and skin, among others, will benefit each year from the new facility. Together with Queen’s we are developing new models that may define the way medicine will be delivered in the future.”
Queen’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Gregson added: “The opening of this facility is yet another important illustration of how the research programme within Queen’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology is benefiting patient care in Northern Ireland. Along with our partners in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Queen’s is committed to ensuring that the advances made in our laboratories can continue to revolutionise patient care and bring new hope to people everywhere.”
An important new aspect of the MPL is the creation of the Northern Ireland Biobank (NIB).
The NIB provides researchers with the ability to access human tissue and blood samples for their research within a firmly regulated framework. This means that researchers can access tissue samples and progress their work at an increased pace, sharing their knowledge with colleagues across the globe.
Dr Jackie James, Scientific Director of the NIB, Senior Lecturer in Pathology and Consultant in the BHSCT, explained how it will benefit researchers at home and around the world. She said: “To carry out research that is meaningful, good quality clinical material with good quality clinical and pathological information is essential. The NIB provides all of this within a timely and strict ethical framework.”
Professor Bernie Hannigan, Director of Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSC R&D), a division of the Public Health Agency (PHA), who helped fund the NIB, said: “The Northern Ireland Biobank is evidence of the important contribution that HSC R&D funding makes to current and future research and patient care both in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. We are delighted to support this facility as it is vital that the services patients receive are underpinned by world-class research. In addition, we are committed to the future expansion of the Biobank so that patients with illnesses other than cancer can also benefit from its innovative services.”
Professor Nic Jones, Cancer Research UK’s chief scientist, said: “This unique resource provides an example to the world by bringing together scientists, doctors and patients to make targeted treatments available sooner for cancer patients in Northern Ireland.
“Cancer Research UK is proud to support a team of scientists who have expertise in using this essential tissue resource to understand how to classify patients into groups so that they can receive the most effective treatment targeted to the faults in their DNA, and avoid unnecessary treatment with difficult side effects. We believe that nurturing world-class research in Northern Ireland will accelerate progress in research leading to increased survival from the disease.”
Charity Friends of the Cancer Centre supported the setting up of the Management Information System within the Northern Ireland Biobank. It’s Director Colleen Shaw, said: “Friends of the Cancer Centre are delighted to support the Northern Ireland Biobank by supporting the setting up of the Management Information System (MIS). The MIS will be instrumental in supporting tissue collections for new and innovative cancer research in Northern Ireland, benefitting both the NI clinical cancer research community and future cancer patients. The charity is also committed to the future expansion of the Biobank.”
To view the QTV feature of this event, please visit: http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/ceao/Qtv/Research/stories/Name,363905,en.html
Media inquiries to Lisa McElroy, Senior Communications Officer, Queen’s University. Tel: +44 (0)28 90 97 5384, m 07814 415 451 or email Lisa.Mcelroy@qub.ac.uk
A memorial fund set up in memory of the political satirist Sean Crummey has donated £18,000 to Queen’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB).
The Folks on the Hill creator and impersonator, who graduated from Queen’s in 1980 with a BA in French and Classical Greek, died in November 2011 from a cancer-related illness aged 53.
The presentations were made on behalf of the Sean Crummey Memorial Fund set up to support bowel cancer research in the CCRCB. The money was raised through events organised by La Salle Golf Society, Ardglass Captain’s Day and an Entertainers Golf Day in September by groups with close links to the former entertainer.
Among those at the presentation were Sean’s wife Gabrielle, daughter Niamh and son Brendan and his brother, Brendan. Sean’s former consultant, Dr Richard Wilson and local entertainer John Linehan, better known as May McFettridge, were also present as were Sean’s nieces Deirbhile and Caoimhe Maguire and Marie Therese Fleming, who raised over £110 in a cake sale at St Dominic's Grammar School on the Falls Road earlier in the year.
“This is a very appropriate way to honour Sean,” said Gabrielle. “The studentship allows the family to express gratitude for the care Sean received from Dr Richard Wilson and his colleagues at Queen’s and is a way of helping others who may face the challenges that cancer brings.
