Category: Cancer Trials

Critical Evaluation of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal

Conclusion: the incorporation of total neoadjuvant therapy(TNT) as the standard of care for patients with Locally advanced rectal carcinoma(LARC) would mean intensification of treatment as compared with chemoradiotherapy(CRT) alone with its associated toxicity, without conclusive evidence of improved response rates or overall survival.

Therefore, we feel that CRT should remain the standard of care for patients with LARC. Future research should focus on novel biomarkers, enabling identification of patients who will substantially benefit from a TNT regimen to justify the added toxicity.

https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP-25-00530

Prevention is better than Cure

Cancer came as no surprise for one survivor.

Learn how the family history and a genetic syndrome put them at high risk.

Delving into the role of genetic counsellors in cancer care.

And the hope for a vaccination.

Cancer Needs Trials

Cancer Trials: Better Treatments, Smarter Spending

For every hundred people who hear the words “you have cancer” in an Irish doctor’s office, only three or four will get onto an interventional clinical trial.

That’s not enough 
— and it’s something we can change.

By adding your name below, you’re helping us push for the funding needed to open more cancer trials in Ireland. You’re standing up for every patient and every family who deserves access to the very best care.

Cancer Needs Trials

Lynch Syndrome UK Conference 2025 -Highlights

Below you’ll find short summaries of each talk, with a link to the YouTube recordings on our YouTube channel, as well as links to additional useful resources at the end.

https://www.lynch-syndrome-uk.org/post/lynch-syndrome-conference-2025-highlights

Lynch Syndrome UK – New Website

Check out their newly launched version….lots of information that you might find useful.

https://www.lynch-syndrome-uk.org

Prospective Lynch syndrome database

A prospective Lynch syndrome database is important because it allows researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to collect and analyse long-term, standardised data on people with Lynch syndrome (LS).

(Using Chat GPT)

📌 In short: A prospective Lynch syndrome database is essential because it produces high-quality, unbiased evidence on cancer risks, surveillance effectiveness, and preventive strategies, directly improving patient care and shaping clinical guidelines.

Here are the key reasons why it matters, based only on reliable clinical and research perspectives:

  1. Natural history understanding
    • Prospective data (collected forward in time) helps clarify the true risks of different cancers (colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, gastric, etc.) in Lynch syndrome carriers.
    • It reduces biases compared to retrospective reports, which often overestimate risks due to selective reporting of severe cases.
  2. Better risk stratification
    • Different mismatch repair (MMR) gene variants (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM) carry different cancer risks.
    • A prospective database helps define more precise, gene-specific and even sex-specific risk estimates, which guide personalized surveillance.
  3. Evaluation of surveillance effectiveness
    • Prospective registries allow direct measurement of how colonoscopy intervals (e.g., every 1–2 years) affect cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, and mortality.
    • They can test whether surveillance reduces advanced cancers, enabling evidence-based guideline updates.
  4. Assessment of preventive strategies
    • Allows evaluation of risk-reducing interventions such as aspirin (e.g., CAPP2/CAPP3 trials), prophylactic surgeries, or lifestyle modifications.
    • Can help identify who benefits most from preventive measures.
  5. Improved clinical counseling
    • Physicians and genetic counselors can give patients more reliable, individualized risk information, reducing uncertainty and supporting informed decisions.
  6. Data for health policy
    • National or international databases provide evidence for cost-effectiveness of surveillance and preventive programs.
    • This supports resource allocation and insurance coverage for Lynch syndrome management.
  7. Research opportunities
    • Creates a resource for studying modifiers of cancer risk (genetic, environmental, lifestyle).
    • Enables collaboration across centers and countries for rare cancers within LS populations.

https://plsd.eu

Bowel Cancer in Ireland: 

Patients, Bowels, Basics, and Breakthroughs
On 11th & 12th September, RSCI is holding a bowel cancer event dedicated to patients, families, and the wider community affected by this cancer. 

PVCR Chair Prof Amanda McCann is leading a session on Friday 12th September at 1:30pm on “The Importance of PPI in Research” with PhD students from ColoMARK and patient advocates from Bowel Cancer Ireland.

There will also be open conversations with doctors, researchers, and experts in fertility, sexual health, and psycho-oncology across the two days. 

You can click here or scan the QR code below to register. Any questions or concerns can be directed to EpiGastroDRG@outlook.com

You can also check out their free bowel cancer informational booklet here or through the QR code below to the right.

Patients, Bowels, Basics and Breakthroughs

Very excited to share that @rcsi_irl ‘Patients, Bowels, Basics and Breakthroughs’ is back!!!

This two day event is aimed at bringing together the patient & professional community to explore the landscape of bowel cancer, with focus on the unique challenges of early-onset disease like fertility, sexual health and much more!

Learn about the latest research directly from those carrying out the work! It will feature fantastic speakers from across Ireland, the UK and Europe and powerful patient voices sharing their lived experiences.

There’ll be exciting panel discussions, a poster session and even a lab tour! 

What makes this event even more special is the people behind it. The fabulous (and I mean fabulous!) RCSI Epigastro Disease Research Group who have opened their doors to ourselves at @lynchsyndromeireland & @BowelCancerIreland and welcomed us as valued team members to co-organise these important events. This is more than patient involvement this is true PPI partnership. Together we can do more.

This free event is open to patients and their family members, carers, healthcare professionals and members of the public who would like to learn more about this very common cancer. 

When: 11 & 12 September 2025

Where: RCSI St Stephens Green Dublin 

Registration is essential. Scan the QR code on poster to register today. Please share the event with anyone who you feel would benefit or be interested.  

Let’s talk about bowel cancer, let’s do it all together!

#bowelcancer #CancerResearch #PPI#EOCRC

Cancer Revolution Exhibition

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER
  • Real stories from people affected by cancer
  • Groundbreaking science that’s shaping the future of treatment
  • Interactive exhibits that let you explore how cancer works
  • The surprising truth about prevention, early detection, and personalised treatment
  • Hope – through the power of research

https://breakthroughcancerresearch.ie/cancer-revolution/

Randomised Trials and Their Role in Modern Healthcare!

A free online course in Randomised Trials and Their Role in Modern Healthcare! – No prior knowledge needed – At your own pace and takes approximately 5 hours – This course is free to access on FutureLearn Learn more/enrol at:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/randomised-trials-and-their-role-in-modern-healthcare