Life demands excellence
magazine – spring 2015
BBC’s Panorama films pioneering drug trials The best of the best: our Staff Awards
A better future
Meet Dr Tim Wigmore, whose unique role gives him insights that help us to innovate for our patients’ benefit
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At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. And when people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That’s why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
RM MAGAZINE
l Executive notes
Contents 13 The future in focus
BBC’s Panorama showcases our pioneering drug trials
16 Redefining breast cancer diagnosis
How the latest hi-tech advances are speeding up diagnoses
18 And the award goes to...
Celebrating our fantastic staff
22 A working life
Meet Dr Tim Wigmore, whose unique role drives innovation
24 Routine gene testing
Genetic testing has gone mainstream, with huge benefits
Regulars 04 Hospital news 12 It happened to me 26 Fundraising 28 Foundation news 30 Puzzles & prizes
Cover photograph: Dr Tim Wigmore, Associate Medical Director, Consultant Anaesthetist, and Intensivist in the Critical Care Unit
Welcome
Welcome to the spring 2015 edition of RM, the magazine for our staff, patients, carers and Foundation Trust members. In this issue, we take a look at our new surgical robot, the da Vinci Xi (page 4) – the funding for which has kindly been donated by Don McCarthy, former Chairman of House of Fraser and a committed supporter of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The robot will enable our surgeons at The Royal Marsden to drive forward innovations in robotic surgery, extending our pioneering work from urology to colorectal and gynaecological cancers. We also focus on the work of Associate Medical Director Dr Tim Wigmore (page 22). Dr Wigmore holds a unique position at The Royal Marsden, rotating his clinical duties as a Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist in the Critical Care Unit with his management role, advising on clinical services across the Trust and providing advice on our essential IT systems update to ensure it’s of maximum benefit to both staff and patients. Finally, we look back at our Staff Awards Ceremony, which celebrated the work of our fantastic staff. It was a real inspiration to hear the nominations – congratulations to all those who were nominated, and especially to those who won an award. In this issue of RM, we particularly focus on those staff who were recognised with the 20-year Long Service Award, honouring two decades of dedicated care and compassion to cancer patients and their families at The Royal Marsden (page 18). I hope you enjoy reading this issue of RM.
Cally Palmer CBE, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden
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HOSPITAL NEWS
GIFT OF ROBOT BOOSTS SURGERY AND TRAINING he new year started on a high for The Royal Marsden when Don McCarthy, ex-Chairman of House of Fraser, philanthropist and long-time supporter of the hospital, made an extremely generous donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The £1.5-million donation from Don and his children,
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John and Hannah, enabled the charity to purchase the latest da Vinci Xi surgical robot – a device that allows surgeons to make microscopic incisions with greater accuracy and control than ever before. The addition of the new robot to The Royal Marsden’s theatre capability has also provided us with the ability to move our robotic surgery into
multiple parts of the body, offering greater benefits for our patients. Don and his children came to the hospital to meet some of our leading surgeons, who are at the forefront of robotic surgery in the UK. Professor Paris Tekkis performed a colorectal surgery – the first operation to take place at the hospital using the da Vinci Xi.
