Research and Development
History
For many years, Scots have invested time and money into researching the causes of and cures for cancer. Over the last 100 years a number of major advances have been achieved. The work which will take place at the Beatson Translational Research Centre will strive to continue this world class research.
The Value of Research
Thirty years ago, nearly three quarters of people diagnosed with cancer died within five years. But the death rate from cancer has dropped significantly - 17% in the last ten years alone, so that now almost half of all people diagnosed live for at least five years, with the vast majority of those living for ten years or more.
Five-year survival for cancer patients, relative to the life expectancy of the population in general, increased from 25% for males diagnosed in 1977-81 to 41% for males diagnosed 1997-2001, and from 36% to 50% for females. This represents a substantial and significant improvement in the probability of surviving cancer in the long term.
This is due to a number of factors including:
Consistent co-ordinated research into cancer, its causes and treatments leading to:
- Improved prevention (eg: smoking)
- Early diagnosis
- Better treatments
The Way Forward/Future
The good news is that new treatments and better detection mean that patients will be much more likely to survive.
Our Vision
"Our vision is to be in a position to treat patients in a more tailored way, with customised drugs, targeted treatments and diagnostic options that are less toxic and more effective, so that each cancer and each patient is treated individually. The Translational Research Centre will help us to achieve our vision." Professor Anna Dominiczak, Vice Principal & Head of College MVLS, Regius Professor of Medicine (Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences)
There are three key factors in the equation to solve cancer:
Translational research – converting basic research into improvements in patients lives by turning knowledge into cures. Basic scientific research that explores the mechanisms of cancer, and seeks ways to understand, prevent and cure it Clinical care that enables patients to fight and survive their illness
Recent huge investment has meant that the first two of the three are now in place with a clinical facility at the Southern General Hospital, the Beatson Oncology Centre at Gartnavel where patients go for post-operative treatment, the Glasgow Biobank which provides blood and tissue and the scientific research facility, the Beatson Institute at Garscube in Glasgow. This investment has transformed the rating and standing of cancer in Glasgow where there now exists a concentration of scientists of international standing working towards a common goal.
The Translational Research Centre at the University of Glasgow is the third and vital factor, spanning the journey from the scientists in the lab to the patients in the clinic. It is the much needed catalyst for accelerating the process of understanding the disease, improving existing therapies and identifying new ones, and bringing them to patients.