RESEARCH and clinical trials at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre have been given a funding boost.
It was awarded a grant of £786,348 from the National Institute for Health and Care Research after a bid outlined how the money 'could enhance Clatterbridge's capability and capacity to conduct innovative research', including plans for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the investment.
The funding has been specifically allocated for:
- A surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT) and CT system to improve precision in radiotherapy research and treatment
- Two satellite laboratories to be built at the centre's Wirral and Halton hubs, in order to decentralise research and reach underserved communities
- A CAR-T therapy system to enhance work in cellular therapies at Clatterbridge.
More than 1,000 are patients are taking part in around 60 cancer-related studies, including pioneering clinical trials at Clatterbridge.
Clatterbridge is also involved in research collaborations with Liverpool University Hospitals and Liverpool Heart and Chest in the Liverpool Clinical Research Facility; the University of Liverpool in the Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre; and national research partners, including The Royal Marsden, in a Biomedical Research Centre.
Dr Gillian Heap, director of research and innovation operations, said: "We are delighted to be given this funding award after detailing how this investment can enhance research at Clatterbridge.
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is one of 36 hospitals given a share of £30million to combat cancer and other major diseases through the NIHR in this funding round.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the grants would "help more patients get their lives back so they can share precious moments with their loved ones".
Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS England national director of transformation, said: "The NHS is determined to be at the forefront of the technological revolution, and this funding for projects including trials of advanced therapies in regenerative medicine and extending AI capabilities, is another step forward.
"Cutting edge research to improve the prevention, management and treatment of diseases – including cancer, heart disease and Parkinson’s – has the potential to greatly improve patients’ lives."
Professor Lucy Chappell, chief executive of the NIHR, said: "This significant investment will provide NHS trusts in England with the high-quality equipment, technology and facilities they need to deliver cutting edge research that benefits the public.
"The NIHR is directing this funding so that it reaches the areas and people with the greatest need, giving more communities the chance to take part in life-changing clinical trials.
"This will not only benefit patients directly, but also support the economic growth of the country, helping to position the UK as an attractive place for innovative companies to invest in research."
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