It was fantastic to see our donation go towards technology that will hugely benefit patients DON MCCARTHY, PHILANTHROPIST AND SUPPORTER OF THE ROYAL MARSDEN
Hospital news
Left: Royal Marsden surgeons use the da Vinci Xi robot in theatre. The dual console enables trainee involvement in operations. Below left: Don McCarthy (second from left) with daughter Hannah, Royal Marsden Chairman R. Ian Molson, and son John
Don, whose wife Diane passed away in 2007 after treatment at The Royal Marsden for bowel cancer, said of his donation: “The Royal Marsden provided an excellent standard of care when Diane was ill and it is still really important to me to feel that I am giving something back. It was fantastic to see at first-hand how our donation has gone towards some really exciting technology that will hugely benefit patients. “Donating to such a great cause is a fantastic way of ensuring the legacy of my late wife lives on and helps others
It is really exciting that with this new da Vinci Xi robot we can move into new tumour types PROFESSOR MARTIN GORE, MEDICAL DIRECTOR, THE ROYAL MARSDEN
in some way. My family and I are all committed to The Royal Marsden – it is important that the next generation realises the benefits charitable giving can bring to those less fortunate than ourselves.” The Robotic Fellowship The da Vinci Xi robot will be supported by a newly launched Robotic Fellowship, the first of its kind in the UK, which will train up to 30 specialist surgeons in robotic surgery. The da Vinci Xi’s dual console facilitates this exclusive training and will allow trainee involvement on actual operations from day one, with complete patient safety. The Robotic Fellowship and the state-of-the-art equipment will enable The Royal Marsden to train multidisciplinary robotic
surgeon teams for the future, operating in multiple tumour types. This will result in more efficient procedures for the patient and ensure that we remain the leading multi-speciality surgical robotic centre in the UK. A robot’s-eye view The da Vinci S robot was first used in the UK to treat prostate cancer patients at The Royal Marsden in 2007 and has since been rolled out to more than 20 trusts. Over the past seven years, it has been used to treat more than 1,000 patients. The da Vinci Xi’s extended vision, higher magnification and imagery give the surgeon greater precision in their work by providing a magnified, three-dimensional view inside a patient’s body. The surgeon also controls the robot’s computerised arms, which can grip scissors and other instruments, providing greater accuracy when performing operations. Also, it is often necessary for different areas of the abdomen to be accessed to remove cancers completely. The da Vinci Xi has an advantage over previous versions of the robot in that it can move around the body easily, minimising operating time for the benefit of the patient. Professor Martin Gore, Medical Director, said: “The Royal Marsden continues to be one of the largest providers of robotic surgical procedures for prostate cancer in the UK, and it is really exciting that with this new da Vinci Xi robot we have the opportunity to move into new tumour types. It really is thanks to our generous donors, such as the McCarthy family, that we can continue to be at the forefront of cancer treatment, surgery and research.”
Chief Pharmacist Jatinder Harchowal
The Royal Marsden teams up with Boots UK to offer new pharmacy options for patients The Royal Marsden is delighted to announce that we will soon be offering our patients an enhanced prescription service through a partnership with Boots. The opening of two new pharmacies run by Boots UK for outpatients and discharge drugs will mean reduced waiting times and more flexibility for patients. From July, patients will also be able to access certain medicines from a local Boots pharmacy if they wish, therefore reducing the need to wait or travel. The move is part of a wider project looking at ways to both enhance the experience for patients and manage an increasing workload. The current hospital pharmacy will continue
to manage research inpatient and warddistributed drugs. The announcement comes as The Royal Marsden also welcomes its new Chief Pharmacist, Jatinder Harchowal, who said: “Whether patients are coming in for chemotherapy or to talk to their consultant, we know that a highquality medicines management service can make a big difference. “I’m excited to monitor how the first few months of the service will work. I am confident waiting times will continue to improve, and that we will get very positive feedback from our patients and staff on the quality of these new outpatient and inpatient medicines optimisation services.” RM MAGAZINE 05
Hospital news
NEWS IN BRIEF STUDY LOOKS AT LUNG CANCER IN NON-SMOKERS Dr Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, is co-ordinating a European study exploring the genetics of lung cancer patients who have never smoked. The trial, called EORTC 08114 (GEM), is running at over 50 centres across the UK, Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands. Dr Popat, the trial’s principal investigator, said: “We don’t know what causes lung cancer in non-smokers. This form of cancer is rare and develops more frequently in women, and in people of East Asian ancestry. This study will help guide us to whether there is a hereditary risk that patients are born with and why some patients do better than others after treatment.”
