NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Understanding of cancer symptoms and healthcare interactions among smokers
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background Recognition by patients of symptoms that are potentially serious and so presenting them to their doctor is a key part of the early cancer diagnosis pathway. In order to improve overall cancer outcomes we need to understand individual responses to symptoms prior to presentation in order to direct interventions at this part of the pathway appropriately. Smokers are at higher than average risk of several cancers and therefore a group whose understanding of potential cancer symptoms and intentions in relation to help-seeking behaviour it is particularly important to investigate. Aims Our aim is to investigate the impact of smoking status on responses to potential cancer symptoms We will focus on symptoms of lung cancer and head and neck cancers as examples of cancers of which smokers are at higher risk than non-smokers. The main question we are asking is: What are the barriers and facilitators for smokers in presenting with cancer-related symptoms to primary care when there is a new or perceived change in respiratory or head and neck symptoms? Methods (1) Questionnaire study: we will identify smokers and non-smokers over the age of 50 years from GP lists in the north of England and send them a specially developed postal questionnaire. Sections will include: symptoms prevalence and awareness, response to symptoms, triggers to consultation, previous use of health services, personal socio-demographic data. (2) In depth interview study with smokers and social contacts: Using the responses to the questionnaire, we will purposively sample a sub-set of respondents of smokers for inclusion in a qualitative interview study. These interviews will cover smoking behaviour and attempts to give up; broad perceptions of health and illness, including specific potential cancer symptoms, experience of symptoms, health seeking behaviour including contact with health care in past two years, the influence of others, such as family members in presenting symptoms; relationships with health care professionals; experience and perceptions of smoking cessation awareness both in general and in healthcare interactions. How the results of this research will be used The results will be used to inform the development of interventions to encourage smokers to present with new potential cancer symptoms to primary care. Smokers are a significant at-risk group – changing their mortality outcomes alone would bring UK outcomes much closer to the European average.


Research activity codes: 4.3 INFLUENCES AND IMPACT
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) Research Programme Manager post
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The NCIN is a UK-wide initiative, working to drive improvements in standards of cancer care and clinical outcomes by improving and using the information collected about cancer patients for analysis, publication and research (http://www.ncin.org.uk/home)


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);8.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (HEALTH SERVICES);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: NCRI: PET Research Network
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The NCRI PET Core Lab was established as part of the NCRI PET Research Initiative, which ran from 2008 to 2012. This collaborative funding from NCRI Partners supports the continued operation and further development of the NCRI PET Core Lab through to 2015. The main functions of the Core Lab are to provide accreditation to PET imaging centres that take part in multicentre trials using PET imaging, and to perform quality control and data collation of the scans that are acquired in those trials. The results of these activities are that scans are performed to a higher standard than would otherwise occur. Various related tasks that will develop the capabilities of the Core Lab are also part of this project.


