Weston Park Cancer Charity grant helps ex vivo research project to flourish

A groundbreaking research project taking place at the Cancer Clinical Trials Centre (CCTC) has successfully concluded its first year, with the help of a Weston Park Cancer Charity grant.

Led by experts from the University of Sheffield and Weston Park Cancer Centre, the Sheffield Ex Vivo Group is investigating whether a technique known as ‘ex vivo (outside the body) drug screening’ can facilitate personalised treatment plans for patients.

In the research, cancer tissue from patients with either bladder cancer or glioblastoma (a type of brain tumour) is tested on a drug plate against different treatments.

Researchers theorise that these tests may be able to predict how a patient’s cancer will react to treatment, before it is administered.

If successful, ex vivo screening could help patients to avoid unnecessary side effects and delays caused by ineffective treatments. Crucially, it could lead to more personalised treatment plans and higher survival rates for patients.

How has the charity grant impacted the project?

Our charity grant of £295,224 has enabled the hospital to employ a specialist early phase oncology research nurse for the CCTC.

Specialist research nurses offer an essential service to trial participants. They help to clearly explain the implications of taking part in research and support individuals throughout the process.

The charity will also fund a research technician at the University of Sheffield, who will be working on tissue processing and drug plate manufacture.

In addition, the charity grant has been used to cover cell culture costs, drug plates, antibody stains, pipettes, reagents, and other consumables.

Dr Greg Wells, Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Ex Vivo Project Lead, said:

“Personalised treatment plans are the future of cancer care and we’re excited to be advancing this pioneering approach, right here in our region.

Prof. Sarah Danson, Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Sheffield, Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology at Weston Park Cancer Centre and Sheffield Ex Vivo Clinical Lead said:

“We’re deeply grateful for the Weston Park Cancer Charity grant, which has covered essential running costs and funded vital members of staff.

“We look forward to reporting back on our findings in due course, and thank all of the wonderful individuals who have participated so far.”

Grace Rawson, Head of Governance and Operations at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said:

“It’s a privilege to provide funding for research which could potentially lead to worldwide changes in cancer care.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supports our charity. We couldn’t provide these research grants without your generous donations. Cancer changes everything, but together – so can we.”

For more information on how Weston Park Cancer Charity supports life-saving research, head to westonpark.org.uk/enabling-research.