Cutting edge Welsh cancer research showcased at annual conference

Researchers, clinicians, academics and participants from across the country and beyond came together to showcase the best of Welsh cancer research at the Wales Cancer Research Centre annual conference this week.

The event on Monday 3 March at the International Convention Centre in Newport gave attendees the chance to learn about the latest in innovations, experience and expertise from across the cancer research spectrum.

The varied programme of speakers included keynote sessions on cutting-edge liquid biopsies and the use of mutational signatures in cancer treatment, as well as a lively debate on immunotherapy featuring Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Lead Professor Andy Godkin. 

There were also presentations from two Health and Care Research Wales Faculty members, Professor Krishna Narahari and Dr Stephanie Smits, as well as talks on virotherapy from Professor Alan Parker and the commercialisation journey for the early detection of colorectal cancer from Professor Dean Harris.

Professor Narahari, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Research and Development Lead at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, discussed the ELIPSE study, spearheaded in Wales and supported by Health and Care Research Wales. This evaluates the outcomes of two different types of surgery for men with high-risk localised prostate cancer, removal of the prostate and lymph nodes compared to removal of the prostate alone. Both types of surgery are currently performed in the UK, but there is insufficient evidence or consensus on the best approach to guide patients and clinicians.

Professor Narahari said, “The ELIPSE study is one of the largest prostate cancer surgical studies ever in the UK, looking at two different types of treatment to work out which is better in terms of cancer curability. We hope to recruit 1000 men from across the UK and answer this question in the next five years. We are three months into the study and have recruited 40 patients so far.

On the conference, Professor Narahari said: “I’m fascinated by such a diverse audience, there are pre-clinical researchers, clinical researchers, industry, PPI group members. I think it’s incumbent upon us to try and bring more clinical colleagues into this meeting in the future, it’s a great avenue.”

Dr Smits is Head of Population Cancer Research at the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (WCISU), which she described as the “gold standard” for cancer data in Wales. In her session she referenced on a number of international studies WCISU is currently supporting, saying, “Wales is a small nation but we have reach and [make] a valuable contribution on a global scale.”

Speaking at the event, Professor Mererid Evans, Director of Wales Cancer Research Centre, added: “With more than 300 attendees and over 100 posters this event it shows the enthusiasm and engagement there is within the cancer research community in Wales. Hopefully conferences  like this are helping to create a momentum that will carry us forward.

Michael Bowdery, Head of Programmes, Research and Development Division at Welsh Government and Joint Interim Director at Health and Care Research Wales, said: “This year’s conference brought together the very best that Welsh cancer research has to offer.  It was a pleasure to hear such a variety of topics being talked about and to have access to such insight on cutting edge treatments, diagnostics and expertise from a broad cross section of speakers.”