Research activity codes: 5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Support of the NCRI Clinical & Translational Radiotherapy Research Working Group (CTRad) and Radiotherapy Research Programme Manager post
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The NCRI Clinical & Translational Radiotherapy Research Working Group (CTRad) has a broad, strategic remit to develop a portfolio of practice-changing trials. The group coordinates UK radiotherapy and associated radiobiology research and actively promotes translation of new discoveries into practice. An Executive Group leads on cross-cutting initiatives such as training and workforce development, and oversees four workstreams on the following topics: 1. Science base – monitoring relevant new discoveries in disciplines such as radiobiology, DNA repair, physics and imaging and encouraging collaborative work between institutions. 2. Phase I/II trials – developing innovative trials that integrate systemic therapies with high quality radiotherapy techniques, supported with novel imaging and biomarker studies. 3. Phase III trials and methodology – developing trials in collaboration with tumour-specific Clinical Studies Groups, and exploring appropriate methodologies for evaluation of novel radiotherapy approaches. 4. New technology, physics and quality assurance – developing the case for, and then overseeing, the delivery of enhanced infrastructure support for radiotherapy trials in the UK, including QA and evaluation of new technologies. In its second phase of funding from 2012-2015, CTRad will continue working on the 10-point action plan for radiotherapy as set out in the 2008 NCRI report, with the addition of a strand of activity to prepare for proton beam therapy (PBT) research, now that commitment has been given to build PBT facilities in the UK.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Sparse 4-D multi-spectral optical computed tomography for accurate quantification of voxel composition
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Abstract: Optical Computed Tomography (CT) is a method of 3-D imaging that has found widespread use in the physical and biological sciences. The imaging geometry most widely used in biology at the current time is known as Optical Projection Tomography (OPT). OPT may be used in either absorption or emission modes with emission tomography being the more common because of the wide range of fluorescent contrast agents available. However, this project will study absorption mode OPT, because of its excellent quantitative abilities. The project will apply spectral unmixing to 4-D OPT data (one spectral and three spatial dimensions). It is non-trivial to extend traditional techniques, as developed for routine histopathology, to OPT of cancerous tumours for the following reasons: 1. It is difficult to control the concentration of chromophore in the tissues of interest in such a way as to optimise transmission over large fields-of-view. 2. In important use cases, the reference spectra of the species of interested can vary depending on the local microenvironment. This makes quantitative determination of the analyte concentrations susceptible to significant error. 3. The volume of data that must be manipulated during the acquisition and processing of 4-D data at high resolution from mesoscopic fields-of-view is extremely large. Our hypothesis is that "true 4-D" (i.e., acquiring many spectral points) multispectral absorption tomography will allow significantly improved quantification of tissue composition and tracer concentration on a voxel basis compared with measurement at a small number of predetermined wavelengths. We will test this hypothesis as follows: (a) Simulate and optimise a sparse imaging (also known as compressed sensing) strategy for data acquisition. (b) Use these results to design and build a multi-spectral absorption mode OPT scanner. (c) Test the new scanner in a murine model of neuroblastoma and in phantoms containing gold nanorods.


Research activity codes: 2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGIES (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Alternative 18S rRNA 3' processing pathways in human ribosome biogenesis
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Abstract: Ribosomes, the machines responsible for protein synthesis, are essential for cell growth and function. Ribosome maturation is the most energetically expensive process in the cell and controls many cellular signalling pathways linked to proliferation, such as p53 and c-Myc. Budding yeast has been the paradigm for ribosome biogenesis for decades and it was assumed that the human ribosome production pathway is the same as in yeast as many of the factors involved in pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processing are conserved throughout eukaryotes. However, we have shown that the predominant mechanism for 18S rRNA 3' end processing is specific to higher eukaryotes and distinct from that found in yeast. In human cells, there is a major 18S 3' rRNA processing pathway and a minor, "yeast-like" pathway. This finding is highly relevant as 18S rRNA 3' processing is impaired in many of the 20 genetic diseases (ribosomopathies) resulting from mutations in genes encoding ribosomal proteins and ribosome biogenesis factors. A common feature of ribosomopathies is that the patients are pre-disposed to cancer. Indeed, mutations similar to those found in ribosomopathy patients have been found in a wide range of tumours. Our preliminary data suggest that disease-associated mutations may either impair 18S 3' rRNA maturation or switch the predominant, major pathway to a minor, "yeast-like" mechanism. Revealing the dependence of cancer cells on the minor pathway would offer the potential of targeting factors involved in this process to develop anti-cancer drugs. This exciting and timely project will employ a powerful combination of mutagenesis, proteomics and high-throughput protein-RNA interaction studies as well as a novel RNA modification interference method to specifically block individual pre-rRNA processing events. Our findings on the mechanisms in human 18S rRNA 3' processing will contribute significantly to the understanding of how defects in this process contribute to human disease.


