From the lab to the ward

New drugs and treatments for cancer often start out as a scientific discovery in a laboratory. At Velindre we work closely with universities, research organisations and pharmaceutical companies to turn discoveries made in the laboratory into real benefits for patients as quickly and safely as possible.

You might hear it described as “bench to bedside” research:

• The bench means scientists working in the lab, discovering new ideas about how diseases work and how they might be treated.
• The bedside means doctors and nurses caring for patients in hospitals or clinics.

This translational research is about bridging the gap between those two worlds.

How it works

1. Basic discovery – Scientists find something new in the lab (for example, a protein linked to cancer).
2. Testing ideas – Researchers test treatments in lab models to see if they are safe and promising.
3. Clinical trials – Promising discoveries move into carefully controlled studies with patients to check safety and effectiveness.
4. Patient benefit – If successful, the new treatment, test, or procedure becomes part of standard NHS care.

Translational research turns scientific discoveries into real treatments, tests, and health improvements for patients.