NEW attempts to treat incurable cancers will be tested in Scotland as part of a groundbreaking research programme.
Around 200 patients a year - including some who previously would have received only palliative care - will receive the new treatment which involves using the latest precision radiotherapy.
The Beatson Cancer Charity is investing £850,000, their largest ever single grant, in the project which it is hoped will improve survival and reduce the side-effects of radiotherapy.
The research will involve targetting the radiation on tumour cells and avoiding healthy tissue as well as combining radiotherapy with the latest drugs to kill cancer cells more effectively.
The money will help bring staff on board to position Glasgow as an internationally recognised centre for radiotherapy research.
Radiotherapy plays a key roll in treating cancers, with experts estimating it is the primary factor in 40 per cent of patients who are cured.
Professor Anthony Chalmers, chair of clinical oncology at Glasgow University, said: “Radiotherapy has been one of the most effective forms of cancer treatment for many years. Today, we have a wide range of innovative equipment and techniques that deliver
radiotherapy much more accurately meaning in some cases we can give a higher dose to a tumour, increasing the possibility of cure.
“These are exciting breakthroughs and at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre we’re continuing to refine them in our radiotherapy department and in our laboratories. The next critical step is to test them on patients and for that we need financial support to create the Radiotherapy Research Project."
Professor Chalmers said some of the new approaches that are revolutionising radiotherapy treatments have been developed in Glasgow.
He added: “The project will significantly increase the ability of radiotherapy treatments to shrink, control and in some cases eradicate cancers. This is positive news for those with lung, brain, pancreas and head and neck cancers where there is currently a poor outlook.”
David Welch, Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Sadly the west of Scotland has one of the highest rates of cancer in Europe. This is a terrifying fact. In my role I see first-hand the immense courage of patients and families as they take on their cancer journey. By increasing the effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments, this key research will have a significant impact on survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients."
Chef Andrew Fairlie, who has survived a brain tumour, hosted and sponsored an event at Gleneagles to launch the Radiotherapy Research Project and increase awareness of the need for support in this area.
Mr Fairlie said: “When I was told I had cancer, fear and uncertainty filled my mind. The treatment I received for my brain tumour was outstanding and the services provided by the charity brought enormous comfort to me and my family. To have world-leading research right here in Scotland, giving patients the very best chance at beating cancer is an amazing opportunity. What we fund now could change the nature of cancer treatment for generations to come.”
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