To develop Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) in Wales

End of project summary

There were two main themes to my research award: 

1. Adaptive radiotherapy for HPV driven oropharyngeal cancer (PEARL trial) 

The research award provided me with the opportunity to set up and become a chief investigator for a study investigating the role of adaptive radiotherapy in HPV (human papilloma virus) driven oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Typically, these patients undergo a six-week course of chemoradiotherapy (CRT), which is very successful in terms of cancer cure, but has significant long term side effects in the form of dry mouth, swallowing issues and poor quality of life.

Main messages: 

• There is a strong need for more research in treatment deintensification for HPV driven OPC. 
• The study has observed that OPCs do shrink through a course of CRT making it a perfect site for adaptive radiotherapy.  
• Although not proven yet the study has the potential to reduce toxicity and improve quality of life for patients.  
• Adaptive radiotherapy is resource heavy requiring two radiotherapy plans, which does have implications on recourses.  
• Initial results suggests adaptive radiotherapy does not put patients at risk of treatment failure.  

2. The immunological effects of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR_IT study) 

I set up a collaborative project with the immunological department in Cardiff University exploring the immunological effects within blood samples in patients undergoing SABR.

Main messages: 

• Little is understood how this form of radiotherapy can stimulate the immune system to help fight cancer. 
• The study has the potential to unlock a potential target for drug therapy use in combination with SABR.  
• The project highlights collaborative work between clinicians and researchers at the university can be mutually beneficial and productive.