”It is a real privilege to be able to make some contribution towards the work of CCRCB. As a family we are very gratified to be associated with the Centre,” added Gabrielle.
The gifts were received on behalf of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology by Dr David Waugh, Acting Director of the CCRCB in the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s.
Dr David Waugh said: “Bowel cancer affects more that 35,000 people a year in the UK. In Northern Ireland alone, around 1,000 people were diagnosed with bowel cancer last year. Research in CCRCB is focused on developing tailored treatment strategies to improve outcomes for bowel cancer patients. Research led by Professor Patrick Johnston, a global authority on the disease, has provided us with an improved understanding by which colon cancers develop resistance to current treatments.
“These gifts from the Sean Crummey Memorial Fund will enable Queen’s to conduct further research that will underpin an improved genetic understanding of bowel cancers. This knowledge will enable our scientists and clinicians to identify new therapeutic strategies and simultaneously develop the tests that we can use to identify those patients in which these treatments will be effective. Public support such as that demonstrated today is vital to ensure that world class cancer treatment is available to people in Northern Ireland.”
The Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology has gained global recognition for its pioneering work since it opened in 2007. Survival rates for cancer in Northern Ireland are now among the best in the UK. Earlier this year an initiative led by Queen’s, in partnership with the local Health and Social Care Trusts, reorganising cancer treatment throughout Northern Ireland, won a Diamond Jubilee Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Peter Gregson
Queen’s University is celebrating after it was named Sunday Times University of the Year runner-up and top University in the UK for Medical Science and Pharmacy.
Competing with universities across the UK, Queen’s also moved up 20 places to 26th position overall in the Sunday Times University Guide 2013, its highest ever ranking.
Alastair McCall, Editor of The Sunday Times University Guide, said: “Queen’s plays a pivotal role in the economy and life of Northern Ireland. It is about as far removed from ivory towered academia as it is possible to get. No university in the UK generates more money from companies spun out of its research work and this year’s Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its pioneering cancer research work acknowledges Queen’s’ contribution in this field, which benefits the people of Northern Ireland on a daily basis and has implications for the wider world going forward.
“But the real winners are the students who study here in an environment both rich in history and exuding the dynamism they will all need to succeed in a challenging world environment.”
Commenting on the tremendous achievement Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Peter Gregson said: “Queen’s is recognised as a University that links Northern Ireland to the global community through the life-changing experience we offer to our students, the distinctive contribution made to our society by graduates and the high quality and impact of our research.
“It is encouraging that Medical Science and Pharmacy at Queen’s are being nationally recognised as best in class. The University has recently invested over £90 million on an ambitious plan to create an internationally recognised School and Institute of Health Sciences, with a further £85 million expenditure anticipated over the next five years. This will ensure that laboratory discoveries translate into advances in patient diagnosis and treatment.
“Queen’s world-class medical school was also recognised earlier this year when the University was presented with a Diamond Jubilee Queen’s Anniversary Prize at Buckingham Palace, in recognition of its leadership of the Northern Ireland Comprehensive Cancer Services programme.
“This is an exciting time to be studying and working at Queen’s, but it is also an exciting time for everyone associated with Queen’s, as the university continues on its upward trajectory.”
Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning congratulated Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Peter Gregson on the achievements of his Institution in the recent Sunday Times University Guide 2013 saying: “I know Queen's University Belfast is committed to being a world class institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research and these results are a testament to the hard work of all the teaching and support staff at the institution and in particular those of the Medical Science department. The Higher Education Sector is pivotal to the development of a modern, sustainable and knowledge based economy and at a time of increased global competition it is heartening to see a Northern Ireland institution leading the way.”
The Sunday Times awards are the latest in a number of accolades Queen’s University has received in recent months. Last week Queen’s recorded its best ever results in the National Student Survey, with an overall satisfaction score of 87 per cent and its Students’ Union placed in the top quartile of all UK Universities. During the summer the University was ranked 25th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2013, with 14 of its subjects ranked in the top 20. And in the latest QS World University Rankings, Queen’s moved up to 166, representing significant progress in its ambition to be recognised as a Global Top 100 University.
