Evaluating new healthcare technologies in cancer

Our aim is to reduce cancer deaths and the side effects associated with cancer treatments. We design clinical trials and other research studies that test several new approaches at the same time. This speeds up the evaluation of new therapies. In this programme we focus on new scientific developments. In particular new drugs that target cancers that have specific genetic markers, as well as drugs that prevent a cancer’s blood vessels developing. Cancers need new blood vessels to survive and grow. We are also testing the new immuno-oncology drugs. These drugs help the bodies’ immune system kill cancer cells. We will also test other new technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve cancer treatments. Artificial intelligence uses a computer’s power to do tasks that normally require human input. For example radiotherapy (x-ray treatment) can be used to cure cancers. But it is a complex and time consuming process to plan the treatment. It is important that the radiotherapy only targets the cancer and doesn’t harm healthy tissue near the cancer. Using a computer to speed up this process would potentially allow many more patients to be treated sooner. This could be used in countries all over the world. In our studies we collect blood samples from participants and work with laboratory scientists and industry partners to provide more knowledge about how cancers develop and grow. Where possible we use this information in our future studies.