Brain scan

Cutting-edge brain tumour treatment made available in Wales

Welsh patients are to be some  of the first in the world to access the drug-radiation combination trial, known as PARADIGM 2. The Early Phase Unit at Velindre is working in partnership with the Wales Cancer Research Centre to adopt its first combination trial, which is now open to a small number of eligible patients.

The trial, which will look at the effects of a drug called Lynparza (olaparib) combined with radiotherapy for patients with aggressive brain tumours, could lead to another treatment option being available to patients on the NHS.

Glioblastoma is one of the most common types of brain tumours in adults and is usually treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy damages DNA in cells, preventing their replication and growth. Lynparza also prevents repair of damage to DNA so enhances the effect  of radiotherapy. The effectiveness of the combination will be tested on a small number of cancer patients in this early phase trial.

Dr Robert Jones, who leads the Unit said: “The work we do here is vital in developing new and better treatments for cancer patients in Wales and beyond, and it is important that  we can offer these trials in a more local setting for patients who otherwise may have to travel to Oxford or London. We are excited to be able to offer a new type of trial to patients, and hope that we continue to build on our expanding portfolio of early phase trials.”

Over the next five years, there will be a significant rise in the number of drug radiation studies available to cancer patients. The increase in therapies will offer cancer patients across Wales a chance to access new treatments and improve patient outcomes.

About the trial

Chief Investigator

  • Professor Anthony Chalmers

Supported by

  • Cancer Research UK
  • AstraZeneca
  • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
  • The Brain Tumour Charity
  • University of Glasgow

First published: @ResearchWales Issue 2, June 2017