Lung Cancer Unit

Location: Royal Marsden

Section: NHS Clinical Research Programme

Head of Unit: Dr M E R O’Brien MD FRCP

Introduction

The Lung Cancer Unit comprises a team of clinical staff (medicine, radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging) working in collaboration with chest physicians and thoracic surgeons in nearby district general hospitals from whom we receive most of our referrals. The policy of the Unit is to provide state-of-the-art treatment for all forms and stages of lung cancer within the framework of a clinical research programme, and to provide leadership in national and international lung cancer trials.

Relevance to the NHS Research and Development Programme

Over the last few years we have broadened our research interests: we continue to place a high priority on drug development and new treatment strategies; we are also now actively involved in national multicentre trials to evaluate currently available therapies particularly in patients with early stage disease.  We are also looking at patterns of referral, the patient pathway and the place of PET scanning.

Recent Highlights

• Appointment of a network navigator to coordinate the diagnostic patient pathway – scheme now adopted by RMH;
• LUCADA data extended on mainframe
• Further data management hours secured
• Reappointment of research nurse
• Published review of SCLC treatment of the elderly by Thomas Yau
• Oral topotecan trial in SCLC analysed and positive – Dr O’Brien lead investigator
• Appointed Lung CNS – first time for dedicated full time post at Sutton
• Achieved funding from Johnson & Johnson to run trial of Velcade in mesothelioma through EORTC
• Achieved funding from Roche to look at the role of PET scanning in the early response assessment of treatment with Tarceva
• Continuing work of GELCAPS trial and funding received
• Development of comcomitant chemoradiotherapy service at Fulham Road for stage III disease
• Professor Brada successfully completed his presidency of ESTRO
• Professor Brada elected as Secretary General of FECS

Future Aims

• Contribution/leadership at national network and international trials;
• Development and implementation of intensity modulated radiotherapy for lung cancer radiotherapy.
• Improvement of network MDMs
• Work on robust consultant oncology appointments