Discover our Four Pillars of Research with Dr Lee Campbell

Pillar 1: Cancer discovery and translational research

To beat cancer, first we must understand how cancer develops, progresses, spreads and resists presently available treatments. Using this knowledge is the very foundation on which all previous and future improvements in cancer outcomes are based.

To help us discover how cancers start and progress, we will provide a protected space for the funding of high-quality research that will further our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of cancer development and progression.

The types of research we will look to support in this area over the next five years will include, but is not limited to, studies that examine:

• The genetic factors and variations that cause cancers.
• Internal or external factors that cause the initiation, progression and spread of cancers, (metastasis).
• The tumour microenvironment and how cancer cells interact with their normal surroundings in the body.
• The nature and behaviour of cancer stem cells.
• Cancer immunology and how alterations of the immune system and its interaction with cancer cells influence cancer growth.
• Studies that enhance the effectiveness of existing or new anti-cancer therapies through a better understanding of the mechanisms of action at the cellular level.
• Bioinformatics approaches including advanced cutting-edge computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid cancer prognosis and prediction of treatment response.

Pillar 2: Screening, prevention and early diagnosis

Late diagnosis of cancer is thought to be a major factor in the relatively poor survival rates seen in Wales. Under this pillar, Cancer Research Wales is committed to funding high quality population and laboratory-based experimental research that will improve the early diagnosis of primary and secondary cancers.

The types of research we will look to support in this area over the next five years will include, but is not limited to, studies that examine:

• Technologies that introduce and evaluate new biological biomarkers for the early detection of cancer in primary and secondary care.
• Development of new vaccines for cancer prevention.
• How repurposed or new medicines, dietary or other non-pharmacological interventions prevent cancers at the molecular level.
• Population behavioural studies that influence uptake in national cancer screening programmes and provision of more accessible and user-friendly cancer tests.
• Studies that provide evidence on resource and infrastructural issues as they relate to the prevention and early diagnosis of cancer.
• Development of new liquid biopsies for the early detection of primary and secondary cancers.
• Improved medical imaging for the earlier detection of primary and secondary cancers.

Pillar 3: Better treatments

Under this pillar our funded research will be focused on finding better and safer treatments for all cancers and where possible, to cure, prolong, and provide a better quality of life for those living with the condition.

We know that currently not all patients respond equally to the different treatments available. By taking a personalised approach we will also focus on research that provides insights that match the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.

To achieve this, we will take a multi-disciplinary approach that will draw upon genomics, pathology, medical imaging, alongside clinical trials that use systemic and localised treatments.

This will help Wales become competitive and ensure Welsh patients are among the first to benefit from new cancer treatments over the next five years. This will include, but is not limited to:

• Discovery, development, and evaluation of new anti-cancer agents using computer aided drug design.
• Improved medical Imaging such as PET, CT and MRI, to inform and change current treatment practice.
• Improved radiotherapy planning to increase treatment response and disease control, whilst reducing short and long-term side effects.
• Repurposed agents i.e., those previously used for non-cancer conditions as new cancer treatments.
• Research that seeks to reduce treatment related toxicities.
• Improved patient treatment support through development of Apps and better point of care testing
• Cancer immunotherapy enhancing the phenomenal power of one’s own immune system to treat cancer.
• Advanced Cancer Therapeutics that use antibody and novel nano-based medicines, advanced cell and gene therapies and synthetic biological-based molecules to treat cancer.
• Treatment approaches that combine cancer immunotherapy with existing radio- or chemotherapy treatments
• Cancer genetics to inform personalised and therefore best cancer treatment choice.

Pillar 4: Health systems and cancer outcomes research

At Cancer Research Wales, we understand that saving lives isn’t just about finding new treatments – it’s about having robust, resilient cancer pathways and nationwide infrastructures in place, that can cope with demand and support people more quickly.

Health systems and cancer outcomes research provides critical evidence that can be used to change policy and practice, improving cancer services for all. Within this area of our work, we will make use of health data and information to provide evidence and interventions that can continually inform and improve cancer pathways for the benefit of patients who use, and the health professionals who work, within these essential services.

The types of research we will look to support in this area over the next five years will include, but is not limited to, studies that examine:

• Performance modelling of the Single Cancer Pathway in Wales to predict future resource needs.
• Performance analysis of diagnostic and treatment pathways for different cancer types
• Root causes to delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and/or cancer subtypes in Wales.
• Cancer Inequalities as they relate to geography, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, age and other factors.
• New interventions and processes to improve current working in primary and secondary care for cancer.
• Use of health data and informatics to improve existing cancer registries for real-time reporting of cancer incidence and mortality with greater resolution at the population level