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Applied Cancer Therapeutics and Outcomes

This research theme encompasses translational and applied cancer research within the Faculty.

We develop, deliver and test novel strategiesinterventions and therapeutics relevant to cancer. In this respect, our research activity spans the entire patient and cancer therapeutic journey from primary prevention to end of lifeOur overarching goal is to reduce cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality.  

Cancer research at Newcastle is an area of research excellence. We form an integral part of the University wide Centre for Cancer. We also link with other faculty research themes with overlapping and complimentary research interests, with joint expertise enriching our ability to develop and deliver novel strategies and therapies. These themes include: 

Research Impact

Research carried out by members of our theme have had a significant impact in the world of oncology, as highlighted by the following highlights:

  • Development of the PARP inhibitor drug Rubraca licenced for the treatment of ovarian cancer
  • Adoption of the NICE approved Endocuff vision for the early detection of colorectal cancer
  • Establishment of a national centre for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring to support the treatment of childhood cancer patient groups including neonates and infants
  • Development of international guidelines for long-term follow-up and surveillance in the area of childhood cancer survivorship
  • Working in partnership with cancer screening programmes to understand determinants of uptake and develop and test interventions to improve participation
  • Development of nationally adopted guidelines for surveillance of patients with colorectal adenomas and a UK Covid recovery strategy for endoscopy

Research areas 

Our core theme members have specific expertise in the following key areas.

Collaborative Research

Our research builds on the well-established reputation of cancer research carried out at Newcastle over many years. Members of the theme have an excellent track record in securing funding from major sources including: 

  • NIHR 
  • Wellcome Trust 
  • Cancer Research UK 
  • UKRI 
  • MRC 
  • European Commission 
  • AMRC 
  • Sir Bobby Robson Foundation 
  • North of England Children’s Cancer Research  
  • Others: Guts UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Brain Tumour Charity, Children with Cancer UK, Bone Cancer Research Trust 

We strongly believe that collaboration lies at the heart of successful research and have key partnerships with: 

  • NHS - in particular Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust  
  • North East and North Cumbria NIHR CRN 
  • AHSN NE 
  • Charities – national and regional 
  • Other academic partners in the north east and beyond