3 minute read
Mission: Possible
by RCSI
Professor Patrick Morris, Medical Director, Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director, Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and Head of RCSI Endocrine Oncology Research Group
An intelligent cancer ecosystem with patient-partnered care is informed by cutting-edge research
What is pioneering cancer care? In the modern context it is when patients receive comprehensive cancer care that is informed by cutting-edge research and high-quality education and training.
Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre is pioneering cancer care in Ireland. The Cancer Centre represents a historic collaboration between clinical care and scientific discovery, with patients benefiting from the latest treatments, therapeutics and clinical trials. “As leading hospital experts and university researchers, we work together as one team,” says Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director.
“Our mission is to improve the lives and outcomes of patients with cancer, through groundbreaking research that develops and conducts high-quality clinical trials and grows research capacity through collaboration with patients,” says Professor Patrick Morris, Medical Director.
Increasing access to clinical trials is important because clinical trials are a critical part of evidence-based medicine, helping to test out how new medical treatments will work. Clinical trials often involve large numbers of patients to ensure the new intervention is safe and effective. “The primary aim for the Cancer Centre is to provide evidence-based care that is effective, safe, of high quality and patient partnered,” says Professor Morris. “We seek to deliver novel therapies through clinical trials, guided by preclinical and translational science.”
At Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, the ambition is to involve 10% of patients in clinical trials.
Patients recognise the benefits: “Patients may get access to a new treatment before it is available to anyone else; they play a more active role in their healthcare and they help others by contributing to knowledge about new treatments or procedures,” says Professor Morris.
Advances in basic and translational science have resulted in great discovery, but the integration of this innovation into cancer care presents organisational and financial challenges. At the Cancer Centre, the rapid transfer from discovery to clinical care is made possible by the unique relationship between the academic and hospital partners.
“The Centre is focused on three pillars – cancer care, research and education,” says Professor Young. “The academic leadership and support shown by Professor Laura Viani, RCSI President, and her colleagues is key to our continued ambition to deliver the highest international standards in cancer research that will bring maximum benefit to cancer patients and ensure that Ireland is at the forefront of excellent patient care now and in the future.”
World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics reveal that cancer is the second most reported cause of death and morbidity in Europe. In Ireland, there are approximately 43,000 cases of cancer diagnosed each year and more than 3,500 of these patients are newly treated at the Cancer Centre. Professor Young says: “The only way to tackle this disease is through research and collaboration. We bring together Ireland’s cancer experts to improve patient care into the future, not only in Ireland but worldwide.” ■