STREAMLINING OF TRIALS TO ATTRACT PHARMA COMPANIES BACK TO THE UK Clinical Research Teams and the Research & Development Directorate at The Royal Marsden have been working to improve access for patients to clinical trials, following the government’s target of having a maximum of 70 days between the date of the research application and the date the first patient is recruited for the trial. Spearheaded by Dr Naureen Starling, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Associate Director of Clinical Research, staff from Research, Pharmacy, Radiology, Finance, Nuclear Medicine, R&D and the ICR Enterprise Unit have all worked together to streamline the process in order to help to attract pharmaceutical companies back to the UK.
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Dr Victoria Harris, Dr Melissa Tan and Dr Robert Huddart worked on the IMPART trial
AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE BLADDER CANCER TRIAL he Royal Marsden has been awarded the prestigious Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) Ross Award for Best Proffered Paper at the recent National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference, following a fantastic presentation by Dr Melissa Tan, Clinical Research Fellow in Radiotherapy and Imaging. The presentation was on the IMPART trial into the treatment of bladder cancer, a joint initiative with the ICR supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Dr Tan and her co-authors were praised for their research and concise and engaging presentation. The IMPART trial was designed and overseen by Dr Victoria Harris, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, and Dr Robert Huddart, a Reader and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology at The Royal Marsden and the ICR. The study looked at whether delivering intensitymodulated radiotherapy to the bladder and pelvic lymph nodes was technically possible when treating patients with bladder cancer
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where the disease had already spread to the lymph nodes or was highly likely to. This was the first trial of its kind, due to previous concerns around the potential side effects of radiotherapy to these areas. But results showed that radiotherapy could be delivered safely to the pelvic nodes and bladder – and the prognosis for those at a higher risk of the bladder cancer spreading elsewhere improved following the treatment. Dr Harris said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised for our work. Melissa’s award for presenting the paper is the icing on the cake.”
It’s fantastic to be recognised for our work. Melissa’s award for presenting the paper is the icing on the cake DR VICTORIA HARRIS, CONSULTANT CLINICAL ONCOLOGIST, THE ROYAL MARSDEN
Hospital news
MARGINAL GAINS FOR LESS PAIN
Dr John WIlliams (left) with Dr Matthew Brown, Pain Research Fellow
new trial to reduce pain after breast surgery is using the ‘marginal gains’ concept adopted by the Team Sky cycling team to win the Tour de France in 2012. Following major surgery for breast cancer, a third of women experience chronic pain that lasts more than three months.
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Investigation into advanced anal cancer Dr Sheela Rao, Consultant Medical Oncologist in the Gastrointestinal (GI) Unit, is leading a pioneering global study into anal cancer for patients who have advanced disease or who have relapsed after primary treatment. The InterAACT study is part of a larger, international rare
Dr John Williams, Consultant Anaesthetist and Head of Pain Services at The Royal Marsden, is recruiting 154 women on to a year-long trial to tackle this. He said: “We’re investigating how we can improve each area related to pain management by a small margin, then use all
cancers task force and aims to identify the optimal chemotherapy to administer to patients suffering from advanced disease. The secondary aim is to collect blood and tissue, so that the biology of the disease can be further explored to inform future trials. Dr Rao said: “This is hopefully the first in a long
those small gains to make an overall big improvement.” Sir Dave Brailsford, former British cycling coach and general manager of Team Sky, applied the strategy which resulted in Sir Bradley Wiggins becoming the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France.
line of studies that we will develop in the future — once we know more about the biology of anal cancer, we can look at whether there is a targeted therapy that we can add to the chemotherapy platform to further improve a patient’s prognosis. We hope this innovative trial will ultimately change and inform clinical practice in this setting.”
