Strategic Priority 1

The Trust will drive forward the implementation of its Cancer Research and Development Ambitions

1. Velindre Cancer Research and Development Strategic Ambitions

1.1 Build research capacity and capability at Velindre and across South-East Wales

From the Overarching Cancer Research and Development Ambitions Strategy 2021-31, we said we would: Build research capacity and capability at Velindre and across South East Wales

And we have:

Welcomed new team members via the Implementing the Cancer R&D Ambitions – An Integrated Business Case 2023-2026

The successful bid to Velindre Charitable Funds brought in 49.9WTE new posts (this includes co-funded posts) over three years. The focus of the bid is to expand and balance the cancer research portfolio to increase recruitment into research studies led or supported by Velindre. As well as funding the Velindre Healthcare Cancer Research Fellowship Scheme (see section 2.2. Velindre Healthcare Cancer Research Fellowships.), other newly funded areas meant that we are:

• Developing the next generation of researchers by giving our research interested trainees the opportunity to gain higher degrees (MDs and PhDs). This meant match funding for 3xWTE Clinical Research Fellows and 2xWTE PhD posts.
• Funding key research posts in Palliative and Supportive Care for the first time. A newly funded Clinical Research Fellow and a non-clinical Research Fellow post will also work together closely with the consultant on key projects on patient experience.
• Funding sessional time for research with the aim to enhance research capacity, capability, and leadership at Velindre. There are ongoing conversations about how these sessions can be filled due to existing clinical commitments.  These sessional times represent key leadership roles within research that would drive momentum in achieving the Trust’s objectives.
• Demonstrating the impact of our research with the new RD&I Communications & Engagement Officer.  Internally, R&D specific news stories on our intranet has increased dramatically since having a dedicated R&D Communications Officer: there has been a 1400% increase in R&D related news stories on the intranet (August 2022 – March 2023 compared to August 2023 – March 2024). Externally has also seen a rise in activity with news stories on the BBC and ITV. All this will contribute to raising awareness of the research we’re involved in.

1.2 Advance new treatments, intervention and care

From the Overarching Cancer Research and Development Ambitions Strategy 2021-31, we said we would: Advance new treatments, interventions and care

And we have:

Achieved key milestones for the Cardiff Cancer Research Hub (CCRH)

The Cardiff Cancer Research Hub (CCRH) will bring bolder, more innovative approaches to solid tumour and haematology research to Wales. In the last 12 months, there have been significant steps made to position the CCRH to be the new front door for cancer research in Wales:

• The first Hub patient was treated in December which is a real pivotal moment and shows that the Hub is already bringing new treatments to patients in Wales.

• The Strategic Outline Case (SOC) was submitted to Welsh Government in July. This identifies the infrastructure for the Hub and was led by Cardiff & Vale University Health board (CVUHB) with key input by Velindre colleagues. We have received initial positive feedback and await further details from Welsh Government.

• The Strategic Investment Case was finalised. This document is building towards a Full Business Case for the Hub. It provides an estimate of the level of pump-priming investment required to get the Hub up and running and where this investment could be sought.

• Following on from this work, we have focused in on a market engagement exercise which includes prioritising potential investors, collating key messages and drafting an investor pack.

• Branding for the Hub has now been signed off by the Tripartite Partnership Board and will play a key role in creating a shared identity for the Hub.

• ATMP & Translational Research Training Package went live with nine training videos on Cardiff University (CU) learning platform. The Senior Research Nurse for the Hub also organised an advanced therapies training day focusing on cell therapies in cancer disease, supported by Advanced Therapies Wales (ATW) and Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMC). The training was really successful and contributes to upskilling the workforce.

• Trial portfolio overview: