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The charity is a proud partner with the NI Cancer Trials Network and the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s University, investing over £2 million in clinical trials in recent years. We also fund doctors who are heavily involved in research, as well as vital equipment which allows some of the leading local scientists to carry out potentially life-saving work.
Most importantly, the money that we put into research stays in Northern Ireland and benefits local people. Here are just some of the ways we are supporting cancer research locally.
Professor Jain is a senior oncologist in the Cancer Centre and as well as treating patients, he is also heavily involved in prostate cancer research. His current research focuses on exploiting prostate cancer’s sensitivity to large doses of radiotherapy, with the aim that this will improve cure rates in patients.
Michael has a vital role within the clinical trials team, working with consultants and researchers to progress trials which are being developed by local research teams. This includes the design and structuring of new clinical trial databases, management of the clinical trials data team, and reporting on all clinical trials data.
Jo plays a key role in the establishment and governance of each clinical trial that is facilitated at the NI Cancer Trials Network. Jo also deals with financial procedures for clinical trials and ensures that the NICTN is operating within the key governance and legislation processes for research.
Taking part in a clinical trial can be a difficult decision and a key part of Alison’s role is to support patients through the decision making process to ensure that they make a choice which is right for them. Once enrolled, Alison is then on hand to support patients during their treatment, ensuring that they are informed and safe throughout.
Una works within the team at the NI Cancer Trials Network and her role involves tailoring care for each individual patient taking part in a clinical trial. She screens and selects patients who are suitable for haematology trials, and once patients opt in to taking part, Una acts as a key contact point and co-ordinates their care throughout.
Lynn works within the Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Network and is an integral part of the clinical trials team, coordinating many local and national radiation oncology trials. Lynn plays a key role in adopting new clinical trials into the radiotherapy department – ensuring patients have access to the latest radiotherapy clinical trial treatments
Ellen works within the pharmacy team helping to safeguard trial subjects, healthcare professionals and the Trust by procuring, handling, using and storing investigational medicinal products in accordance with the requirements of the approved protocol, relevant guidelines and regulations. Ellen has been trained in and has experience of Good Clinical Practice.
Amy provides an essential administrative service in the Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Network (NICTN) to facilitate research activity. Amy liaises with consultants, managers, clinical trial practitioners, data managers, nursing and other medical staff in addition to local and national organisations necessary to the function of NICTN. Amy’s role ensures that clinical trials run efficiently for NICTN.
This post has been funded by the charity for over 15 years, with Diane most recently taking up the role in February 2020. Diane plays a lead role in supporting continuous improvement and modernisation within the radiotherapy department. She also works to ensure that the radiotherapy department has the technical capability to support cancer trials for local patients.
The Northern Ireland Biobank collects and uses biological samples to support research programmes, including cancer research, in Northern Ireland. Friends of the Cancer Centre has supported the Biobank since it was established, purchasing vital equipment, software, and supporting innovative projects which are helping to improve the experience of biobanking for local cancer patients.
The charity has purchased two bladder scanners for the Cancer Centre’s radiotherapy department and they have become a vital piece of equipment when assessing patients. The bladder scan devices are regularly used for patients who have urinary problems and allow medical staff to diagnose issues quickly and accurately. The scan is painless and the reading is instantly available for the doctor or radiographer to assess.
In 2009 Friends of the Cancer Centre purchased an ultrasound probe which is used by the medical team in the Cancer Centre to detect and treat prostate cancer and some gynaecological cancers. The probe is an essential part of the brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy) service delivered in the hospital and the equipment has allowed staff to see and treat more patients, reducing waiting times as a result.
We are delighted to donate £2,000 to support
@FriendsCCNI and the amazing work they do! This donation was made on behalf of our own home-grown Karma brand. 10% of all Karma sales go towards charity🫶💫
#argentojewellery #friendsccni #charitydonation
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Friends of the Cancer Centre is a registered company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland. Company number NI616925. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101345.
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