BRC External Review Panel The Royal Marsden, together with its academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research, is the UK’s only National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) dedicated solely to cancer. The BRC was set up in 2007 to translate biomedical research into pioneering cancer treatment within the NHS. It also focuses on training the next generation of cancer research leaders, involving and engaging patients in our research priorities and projects, and engaging with key collaborators, including other academic centres and industry. Several key research findings have been translated into clinical findings that have changed oncology practice nationally and internationally. Every five years, BRCs reapply for their status as part of a nationally competitive process. Ahead of the next official review, our BRC held a mid-term review in September 2014 and a panel of international experts assessed our research, training and patient and public involvement strategies. All BRC-funded research was recognised as “internationally competitive” and “globally relevant” and therefore of high relevance to the NHS as a whole. A plan is in place to implement the recommendations that arose from this review, led by Professor David Cunningham, Director of Clinical Research at The Royal Marsden and of the BRC, and Dr Rowena Sharpe, BRC Assistant Director. RM MAGAZINE 07
Hospital news
WOMEN’S CANCERS
20,114
SPECIALISTS PRESENT BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AT US SYMPOSIUM
Breast cancer specialists from The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) presented their research at the 37th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December. Professor Mitch Dowsett, Head of the Academic Department of Biochemistry and Head of the Centre for Molecular Pathology, chaired and presented a session that provided updates on advances in key areas for translational research. He also delivered a lecture on the development of aromatase inhibitors, work that won him last year’s prestigious Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Clinical Research. Dr Pascal Gellert, Senior Bioinformatician at the ICR and a member of Professor Dowsett’s team in the Academic Department of Biochemistry, presented the first findings from the pioneering POETIC trial, involving 60 women. The study tested breast cancer cells after just two weeks of hormone treatment to predict how well a woman’s cancer would respond. A feasibility study is due to begin later this year for a follow-up trial called POETIC 2. Dr Nicholas Turner, Consultant Medical Oncologist, was a member of the symposium’s planning committee. He also moderated an educational session and presented research exploring ways to target triple-negative breast cancer. Professor John Yarnold, Clinical Oncologist, presented research about the value of radiation treatment of the internal mammary lymph nodes after mastectomy. The five-day event was attended by 7,500 delegates from more than 90 countries. 08 RM MAGAZINE
women were diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer in 2011
35%
30–34
year olds are more likely to develop cervical cancer than any other age group Source: Cancer Research UK
of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK will survive for at least 10 years
CONSULTANT JOINS NEW CAMPAIGN TARGETING WOMEN’S CANCERS r Susana Banerjee, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, has joined a new campaign to begin groundbreaking research into gynaecological cancers. The Gynaecological Cancer Fund’s (GCF) Silent No More campaign hopes to raise £250,000 a year over the next three years to fund Dr Banerjee’s clinical research at The Royal Marsden and help raise awareness of gynaecological cancers. The work of Dr Banerjee
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and her team aims to help enable a profound change in how women’s cancers are treated. Lessons learned from the molecular analysis of tumours could result in women with gynaecological cancers receiving more individualised treatment. Dr Banerjee, who is also the Gynaecological Unit’s Research Lead, said: “I intend to use what we have learned from breakthroughs in treating other cancers to help improve the lives of women with gynaecological cancers.
Dr Helen McNair, Lead Research Radiographer
Traditionally, cancer has been treated with a ‘one size fits all’ approach with non-specific, toxic drugs. My research into delivering more personalised, precision therapies aims to increase understanding of what drives cancers and help guide treatment for individual patients. “In the future, I hope to see routine tumour gene testing of all women with gynaecological cancers at The Royal Marsden, throughout the NHS and in cancer centres worldwide.”
Radiographer elected as British Institute of Radiology Fellow Dr Helen McNair, Lead Research Radiographer for The Royal Marsden, has been honoured with a Fellowship by the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) for her outstanding achievements. Professor David Dearnaley, Honorary Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, said: “Helen has developed an international profile as a therapy radiographer. This recognition is well deserved and we are extremely supportive of the work she has been doing for the BIR as a trustee and will continue to do as a Fellow.”
