Our Research Strategy sets out five ambitious aims that will strengthen our position as a leader in cancer research, deepen partnerships (regionally, nationally and globally), and ensure that our research activity responds to the most important challenges in cancer care for the population we serve.

We will make information about research and clinical trials more readily available. We will also make referral routes clearer so more people can benefit and access is as equitable as possible.

Strengthen access to innovative treatments

We will extend our clinical trials activity, deliver our current Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) programme, and secure further growth at ECMC renewal by expanding early-phase trials and research-active clinics.

We will:

  • Ensure our physical spaces and associated infrastructure for trial delivery have adequate capacity and can grow as demand requires.
  • Horizon-scan and harness the power of data to drive research and innovation planning and shape future cancer services.
  • Deliver on the existing programme for the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) and strengthen its reputation and impact in future years.
  • Seek further biomedical research centre (BRC) support in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, 
  • The Royal Marsden and Institute of Cancer Research, The Christie, or other partners.
  • Continue to be leading innovators in vaccine and next generation immunotherapy trials.
  • Support the delivery of CAR T-cell therapy and the new TIL programme. 
  • Work with Liverpool Health Partners to drive the cancer research agenda across the city region.

Improve outcomes by using data science to tackle health inequalities

We will be leaders in using data science to improve cancer research and outcomes. Electronic consent will make it easier for patients to take part in research, we will establish cohorts with linked data, and we will co-develop the new electronic patient record (EPR) for research. We will drive research into the impact of frailty and comorbidities on cancer outcomes.

We will:

  • Develop a data science approach to our clinical data so it can be linked to other datasets (such as GP data or routine datasets) and data from translational analyses (such as genomics, biomarkers, pathology, imaging) to accelerate research, including AI.  
  • Work with colleagues across provider trusts to develop a Liverpool-wide electronic patient record that optimises the capability for research and the implementation of personalised cancer medicine across the city.
  • Target ‘Home Grown’ High-Volume Research, focusing on conducting high-volume, locally-driven research relevant to our local population.
  • Continue to diversify our research portfolio with real-world, observational, and translational studies.
  • Increase engagement of non-medical healthcare professionals in research design and implementation.

Improve speed and accuracy of cancer diagnosis

We will drive research into earlier diagnosis and the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostic services, bringing novel approaches into practice where they are safe, effective and evidence-based.

We will:

  • Safely bring novel diagnostics and AI into routine clinical practice.
  • Collaborate with diagnostics companies and the University of Liverpool to support innovation in diagnostics.
  • Develop biomarkers for predicting how people are likely to respond to immunotherapy.

Empower researchers

We will champion clinical academics, research-active consultants and clinical fellows by supporting academic training, PhDs and protected research time, while continuing to grow externally funded research and innovation.

We will:

  • Work together to build a ‘team science’ approach to our research work, working collaboratively both within Clatterbridge and across our multiple partners.
  • Encourage and support all staff groups to take the opportunity to engage in research to enhance their careers.
  • Continue to support research fellowships for our research resident doctors to develop the future workforce.
  • Expand our pool of investigators to include a broad group of healthcare professionals (medical, nursing, AHPs).

Team science

Team science involves different teams with different skills, expertise and experience working together on a complex challenge.

Lead cancer research across Liverpool

We will position CCC as a lead for all cancer-related research – including radiotherapy innovation – and foster regional, national, and international collaborations.

We will:

  • Position CCC as a lead for cancer-related research, working with partner organisations regionally, nationally and globally.
  • Build increasingly close and effective collaboration with surgical oncology researchers through multi-disciplinary research applications.