Queen's cancer lab could save lives

Published Wednesday, 09 January 2013
Comments
Toggle font size
Print

Cancer charities say research and testing carried out at a new laboratory at Queen's University in Belfast could help save lives.

Video available to UK viewers only.
We’re sorry. This video is unavailable from your location.

To find out if this video is available to you, we need to know what region you live in. Please enter your postcode below (including space).

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for confirming your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are sorry but this video is not available on u.tv in your region. Your region is listed below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you in Northern Ireland?

1. Why is my postcode required?

We are asking you to insert your postcode before watching some videos to confirm you can access the video content via u.tv.

This is because some videos on u.tv are only available in Northern Ireland.

Don't worry, we won't store or use this information for any other purpose.

If you are not in Northern Ireland, the content may be available to watch at itv.com or stv.tv.

2. Why am I directed to itv.com or stv.tv when I try to view certain clips?

The videos, which are not available on u.tv to users outside Northern Ireland, will be available to those users on itv.com (for users in England and Wales) or stv.tv (for most users in Scotland).

We need to know where you are in order to make sure you are getting the right content.

If you think we've got your location wrong, then please click here.

Need more help? Contact us

The facility means oncologists can find out more about the specific cancer and decide on the best treatment for their individual patients.

That is because the solid tumour samples can be examined at molecular level at the new Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Lab and Northern Ireland Biobank.

It will also advance significant research in new cancer diagnostics and new cancer treatments.

Professor Manuel Salto-Tellez from Queen's said the lab could have life-changing results for patients.

"Testing at the molecular level allows us to identify changes in the cancer's genome that are associated with better outcomes, and better lives, for the patients who suffer from certain types of cancer," he explained.

"We are taking yet more significant steps on the journey, started by our oncologists years ago, which has seen us make significant improvements in cancer survival over the last 15 years."

We believe that nurturing world-class research in Northern Ireland will accelerate progress in research leading to increased survival from the disease.

Cancer Research UK

More than 1,000 patients have already had their tumours analysed at the new facility, which is a partnership between Queen's Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

The Trust's Chief Executive, Colm Donaghy said: "Once fully operational, several thousand people with cancer of the colon, breast, lung and skin, among others, will benefit each year from the new facility."

"Together with Queen's we are developing new models that may define the way medicine will be delivered in the future."

The facility has been welcomed by cancer charities, including Cancer Research UK whose chief scientist, Professor Nic Jones said they believe it will ensure individual treatments are available sooner for cancer patients in NI.

"Cancer Research UK is proud to support a team of scientists who have expertise in using this essential tissue resource to understand how to classify patients into groups so that they can receive the most effective treatment targeted to the faults in their DNA, and avoid unnecessary treatment with difficult side effects," said Prof Jones.

© UTV News
Comments Comments
0 Comments
No comments. Be the first to comment.
POST A COMMENT:
Name:  
Email address*:    
Location:  
Validation:
House Rules:  
Your Comment:  
[All comments are moderated and will not appear immediately. Your name, location and comment will be displayed on this page if your post passes moderation.]
MOST POPULAR GALLERIES
Obama in Northern Ireland
Mon 17 June 2013
BGT: The semi-finals
Thu 30 May 2013