Hospital news
Hayley Leonard, the UK’s first specialist post-transplant nurse
Dr Claire Dearden, Head of the Haemato-oncology Unit
HAIRY CELL LEUKAEMIA BREAKTHROUGH PRESENTED AT CONFERENCE Europe-wide study into a rare type of leukaemia was one of a number of clinical trials involving The Royal Marsden that were presented at the 2014 American Society of Hematology’s (ASH) Annual Meeting in December. Dr Claire Dearden, Head of the Haemato-oncology Unit was involved with many of The Royal Marsden’s joint global trials presented during
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the conference. One such trial was into the rare hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), invariably associated with the V600E mutation of the BRAF gene. The study aimed to identify whether the BRAFinhibiting drug vemurafenib could improve outcomes for patients with HCL. The results showed that patients who received the drug had improved blood counts with platelet recovery and an improvement in
anaemia. Also, patients on the trial who relapsed while off therapy responded again when vemurafenib was reintroduced. It was discovered that targeting the V600E mutation can provide disease control in HCL. The trial involved organisations and hospitals in Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland, as well as researchers from the University of Leicester and Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
First Anthony Nolan post-transplant nurse at The Royal Marsden The Royal Marsden’s Hayley Leonard has been recruited as the UK’s first specialist post-transplant nurse by the Anthony Nolan Blood Cancer Charity. The new role will enhance the support needed by cancer patients after a bone marrow transplant, which is just the beginning of a blood cancer patient’s recovery. Similar roles will be based at hospitals in Newcastle and Manchester. Hayley, who has worked in transplant wards in The Royal Marsden’s Haemato-oncology Unit for 10 years, said: “After a transplant, patients can often feel lost. They’ve focused on finding a donor and getting to the transplant itself and may feel unprepared for the long recovery, with its physical and emotional complications. “A dedicated post-transplant nurse means the pressure isn’t on the patient to navigate health and social care systems. We’re here as one point of contact, advice and support, looking at the bigger picture and linking them up with resources, such as dietitians and social services.”
A dedicated posttransplant nurse means the pressure isn’t on the patient to navigate the care system HAYLEY LEONARD, ANTHONY NOLAN POST-TRANSPLANT NURSE, THE ROYAL MARSDEN
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Hospital news
RM MAGAZINE MAKES AWARDS SHORTLISTS RM magazine was recently shortlisted for two prestigious awards: the CorpComms Awards in the ‘Best corporate publication, not-for-profit and public sector organisations’ category, and the CMA International Content Marketing Awards in the ‘Best internal publication’ category. We were Highly Commended in the latter for the second year running. Rachael Reeve, The Royal Marsden’s Director of Marketing and Communications, said: “RM magazine is very well received across the hospital and we were very proud to be shortlisted. Hopefully, next year we can go one step further and win!”
FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL MARSDEN, CHELSEA UPDATE ● The Friends of The Royal Marsden, Chelsea held its annual Quiz Night at the Brompton Oratory in October, and the event was a sellout success. ● The Friends was also the chosen charity for the Spirit of Christmas Fair, held in November at London Olympia. The funds raised during the six-day event have enabled the purchase of a further 10 state-of-the-art wheelchairs for The Royal Marsden. ● The Friends Shop, now run by volunteers Francesca Penny and Caroline Lewis, has been given a makeover and stocks new products, including gluten-free snacks, organic toiletries and greetings cards. Liberty-print scarves and hair accessories — designed exclusively for The Royal Marsden — and precious-stone jewellery are also among the new items now on sale.
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Dr Jackie Kenny (left) with Sue Alexander, Principal Biomedical Scientist & Pathology Services Manager
NEW KIT SPEEDS UP BACTERIA DETECTION atients at The Royal Marsden are benefiting from new technology that can help identify bacteria such as E. coli and MRSA in minutes, rather than days. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization – Time of Flight (MALDIToF) allows the rapid identification of bacteria. Previous methods relied on biochemical tests and results took 24 to 48 hours. The MALDI-ToF method provides a molecular ‘fingerprint’ that enables
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the identification of the organism, as well as ‘clones’, which is useful in case of a possible bacterial outbreak. Dr Unell Riley, Consultant Microbiologist at The Royal Marsden, said: “MALDI-ToF gives rapid and accurate identification of potentially pathogenic organisms grown from the samples taken from our patients. This means more appropriate antibiotic therapy can be given than previously.” This should result in quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays.