Research activity codes: 1.1 NORMAL BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONING;2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: July 2013 - June 2018. The myeloproliferative neoplasms - from molecular mechanisms to improved patient management. £2,613,922
Funder: Bloodwise

Abstract: Our strategy continues to focus on understanding the surprisingly complex biology of human myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and translating the insights thus gained into improved patient management. Particular emphasis will be placed on clonal and single cell analyses. We integrate studies of patient samples with mouse models, playing to the strengths of both. Three specific questions will be addressed:_x000D_ _x000D_ 1. What is the mutational landscape of human MPNs and how does this correspond to clonal hierarchies within individual patients?2. What are the molecular and cellular consequences of JAK2V617F?3. What are the mechanisms responsible for clonal evolution?_x000D_ _x000D_ This program will provide a comprehensive description of the genomic landscape and clonal structures of human MPNs. In the short term this will have direct clinical impact by improving diagnosis, prognostic predictions and classification. Functional studies of JAK2 and selected additional genes will identify new therapeutic targets and shed light on the molecular basis of clonal evolution, an area of unmet clinical need given the refractory nature of accelerated and blast phase disease.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: TRIALS ACCELERATION PROGRAMME (TAP) - Central Trials Unit Hub 2015-2020
Funder: Bloodwise

Abstract: The TAP is Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research first coordinated investment in the development of early phase clinical trials in blood cancers in the United Kingdom (UK).TAP aims to facilitate rapid recruitment to a portfolio of world class clinical trials in blood cancers and its establishment has created a coordinated national early phase haemato-oncology trials network.Concomitant integration of basic scientific studies has been mandated within all TAP studies with the aim of maximising the clinical impact of LLR’s substantial investment in basic science over the past fifty years.Taken together TAP’s potential to accelerate the clinical evaluation of novel agents at the same time as optimising translational research outputs represents a centrally important component of LLR’s patient focussed research strategy._x000D_ _x000D_ The creation of a Central Coordination Hub within a clinical trials unit will ensure there are experienced trial management staff to run the studies to the required ethical and regulatory standards and expert statisticians to quickly design and analyse the studies.The funding of Research Nurses and Data Managers within leukaemia centres with an active early phase trials portfolio and serving major metropolitan centres will allow recruitment from a potential catchment area of 20 million and facilitate rapid recruitment to early phase trials.

Lay abstract: Bloodwise launched TAP in 2011, to speed up blood cancer clinical trials. The quicker it can be established whether a new drug is safe, and if it is more effective than standard treatments, the quicker the best new treatments can be routinely made available on the NHS. TAP is organised from a central hub at the University of Birmingham run by experts skilled at navigating the logistical and administrative steps needed to set up and conduct clinical trials within strict regulatory guidelines. The hub provides support for the efficient running of trials in hospitals reducing the time it takes to open clinical trials in locations around the country. We currently have a network of 13 TAP centres where we support a research nurse, or other staff that help with clinical trials. Seven further locations are affiliated to TAP. These centres benefit from full access to the network, and can contribute to recruitment to individual TAP trials. Because of the geographical spread of our centres, people with blood cancer around the whole of the UK are able to join a TAP trial, speeding up recruitment. FROM WEBSITE - https://bloodwise.org.uk/research/clinical-trials/tap

Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) - Clinical Centre - Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London
Funder: Bloodwise

Abstract: Bloodwise launched TAP in 2011, to speed up blood cancer clinical trials. The quicker it can be established whether a new drug is safe, and if it is more effective than standard treatments, the quicker the best new treatments can be routinely made available on the NHS. TAP is organised from a central hub at the University of Birmingham run by experts skilled at navigating the logistical and administrative steps needed to set up and conduct clinical trials within strict regulatory guidelines. The hub provides support for the efficient running of trials in hospitals reducing the time it takes to open clinical trials in locations around the country. We currently have a network of 13 TAP centres where we support a research nurse, or other staff that help with clinical trials. Seven further locations are affiliated to TAP. These centres benefit from full access to the network, and can contribute to recruitment to individual TAP trials. Because of the geographical spread of our centres, people with blood cancer around the whole of the UK are able to join a TAP trial, speeding up recruitment. FROM WEBSITE - https://bloodwise.org.uk/research/clinical-trials/tap

