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Research and Funding
research & funding
Despite facing significant challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, Beatson Cancer Charity funded staff worked hard to continue vital cancer research projects and patient services.
radiotherapy research infrastructure project
Key members of the Radiotherapy Research Infrastructure Project led The Beatson’s participation in the UK COVID Radiotherapy Initiative. The project is studying the impact of Covid-19 on patient outcomes, supporting the recovery of radiotherapy services and assisting healthcare professionals to plan for future pandemics.
Aileen Duffton (Lead Research and Development Radiographer at The Beatson) also co-authored an ESTRO guidance document for therapy radiographers treating cancer patients with a Covid-19 infection.
Professor Anthony Chalmers, Chair of Clinical Oncology University of Glasgow
clinical trials
Once clinical trials restarted in mid 2020, Karen (Beatson Cancer Charity funded Clinical Trial Research Nurse) helped with the recruitment of eligible patients to a variety of trials. This included prostate cancer patients to the practice changing ProSpace™ Balloon System Trial.
This project will investigate the effectiveness of the ProSpace™ Balloon System (a biodegradable rectal balloon designed to reduce radiotherapy toxicity by gently pushing healthy tissues away from the prostate while it receives radiotherapy). Karen was the only research nurse for this study and supported patients through their clinical trial journeys.
In March 2021, Beatson Cancer Charity awarded a £43,379 grant to help maintain two clinical trial research nurse posts for another 12 months at The Beatson. Both nurses will support a wide-range portfolio of clinical trials focusing on:
• Interventional treatment trials with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. • Non-treatment trials including translational studies, looking at blood and tissue samples. • Studies exploring ways to manage symptoms of cancer and side effects from treatment. • Studies evaluating the psychological impact of cancer. • Observational clinical trials looking at quality of life.
The grant will also help The Beatson to provide patients with a named research nurse who will support them and their family during their clinical trial journey.
late effects clinic continues
Beatson Cancer Charity and MacMillan Cancer Support continued to support The Beatson’s Pelvic Late Effects Clinic. The primary aim of this service is to support cancer patients suffering from debilitating gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, which can sometimes occur as a late consequence of pelvic radiotherapy. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Late Effects Team moved to remote working and maintained contact with patients through telephone calls. The team also liaised with GPs supporting Beatson patients who were shielding and/or living far away.
In September 2020, face-to-face clinic appointments restarted which enabled the Lead Clinician to see a limited number of patients (under strict Covid-19 safety procedures) for their first assessment. Follow up appointments were carried out as far as possible by telephone. The team also utilised a temporary base on the hospital site for processing blood and stool tests to avoid pressure on Primary Care.
Many patients were pleased to receive a diagnosis for their symptoms and reported this made a big difference. Other patients found it very helpful to feel someone was interested and asking them about their symptoms.
125 patients have been supported by the clinic (November 2018 to March 2021)
The Late Effects team: Stephanie, Carol and Sally
“Everything is explained in detail. It’s fab that the clinic has been set up for after care. Comforting to know that symptoms are normal for cancer patients after treatment. Feeling very positive after my appointment. Thank you to all the team.”
