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Research, Development and Innovation highlights 2023 - 24

Headline statistics and standout news stories

from our RD&I Annual Report 2023 - 24

 

News stories

FDA approval for breast cancer drug treatment developed at Velindre

It all started more than 10 years ago with three people in a room in Cardiff, talking about ways to improve outcomes in the world’s most common type of cancer – oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer. This led to the FAKTION clinical trial, investigating whether we could safely combine standard hormone therapy with AstraZeneca’s AKT inhibitor capivasertib, and did the combination improve patient outcomes.

 

Radiotherapy researchers leading the way with first commercial device trial

A research trial opened recently marks the first commercial medical device trial lead by the Radiotherapy Research team at Velindre Cancer Centre. The SABRE trial involves the use of the SpaceOAR Vue system designed by Boston Scientific in patients being treated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

 

Advancing kidney transplant treatments

Open Welsh Blood Service's May 2023 Research, Development and Innovation report to read more about Felicity May's research project. 

 

Ground-breaking trial to treat brain tumours begins at Velindre

A major UK clinical trial to treat the most aggressive brain tumour has opened at the Velindre Cancer Centre. The three-year Phase II trial ARISTOCRAT is funded by The Brain Tumour Charity and will investigate whether combining cannabinoids and chemotherapy can help extend the lives of people diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma.

 

Bevan Commission support for WBS innovation project

Towards the end of 2023 research scientist Michael Cahillane was selected to take part in the Bevan Commission’s Innovation Intensive Learning Week focusing on his project looking at reducing waste in the process of manufacturing pooled cryoprecipitate. 

 

Velindre patients vital in DVT study

More than 150 patients contributed to important study into blood clots in palliative care patients with cancer. The study which closed at the end of September 2023 is called HIDDEN2: Hospital deep vein thrombosis detection study in cancer patients receiving palliative care, and looked at patients who were admitted acutely to hospital.

 

Cardiff Cancer Research Hub starts first patient on first clinical trial

The Cardiff Cancer Research Hub is a dynamic working partnership between Velindre University NHS Trust, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Cardiff University.

The first patient has joined the first clinical trial with the Hub - Find out more about Agustina’s experience of starting a new clinical trial with this short video.

 

Infographics and the headline statistics from the RD&I Integrated Annual Report 2023 - 24

Number of studies in our portfolio

Research studies by category

Study performance rankings 2023-24

Number of participants recruited to studies 2021 - 24

RD&I achievements 2023-24

Velindre news poster