Velindre opens research study to uncover the secrets of long-term cancer survivors

16 June 2025

Velindre Cancer Service is proud to announce the launch of the Rosalind Study in Wales, an international research initiative aimed at understanding the unique characteristics of people who beat the odds to survive aggressive cancer.

Led by French techbio company Cure51, the Rosalind study seeks to uncover the biological factors that contribute to exceptional, long-term survival in cancer patients and unlock insights that could pave the way for more effective cancer treatment.

Dr Jacinta Abraham, Executive Medical Director, Velindre University NHS Trust said: 
"It is exciting for Velindre to be playing a key role in this worldwide search to understand why some people survive specific cancers, against all clinical expectations.

We have a strong reputation for innovative and novel research. Using our expertise to collaborate on groundbreaking, international research will transform the future of cancer treatment and improve the lives of people in Wales and around the world.”

Dr Sahar Iqbal, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Velindre Cancer Service said: 
“Velindre is specifically looking for people who have lived longer than expected with glioblastoma, extensive stage small cell lung cancer, or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Their biological information may well hold the key to advances in treatment that could change the lives of future cancer patients.

If you think you might be a ‘super survivor’ of these three types of cancer, we want to hear from you and get your consent to include your data and samples in this important new study.”  

The study focuses on individuals who have defied the odds by surviving either extensive stage small cell lung cancer or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma for more than five years from diagnosis, or brain cancer glioblastoma for more than three years.

Researchers intend to gather tumour samples from more than 1000 consenting patients from around the world who are among the top three percent in terms of cancer survival.

The samples will be analysed by Cure51 to find novel therapeutic targets on which to base transformative new treatments.

Cure51 Co-Founders Simon Istolainen and Nicolas Wolikow said: 
“At Cure51, we are working to reverse-engineer the cure for cancer. By harnessing technology, data, and the expertise of our dedicated computational biologists, we strive to uncover the hidden biology behind extraordinary survivors.

Our goal is to translate these insights into therapies that could one day transform cancer into a manageable condition for all.

We are excited to kick off our study at Velindre, marking our first site in Wales, joining specialists in more than 40 countries and 60 sites around the world. “

Velindre is one of eight cancer centres in the UK taking part in the study.

The Rosalind Study is named after Rosalind Franklin, whose pioneering work in molecular biology continues to inspire breakthroughs in cancer research.

For patient in Wales who think they might be eligible to take part in the Rosalind Study, please email Velindre Cancer Service at Rosalind.study@wales.nhs.uk