Ms Helen Barnes (Head of Medical Fundraising at Queen's); Mr Darren Clarke and Dr David Waugh (Acting Director, CCRCB)
Darren Clarke OBE, the 2011 Open Golf Champion and veteran of five consecutive European Ryder Cup teams, visited Queen’s University Belfast on Friday 14 September to present a cheque for £80,000 from the Darren Clarke Foundation to the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB).
Through the Darren Clarke Foundation, the Northern Ireland golfer has been a major supporter of cancer research, donating to a number of local and national cancer charities.
Presenting the cheque, Darren Clarke said: “I am delighted to support the Centre for Cancer research at Queen’s University through my Foundation and I am hopeful this is the start of a long-term relationship.”
The gift was received on behalf of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology by Dr David Waugh, Acting Director of the CCRCB in the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s.
“More women in Northern Ireland are surviving breast cancer than ever before, thanks to earlier detection and better treatments. But there is so much more to be done to accelerate our impact on this disease.
“This generous gift from the Darren Clarke Foundation will enable us to continue our research into aggressive forms of cancer, including breast cancer, and accelerate the pace and quality of cancer research worldwide,” concluded Dr David Waugh.
Dr David Waugh added: “Between 1993 and 2009, the number of women dying from cancer has gone down by 0.9 per cent and survival rates for cancer in Northern Ireland are now among the best in the UK. Some of our survivors are currently alive and well a significant number of years after the kind of cancer that not so long ago would have taken them from us. At CCRCB, with the continued support of donors, large and small, we can continue to wage war on Cancer.”
The Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology has gained global recognition for its pioneering work since it opened in 2007. Survival rates for cancer in Northern Ireland are now among the best in the UK. Earlier this year an initiative led by Queen’s, in partnership with the local Health and Social Care Trusts, reorganising cancer treatment throughout Northern Ireland, won a Diamond Jubilee Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
If you would like to support cancer research at Queen’s please contact the Medical Fundraising Team on 028 9097 1568.
Professor Dennis McCance
A major breakthrough by scientists at Queen’s could lead to more effective treatments for throat and cervical cancer.
The discovery could see the development of new therapies, which would target the non-cancerous cells surrounding a tumour, as well as treating the tumour itself.
Researchers at Queen’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology have found that the non-cancerous tissue, or ‘stroma’, surrounding cancers of the throat and cervix, plays an important role in regulating the spread of cancer cells.
The discovery opens the door for the development of new treatments which, by targeting this non-cancerous tissue, could prevent it being invaded by neighbouring cancer cells.
The research, led by Professor Dennis McCance, has just been published in the European Molecular Biology Organization Journal. Professor McCance said: “Cancer spreads as the result of two-way communication between the cancer cells in a tumour and the non-cancerous cells in the surrounding tissue.
“We already know that cancer cells are intrinsically programmed to invade neighbouring healthy tissue. But the cells in the non-cancerous tissue are also programmed to send messages to the cancer cells, actively encouraging them to invade. If these messages – sent from the healthy tissue to the tumour - can be switched-off, then the spread of the cancer will be inhibited.
“What we have discovered is that a particular protein in non-cancerous tissue has the ability to either open or close the communication pathway between the healthy tissue and the tumour. When the Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) in non-cancerous tissue is activated, this leads to a decrease in factors that encourage invasion by cancer cells. And so, the cancer doesn’t spread.”
The Rb protein is found in both cancer and non-cancerous tissue. Its importance in regulating the growth of cancer cells from within tumours is already well-documented, but this is the first time scientists have identified the role of the Rb found in healthy tissue, in encouraging or discouraging the spread of cancer.
The research was conducted using three-dimensional tissue samples, grown in Professor McCance’s lab, to replicate the stroma tissue found around cancers of the throat and cervix.
Speaking about the potential implications for cancer treatment, Professor McCance continued: “Current treatments for cancer focus on targeting the tumour itself, in order to kill the cancer cells before they spread. This discovery opens the door for us to develop new treatments that would target the normal tissue surrounding a tumour, as opposed to the tumour itself. By specifically targeting pathways controlled by the Rb protein, it would be possible to switch-off the messages that encourage cancer cells to invade, and inhibit the spread of the tumour.
