The first Bowel Cancer UK/Royal College of Surgeons of England Colorectal Research Chair
Researcher: Professor David Jayne
Location: University of Leeds
Funding: Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer/University of Leeds jointly-funded
Professor David Jayne is the first surgical research Chair to be appointed as part of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS Eng) Surgical Trials Initiative. His work will drive forward surgical clinical trial research for bowel cancer, both increasing the number of trials and helping to make sure more patients are able to take part.
The challenge
Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer and central to curing the disease yet investment in surgical research is low. Very few clinical trials in the UK are focused on surgery. Investing in surgical research is crucial to develop more effective and personalised life-saving treatments, standardise surgery and care for patients regardless of where they live and minimise side-effects for everyone who has an operation.
The science behind the project
Professor David Jayne will be based at the Leeds RCS Surgical Trials Centre and will work with colleagues there to ensure surgical research for bowel cancer is advanced.
Over the four years of the grant and beyond, Professor Jayne will focus on the following key areas:
- Development of new and improved surgical treatments for bowel cancer patients
- Partnerships to increase the number of surgical clinical trials
- Strategies to help make sure more patients have access to and are able to take part in surgical clinical trials
Professor Jayne’s own research interests include the development of new surgical treatments to improve cancer surgery, the use of robotic systems to improve the way that surgery is performed, and better ways of monitoring patients following surgery to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery.
What difference will this project make?
The Chair will work for patient benefit with his team by developing and improving surgical treatments as well as ensuring patients have the best chance to live their lives to the full, without experiencing side-effects that drastically impact their quality of life.
The University of Leeds have committed to continue to provide funding for the post after the joint award is completed ensuring a lasting legacy for the Charity’s investment.
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