NCRI 2016

Prof Hagan speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the lessons learned in cell biology through yeast models. He gives historical perspectives on how cell cycle limiters have been instrumental in revealing checkpoints and pathways through which tumourigenesis can be initiated.

Richard Stephens speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the importance of the NCRI consumer forum and the patient and carer involvement in cancer research. The consumer forum carefully looks into design, delivery, dissemination and advising on funding committees in the UK.

Richard Stephens speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the National Cancer Patient Experience survey, and the questions and answers regarding the patient experience of cancer research in roughly 70,000 patients. The results show that there is an inequality of access to research opportunities for cancer patients.

Dr Arney speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about how media portrayal of the causes and treatments of cancer can influence public perception of cancer research. She describes the need for matched media awareness in academia and realistic portrayals of research in public spheres, with narrative opportunities in fiction and nonfiction programming.

Prof Stockwell speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about how alcohol-related cancer could be prevented through minimum unit pricing, similar to taxation of tobacco and sugary drinks. A report has recently predicted 135,000 cancer cases related to alcohol in the UK over the next 20 years, and Prof Stockwell describes how minimum prices per unit of alcohol can help limit these risks in heavy drinkers, amidst other health benefits.

Despina Anagnostou speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about a survey initiated by Marie Curie Cancer Care called the Palliative and end of life care Priority Setting Partnership (PeolcPSP) which looked at what the main questions from the point of view of healthcare professionals, patients and carers.

Lorna Fern speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the challenges and solutions of involving young people in cancer research. She discusses that the 10 year data looks at the key cancers among young people, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, bone and soft tissue sarcomas, brain and central nervous system, amongst others.

Prof Kaye speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the CRUK lifetime achievement award and work on ovarian cancer therapy. He also discusses the future of drug development and the impact of Brexit on collaboration.

Dr Hannah Lennon speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about a study conducted by the Health eResearch Centre at The University of Manchester looking at BMI trajectories over time, and assessing the risk of developing obesity-related cancers.

Dr Vrinten speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about anxieties around potential cancer diagnosis influencing the likelihood of seeking definitive diagnosis. She describes social and economic concerns about having cancer, and also of treatment toxicity. Taking this information forward, Dr Vrinten considers the influence of celebrity diagnosis and potential behavioural outcomes.

Bas Bavelaar speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about a study looking at gold nanoparticles targeting telomeres, this cancer therapy overcomes the “immortality” of tumour cells.

Dr Lu speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about a study looking at capturing circulating tumour cells with epithelial and mesenchymal features for prostate cancer prognosis. The aim of this study is to show that, in prostate cancer, circulating cells expressing the mesenchymal marker vimentin (VIM) are cancer cells, and to correlate different CTC subtypes to prostate cancer progression.

Dr Singh speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the pathways through which cancer stem cells drive tumourigenesis and subvert treatments, in the specific setting of medulloblastoma. She describes research with patient-derived xenograft models to modify treatment regimens, giving insight into opportunities to avoid the systemic toxicities associated with current therapies.

Prof Underwood speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about steps towards personalised therapy availability of oesophageal cancer. The UK has a high incidence of oesophageal cancer, though no one obvious cause in environmental has been indicated as the lead culprit. Prof Underwood summarises the sessions presentations on establishing mutational subtypes of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and modelling Barretts Oesophagus, with an eye towards future therapies with targeted immunotherapy.

Prof deSouza speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the role of functional imaging in guiding patient treatment choices. She summarises presentations at the conference on whole body diffusion weighted MRI, molecular diagnostics with radionuclides for enhanced targeting, and the quantitative value of image analysis. Prof deSouza also considers computer standardisation of data analysis, the need for national guidelines, and the work of the Cancer Research UK Imaging Centre Network.

Riccardo Bonomi speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about improving surgical reconstruction outcomes and quality of life for patients with stoma. He describes a feasibility study of abdominal reshaping with fat grafts to reduce leaking and improve adhesion of colostomy bags.

Dr Van Hemelrijck speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the issues involved in recruiting black males with prostate cancer in research studies, and the fact that black males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. She also discusses the challenges and successes in addressing these issues, including financial incentives.

Prof Sun Myint speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about non surgical treatment of rectal cancer, and how he has successfully treated over 1,000 patients using this technique. The patients have been mostly elderly with early and more advanced tumours, who are not suitable for surgery.

Prof Bauld speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about population level interventions to change policies and environments to reduce cancer. She focuses on tobacco smoking and cancer development, alongside other lifestyle risk factors such as heavy alcohol consumption, poor diet and low physical activity.

Dr Yip speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the challenges in managing breast cancer in low and middle income countries, and how the incidence is increasing rapidly. She discusses how these countries need to prepare for assessment and treatment to combat this rise, and the economical hardship associated with cancer.

Dr Douek speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about the use of dyes in sentinel node biopsy. He describes how, considering the risk of allergic response or permanent staining, combined blue dye and radio-isotope remains the best means of identifying diseased tissue.

Prof Currow speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about improving symptom control among patients with advanced cancer. He describes trials finding limited-to-no benefit of treatments and treatment-associated medications compared to placebo. Prof Currow also considers novel treatments for cancer cachexia, aiming to improve muscle recovery and reconsider the staging of cachexia as its own disease, rather than only an associated symptom.

Dr Hanna speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about a trial looking at initial clinical and radiological features, and how to independently predict for overall survival in older patients with glioblastoma. She discussed that there is an urgent need to improve outcomes whilst maintaining quality of life amongst this vulnerable group.

Dr Kennedy speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 to discuss highlights from the conference. She describes collaborations with the BASO to encourage surgical aspects in research, patient involvement in 'Dragons Den' fora, and workshop sessions across a host of treatment modalities. Dr Kennedy also discusses global access and attitudes to breast cancer care, and advances in molecular pathology Looking forward, she introduces upcoming initiatives to boost research in ongoing cancer survivorship.

Prof McNeill speaks with ecancertv at NCRI 2016 about lowering smoking rates through standardised packaging. Compared to previously available packaging, she describes a reduced appeal to children, and an increased awareness of health risks. Prof McNeill compares these outcomes to similar efforts in Australia.