Patient Focus
DCU has long been recognised for its patient-focused approach to cancer research. Our teams are focused on translational research, often referred to as a “bench to bedside” methodologies, which aim to maximise the positive impact on patients. Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) is also a key priority for our research staff at the Life Sciences Institute. By amplifying the patient voice, raising public awareness around these diseases, and focusing on a translational research approach, we believe that we can both advance the science in our field and improve cancer outcomes.
Translational Approach:
The cancer research conducted at DCU has a primary focus on “translational research”, an approach that places patients at the heart of the process. In this approach, there is a continual dialogue and information sharing between scientists investigating the disease in the lab and medical researchers trialling new treatments in patients and collecting samples. This ensures that information about the effects of new treatments on the patient is fed back to the laboratory scientists, ensuring lab research remains relevant to patient care. An example of this is the Caroline-1 clinical trial, which assessed the effectiveness of a new drug combination to treat women with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
DCU has worked with clinicians in major Dublin hospitals, including St Vincent's, St James', Beaumont and the Mater. Through the TCHL Trial we have worked with hospitals nationwide. DCU researchers are also involved with Cancer Trials Ireland, previously ICORG, with Prof John Crown of DCU serving as the founding Chairman.
Empowering the Patient Voice:
At DCU, the Public and Patient Involvement Ignite Network (PPI), led by Professor Veronica Lambert, promotes the implementation of patient-focused practices by researchers working in health-related fields.Public and patient involvement in research, or PPI, is where research is carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them, integrating lived experiences into the research process to improve the quality and relevance of health outcomes. DCU PPI Ignite have developed PPI training for all members of research teams, including those conducting cancer research at the DCU Life Sciences Institute.
Read more at DCU PPI Ignite.
Public Dialogue and Education:
Through the CCRT DARE2Cure initiative, DCU research staff have facilitated public information events, outlining advances in cancer treatment and care. These events bridge the gap between complex oncology research and community members, many of them directly affected by cancer, who wish to increase their understanding of the field. For example, Prof John Crown chaired a symposium featuring world-renowned expert Dr Dennis Slamon to inform patients and their families about the latest advances in lung cancer treatment.
Holistic Pre-habilitation Care:
The PANO Trial, led by Dr Lorraine Boran and Dr Pamela Gallagher, focuses on the "whole patient" by investigating how pre-operative exercise and nutrition optimisation can improve recovery and cognitive well-being for patients undergoing major surgery for Peritoneal Malignancy (PM). The PM classification includes cancers of the ovaries, pancreas, colon, rectum, or appendix that spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity. The project received funding through a number of Irish Research Council (IRC) schemes, including the COALESCE (Collaborative Alliances for Societal Challenges) 2022 funding round.
All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI):
DCU is a key participant in the AICRI, a virtual institute with a mission to “develop more personalised and effective treatment options and improve outcomes for patients.” The aim is to translate lab-based science into impactful patient care. This partnership brings together researchers from across the island of Ireland, sharing data and resources with other top-tier universities and clinical sites to streamline the journey from discovery to delivery. The Institute prioritises engagement with patients in collaboration with the National Cancer Control Programme, Cancer Trials Ireland and cancer charities. AICRI also contributes to the Shared Island Initiative and cancer policy development.
Read more on AICRI
Email: lsi@dcu.ie
