Groundbreaking cancer research hub receives £10 million in new funding

The University of Sheffield and Yorkshire Cancer Research are pioneering 10 world-leading research studies that aim to accelerate understanding of cancer and find cures that will save lives in the region and beyond.

The new research will focus on key themes such as the use of cutting-edge technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and exploring new ways to personalise treatment so care can be precisely tailored to each patient.

A £4.1 million project will use state-of-the-art imaging equipment to develop and introduce innovative techniques that will detect cancer early, monitor how well treatments work and help personalise therapies to suit individual patient needs.

Another will use samples from patients at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to increase understanding of brain tumours and explore new treatment strategies.

Jim Wild, Professor of Magnetic Resonance at UoS, said: “This significant investment from Yorkshire Cancer Research will revolutionise how we use imaging facilities in Sheffield to tackle cancer. These include PET-MRI; world-first hyperpolarised MRI methods; and photon-counting CT scanning".

Dr Bilal Tahir, lecturer in Oncological Imaging at UoS, said: “This funding will transform cancer treatment by enabling sophisticated imaging techniques that guide surgical planning, precisely target radiotherapy, and monitor responses to treatments like immunotherapy.”

The creation of the cancer research hub has been made possible following the success of three cancer drugs discovered at the University with funding from the charity.

Following clinical trials, the drugs, called Lynparza, Zejula and Talzenna, have now become tailored treatments for cancer patients with hereditary cancers and are undergoing further trials to treat a wider range of cancer types.

Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research at Yorkshire Cancer Research said: “This funding forms an essential part of the charity’s aim to create a thriving research-active region that grows cancer research expertise and resources for the benefit of everyone affected by cancer.  

“Through these ten new projects, we hope to build on the unique hub of research excellence that is being created in Sheffield to make pioneering advancements in cancer care.”

(Article edited and shared from University of Sheffield website)