Research and Development

Clinical research
The main focus of research activity is concentrated on clinical trials. Activity in trials increased significantly in 1999 during which 370 new patients were registered into studies. As a result, CCO continues to develop its profile in relation to entering patients in multi-centre national trials.

Some of these studies have been developed by CCO to answer local questions. For example, a successful study has compared the use of oral antibiotics provided on an out-patient basis against in-patient infused antibiotics for patients whose immune system is affected during their cancer treatment. A second study, carried out in association with the Royal Liverpool University and Broadgreen Hospital NHS Trust, has investigated the role of proton therapy in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. This latter study uses the cyclotron in the Douglas Cyclotron Unit at CCO which provides the only proton therapy facility in the UK and the study is the only randomised study of its kind in the world. Initial results from both the above have been presented at international meetings.

In addition to the clinical trials work, CCO continues to work on a number of research projects relating primarily to investigations of alternative ways in which radiotherapy can be planned and delivered in order to make the most of the treatment of patients with cancer. These projects are funded from CCO Research Endowments or by the award of research grants from CCRT and involve medical, physics and radiography staff.

We have continued to work closely with CCRT on research into cancer genetics. Two Specialist Registrars have taken up placements in the CCRT laboratories, both to gain experience in laboratory research and to provide clinical input into the research programmes .

Non-clinical research and development
CCO is involved in a programme of research and development in association with the Christie Hospital on the production and use of positron-emitting radioactive pharmaceuticals. These materials are used to carry out special forms of medical imaging and are provided for use within research programmes in various hospitals across northern England.

In addition, CCO has participated in other areas of research relating to proton beam dosimetry and has research agreements in place relating to the development of systems and methods used for the planning of patient treatments.

Future developments
CCO bids every two years for NHS Research and Development Funding. As a result of this year's bid, CCO received a further £140,000 to its normal allocation. This will be targeted towards more activity in the area of clinical trials and to supporting clinicians both to enter patients into trials and to improving systems for collection of treatment outcomes. This funding will also free up other monies which will be used to support the development of research programmes in Positron Emission Tomography imaging and Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy.