Cancer research in Manchester ranked top in the UK
Press release: 18 December 2008
Cancer research in Manchester has been confirmed as world leading by a prestigious national assessment.
The government-led Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is a comprehensive assessment of the quality of research in universities and has officially ranked cancer research in Manchester as the best in the UK. 90% of the cancer research undertaken by The University of Manchester over the last six years has been assessed as internationally excellent (the top two rankings – 4 and 3 stars).
Professor Tony Whetton, Head of the School of Cancer and Imaging Sciences at the University of Manchester said;
“This is a fantastic result and gives the highest possible endorsement to the outstanding research that is taking place in Manchester. Our work through the Manchester Cancer Research Centre which is a unique partnership between the University, the Christie and Cancer Research UK has helped achieve this success.”
The research undertaken is from laboratory work to drug trials with cancer patients, and covers the many different types of cancer – all focused on improving cancer diagnosis, treatment and care.
The Christie runs one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. It is currently building a new £35 million patient treatment centre which will include the largest early clinical trials unit in the world, and research undertaken in this trials unit will be led by University staff.
Professor John Radford, Director of Research and consultant at the Christie said,
“Many of the cancer treatments that have been trialed here are now being used as routine treatments across the globe and helping to save thousands of lives. Our research also brings huge benefits to local patients who are among the first in the world to access the latest treatments for cancer research - giving them the best possible chance of survival”.
Manchester’s outstanding reputation for cancer research has been able to attract leading world experts from across the globe. Childhood leukaemia is one of the cancer research areas where Manchester is leading the way. The teenage cancer unit at The Christie is the second largest of only eight specialist units in the country and has attracted national attention and investment from organisations such as the Teenage Cancer Trust. Professor Vaskar Saha, an expert in childhood leukaemia who came up from London to work at The University of Manchester said;
“The formidable combination of The University of Manchester and The Christie provides a unique environment for the clinician scientist. There are only a few places in the world where scientists and doctors work so closely together and this brings about great results.”
Professor Nic Jones, Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, said;
“This is a fantastic endorsement of the approach we are taking in Manchester to develop cancer research and is a great boost for our future plans.”
This excellent result will enhance and accelerate plans to further develop cancer research in Manchester which already spends £23 million annually on research. This includes developing the Manchester Cancer Research Centre into a world leading cancer research institute by 2015, recruiting more international experts, developing research in radiotherapy treatment, breast, lung and other cancers.
Ends
Notes for editors
- The Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) brings together the expertise, ambition and resources of three partner organisations which already have formidable individual reputations in the fields of cancer treatment and clinical research – the University of Manchester, The Christie and Cancer Research UK. The MCRC will be one of the world's leading cancer research institutes by 2015. For further information, see: Manchester Cancer Research Centre website
Further information
Alicia Custis
Head of Communications
Tel: +44 (0)161 446 3706
Mobile: +44 (0)7899 797065
Email: alicia.custis@christie.nhs.uk
Louise Tansey
Communications Officer
Tel: +44 (0)161 446 3613
Mobile: +44 (0)7795 413893
Email: louise.tansey@christie.nhs.uk
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