NHS Research Time Award

Development of research proposals and grant applications in areas of interest

1. The ELIPSE Study- A randomised trial to assess clinical and cost effectiveness of lymphadenectomy in high risk prostate cancer (PCa)
   
   PCa is the most common male cancer in the UK with over 50,000 new cases and 10,000 death every year. About 4000 patients undergo surgery for high risk prostate cancer. Surgery involves removal of the prostate +/- the surrounding lymph glands; known as a pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). There is a significant variation in care currently in the UK with about 30% patients receiving no PLND and 30% receiving a limited PLND and 30% receiving an extended PLND. This situation is mirrored in radiotherapy when only 15-20% receive pelvic nodal radiotherapy, but is being addressed in the CRUK funded Pivotal Boost trial. The current literature is unclear re the benefits of PLND and there is need for a high-quality trial.
   
   I successfully pitched this proposal in BAUS 2021 ‘Dragon’s Den’ research session, secured support from a UK wide network of clinicians and patient groups as well as from the C&V Joint Research Office. I have secured funding from The Urology Foundation for the Aberdeen Trials unit (CHaRT) to develop this trial. This award will enable me to progress this proposal as Chief Investigator and secure formal NIHR funding for this potentially practice changing clinical trial in prostate cancer.
    
2. The CUBRIC MRI study
   
   This is a Cardiff University, European Grant funded, Phase 1 study to assess the feasibility of non-invasive comprehensive characterization of the prostate gland with the Connectom MRI scanner (one of 4 worldwide) and use these results to improve the detection of significant prostate cancer. We have recruited 40 patients successfully and aim to complete this study over the next 6 months.
   
   I will build on the above experience to develop a proposal, as Chief Investigator, to design, develop and secure funding for a Phase 2 clinical study to test the Connectom
   
   MRI vs standard NHS MRI in their ability to detect significant PCa. I will utilise the ‘One Wales’ model to enable recruitment across all of Wales under the Healthcare Research Wales framework, with rapid accumulation and analysis of data. This is also in keeping with the Cancer Research Strategy (CReSt) for Wales (July 2022).
    
3. Urinary Biomarker Study
   
   This is a Welsh Government, Accelerate Programme funded Phase 2 study to assess sensitivity and specificity of a non-invasive urine test in detecting bladder cancer. We have successfully recruited 580 patients in Cardiff and will soon be analysing and publishing our results
   
   I will develop a proposal and secure funding (via Moondance Cancer charity) to run a Phase 3 study (2500 patients) in collaboration Urology units in South Wales, utilising the ‘One Wales’ model. This model enabled rapid recruitment in Covid studies across the M4 corridor. I will promote our newly established research active trainee group (SWURG) to rapidly recruit patients presenting to the one stop haematuria (blood in urine) clinic. The C&V R&D and the Joint Research Office are fully aware of this proposal.

Multi-professional networking and collaboration

I have attended the BAUS Annual and Winter meetings every year since becoming a consultant. With this award I will attend multi-professional research events (both in Wales and the UK), relevant to my areas of interest to develop further research relationships. These will include the annual HCRW & NCRI annual conferences and European Oncology research society meetings. I will build on existing networks to enable wider dissemination of the learning and results of research projects undertaken locally.