Chinwag - Autumn 2019

Research news

New CRF manager Sian Hanison has joined the Trust as operational manager for the CRF. With a PhD in the molecular biology of mesenchymal stem cells at The University of Manchester, Sian worked for The National Research Ethics Service before becoming research governance manager and then research and development manager at Wythenshawe Hospital. controlled cancer growth in women with advanced breast cancer for an average of six months longer (10.3 months) than those treated with the standard hormone treatment and a placebo (4.8 months). Advanced biliary tract trial sets new standard of care A research team from The Christie and The University of Manchester has successfully trialled a treatment for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer which has been proven to help them live longer. The results of the ABC-06 trial were presented at a prestigious international cancer conference and will set as the new global standard of care for patients with this rare and incurable disease. This significant research has shown that patients’ chances of surviving after 12 months increased from 10% to 25% from starting a second course of chemotherapy. The randomised trial involved 162 patients and took place over four years (between 2014 and 2018) across the whole of the UK. Approximately 1,600 people a year are diagnosed with cancer of the bile duct and gallbladder in the UK. Professor Juan Valle and the gastro-intestinal research team in Manchester have been global leaders in researching new treatments for this disease since 2010 when they established the current standard of care. Manchester team plays major part in pioneering research into breast cancer treatment A new study reveals combining standard treatment with a new oral drug may extend life by up to six months. This significant advance in research for new breast cancer treatments was presented by Dr Sacha Howell at ASCO last month. It could improve treatment options for millions of patients. The clinical trial was jointly led by cancer researchers at The Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff University together with The Christie. The study has shown that the combination of two drugs

LiFen Wang retires LiFen Wang, research information and governance manager, retired in June on her 60th birthday after more than 20 years’ service. LiFen started at The Christie back in Dec 1998 being the first member of the R&D team which is now 15 members strong. She therefore encapsulates all that is Christie R&D and has been integral to the growth and success of the department. lymphoma, which had returned after previous standard treatment, were recruited to the study across 11 large cancer centres in the UK, US and Italy. The Christie was the top UK recruiter to the trial and second largest globally, with 25 patients. Lymphoma research results could lead to a breakthrough Remarkable results of a clinical trial of a new drug that could offer a breakthrough treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma have been announced. The drug consists of an antibody linked to a ‘warhead’ which seeks out tumours and destroys them. This targeted treatment was shown to be effective in patients with an advanced form of the disease. Professor John Radford presented results at the ICML-15 meeting in Lugano in June. The drug was generally well tolerated with 44% of all 129 patients recruited to the trial responding to the treatment with partial or complete remission. In older patients response rates were even better with 52% of patients aged 65-74 and 59% of patients aged 75 or older responding. Patients with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin

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