“Our research has focussed on cancers of the throat and cervix. But it is possible that Rb or other proteins in the healthy tissue surrounding other types of cancer, may play a similar role in regulating the spread of tumour cells. Therefore, the implications of this discovery could go far beyond throat and cervical cancer, and that is something we plan to investigate further.”
The research was funded by the Wellcome Trust, the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre and the National Institutes of Health (USA), and was supported by the Northern Ireland Biobank.
The research paper, entitled ‘Inactivation of Rb in stromal fibroblasts promotes epithelial cell invasion’ can be found online at http://www.nature.com/emboj/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/emboj2012153a.html
Professor Patrick Johnston
One of the UK’s leading medical researchers has been recognised for excellence in medical science. Professor Patrick Johnston, Dean of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast has been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Professor Johnston has been honoured for outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical science and, in particular, his work on cancer research and treatment of patients.
Commenting on the prestigious accolade, Professor Johnston said: “I am delighted to have been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. It is an honour and privilege to have had my contribution to medical science, in particular my contribution to cancer research and cancer patients recognised in this way.”
Welcoming the announcement, Queen’s University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Gregson said: “This is a tremendous personal accolade for one of the UK’s finest cancer researchers. Professor Johnston’s award is further recognition of the outstanding work he is doing at Queen’s University as he continues to build an internationally recognised School and Institute of Health Sciences that will have both a local and global impact.
The Academy’s Fellows are the United Kingdom’s leading medical scientists and are elected for outstanding contribution to the advancement of medical science, for innovative application of scientific knowledge or for their conspicuous service to healthcare. Professor Johnston will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 27 June 2012.
Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University Professor Sir Peter Gregson and Professor Patrick Johnston, Dean, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Buckingham Palace
Despite the rising incidence of cancer in Northern Ireland, the number of people surviving the disease here is increasing significantly year on year.
Each year there are between 50-60 men and women who survive the deadly effects of cancer who previously would have died.
The survival rates in Northern Ireland for cancers including breast and colorectal are among the best in the UK, and its patients are benefiting from improved treatment outcomes by up to four per cent better than those for England and Wales.
The figures have been revealed today as Queen’s University Belfast is presented with a Diamond Jubilee Queen’s Anniversary Prize at Buckingham Palace, in recognition of its leadership of the Northern Ireland Comprehensive Cancer Services (CCS) programme.
The CCS programme has been credited with driving forward the improvements in cancer survival in Northern Ireland. It is a collaboration led by Queen’s University in partnership with the Department of Health and the five Northern Ireland Health Trusts with support from the medical research industry.
The programme has resulted in the reorganisation of cancer services across Northern Ireland, and investment of more than £200 million in infrastructure and personnel for treatment and research by the University and the health service.
The CCS programme was also recently described by the distinguished medical journal, The Oncologist, as ‘life-extending research that is emblematic of the way cancer medicine should be conducted in the 21st century.’
Accepting the prize, Professor Patrick Johnston, Dean of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, said: “Despite the rising incidence rates of cancer, between 1993 and 2009, the number of men dying from cancer has gone down by 1.3 per cent and the number of women by 0.9 per cent. Some of our survivors are currently alive and well a significant number of years after the kind of cancer that not so long ago would have taken them from us.
“Cancer no longer needs to be seen as an inevitable death sentence. In many instances it can now be viewed instead as a chronic disease.”
He added: “This award underpins our reputation as a global centre of excellence for cancer care. To receive it is a singular honour, not just for Queen’s but for the whole of Northern Ireland and in particular all the fundraisers, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the five Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts and our supporters from the national and international medical research industry.
“Our strength lies in a multidisciplinary approach – teams of scientists and clinicians working together across academic and NHS boundaries on behalf of cancer patients and their families.”
Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Peter Gregson said: “Queen’s is committed to high quality translational research. We are seeing innovations which are providing life-saving and life-enhancing results, reflecting our drive to become a global force in the fight against cancer.”
The pillars of the CCS programme are the Clinical Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, the Cancer Research Programme at Queen’s and the University’s Northern Ireland Cancer Registry which provides vital information about research and outcomes.