Lay abstract: Bloodwise launched TAP in 2011, to speed up blood cancer clinical trials. The quicker it can be established whether a new drug is safe, and if it is more effective than standard treatments, the quicker the best new treatments can be routinely made available on the NHS. TAP is organised from a central hub at the University of Birmingham run by experts skilled at navigating the logistical and administrative steps needed to set up and conduct clinical trials within strict regulatory guidelines. The hub provides support for the efficient running of trials in hospitals reducing the time it takes to open clinical trials in locations around the country. We currently have a network of 13 TAP centres where we support a research nurse, or other staff that help with clinical trials. Seven further locations are affiliated to TAP. These centres benefit from full access to the network, and can contribute to recruitment to individual TAP trials. Because of the geographical spread of our centres, people with blood cancer around the whole of the UK are able to join a TAP trial, speeding up recruitment. FROM WEBSITE - https://bloodwise.org.uk/research/clinical-trials/tap

Research activity codes: 6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS;6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Imperial ECMC, Stratified Medicine Programme 2, Year 3
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Prescreen for the Matrix clinical trial in oder to assign patients to appropriate arms


Research activity codes: 4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Oxford ECMC, Stratified Medicine Programme 2, Year 3
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Identification of somatic mutations in lung cancer that may enable eligibility for entry into the National Lung Matrix Trial


Research activity codes: 4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Crick-AZ Alliance
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Crick-AZ Alliance Alliance with Astra Zeneca - early stage expertise / resources (in-kind basis) https://www.crick.ac.uk/news/news-archive/2017/05/23/astrazeneca-and-the-francis-crick-institute-sign-research-agreement/


Research activity codes: 5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Belfast ECMC
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The Belfast ECMC is primarily focussed on the translation of pre-clinicallly discovered Biomarkers into first in man clinical trials. The staff have experience in EMA and FDA regulatory requirements thereby facilitating the adoption of Biomarkers in clinical practice


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Scottish Alliance Manager - Tackling Obesity
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Funding is sought to fund a part time (0.5) post of Alliance Manager. This post is critical to the success of the Alliance. The post holder would provide secretariat and policy support to the Alliance and would undertake the following tasks: • Developing and co-ordinating a programme of work • Co-ordinating meetings, chairing sub groups • Manage and oversee joint activities • Communicating with members and engaging with external partners • Developing the presence and profile of the Alliance The Alliance would include third sector, public sector, university and Royal College members. This would create a strong, unified, influential voice for action to prevent obesity. An alliance would provide a new opportunity at this key stage in the process of Scottish Government developing a diet and obesity strategy and could influence outcomes and outputs. The Alliance would become a key part of Obesity Action Scotland’s role in influencing policy and would allow the development of a stream of work that brings together strong and influential voices beyond those in our on our Steering Group who are professionals from clinical practice and health disciplines. The Alliance would bring together a number of valued, influential voices to create shared priorities and messages.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING;3.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (PREVENTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Translational Oncogenomics (Start-up award)
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Translational Oncogenomics: Control of genome stability requires careful coordination between cell cycle checkpoint control and DNA repair mechanisms. Defects in the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks have been associated with acquiring genetic instability, particularly in genes responsible for homologous recombination (HR) such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Defects in these genes lead to an increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. BRCA2- associated prostate cancers have a particular poor outcome with more than 50% of men dead at 5 years after local therapy. More recently, other DNA repair gene mutations or dysfunction have been linked to aggressive prostate cancer leading to castrate resistance and the metastatic phenotype. Our group is therefore interested in the mechanisms through which hypoxia and defects or mutations in DNA repair genes lead to prostate cancer aggression.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Deciphering the immune microenvironment in oesophageal adenocarcinoma and pre-cancerous lesions to a single cell resolution
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Deciphering the immune microenvironment in oesophageal adenocarcinoma and pre-cancerous lesions to a single cell resolution


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS