14 June 2024
A pioneering study co-led by Dr Magda Meissner, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Velindre Cancer Centre, has won a national award.
The QuicDNA study, clinically lead by Dr Meissner (pictured right) and co-investigated by Professor Richard Adams and Dr Paul Shaw, Consultant Clinical Oncologists at the Cancer Centre, took home the award at last night's Moondance Cancer Awards in the ‘Innovation & Improvement: Working with Industry & Third Sector’ category.
QuicDNA is a study which aims to transform the way lung cancer is diagnosed in Wales, aiming to reduce the time it takes to diagnose lung cancer and improve access to better cancer treatments with a new, innovative liquid biopsy technique using a simple blood test.
This award recognises the diverse roles played by industry and third sector partners in better cancer outcomes for Wales – whether in life sciences, in specialist provision, in patient support and palliative care, or beyond.
Dr Magda Meissner said:
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude that the QuicDNA Project has won the Moondance Award for working with industry and the third sector. I am honoured to have QuicDNA recognised in this way. This project demonstrates how partners from various sectors, including academia, industry, the third sector, the NHS, and patients, can collaborate effectively. QuicDNA aims to have a positive and meaningful impact on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with lung cancer, ensuring they receive faster and more effective treatments.”
It has also been the subject of an incredible fundraising effort from patient, Craig Maxwell, after receiving his diagnosis of terminal lung cancer in 2022.
Through numerous fundraising activities, including a recent walk and cycle across the entire length of the Wales Coast Path, Maxwell (pictured below with his family) has raised almost £1 million for the Maxwell Family Genomics Fund, of which the Velindre Cancer Charity is a partner.
Lung cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Wales.
Currently, diagnosis is carried out through a tissue biopsy, in which DNA is extracted from tissue taken from the tumour site in the lung.