MALDI-ToF involves firing a laser at an organism sample on a metal plate overlaid with a matrix material. The laser ionises the bacterial molecules and accelerates them into a vacuum tube. ‘Time of flight’ refers to the method used to identify the molecules by their speed. In addition, MALDI-ToF can identify organisms in blood culture samples in most cases without having to be grown, allowing for more timely and appropriate treatment for patients who have severe sepsis. This is particularly important in our most immuno-compromised patients. It also speeds up identification of rare and unusual bacterial infections. Dr Jackie Kenny, Microbiology Laboratory Manager, said: “This is very exciting technology that enables microbiology to directly improve the patient experience.”
The new bacteria testing kit
Sutton nurse awarded Darzi Fellowship Sutton and Merton Community Services nurse Theresa Weldring is the latest recipient of the Fellowship in Clinical Leadership programme. Also known as the Darzi Fellowship, it is one of the most successful
such programmes in London, with more than 130 Fellowships awarded to date. Each 12-month post requires Fellows to spend that time away from their normal sphere and instead work on a project covering
service change, quality and safety improvement, or building their leadership capacity. Theresa will work with Debbie LindonTaylor, Divisional Clinical Nurse Director at Sutton and Merton Community
Services, to develop educational opportunities for student nurses on placement. Theresa said: “I’m delighted to have started my role as Darzi Nurse Fellow and hope to really make a difference.”
Hospital news
LYMPHOEDEMA PATIENTS NOW BENEFIT FROM QUICKER SERVICE aiting times to see a lymphoedema specialist at The Royal Marsden have been reduced thanks to an improved referral service. The Trust’s lymphoedema therapists support patients who develop swelling related to cancer treatment involving their lymph glands, such as surgery or radiotherapy. The condition can affect any part of the body but usually develops in the arms or legs, causing aching and swelling. It develops when lymph nodes or vessels are removed, damaged or blocked, causing a build-up of fluid in the body’s
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Our aim is to reduce the swelling and infection risk and improve quality of life MARY WOODS, LEAD NURSE FOR LYMPHOEDEMA SERVICES, THE ROYAL MARSDEN
tissues. There is no cure, but treatments such as skin care, use of a special compression garment, exercise, massage and lifestyle adjustments can reduce the swelling considerably. Mary Woods, Lead Nurse for Lymphoedema Services, has worked at The Royal Marsden since 1981, and in 2014 received a lifetime achievement award from the British Lymphology Society. She said: “We have made improvements to the pathway for patients referred to the lymphoedema service by developing a Lead Nurse role. “This enables me to triage and assess patients and direct them for further treatment within the lymphoedema service or with the medical consultant. This has reduced waiting times and so patients receive advice and treatment much quicker. “People come to us with a lot of anxiety and the swelling is a reminder of what they’ve been through. Our aim is to reduce the swelling and risk of infection and improve their quality of life.”
Mary Woods, Lead Nurse for Lymphoedema Services
Pioneering surgery
Over the past three years, the lymphoedema service has been involved in pioneering a microsurgical technique suitable for a small group of patients, which involves redirecting lymph fluid to improve drainage. Three months after the operation, 90 per cent of patients see an improvement, while 60 per cent see a longstanding improvement after two years.
Kelvin Ramsey, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, said: “We are the only place in the country to routinely offer our NHS patients this operation. It doesn’t work for everyone, but we’re launching a randomised trial this year to work out exactly who it will benefit. “All of this wouldn’t have been possible without Mary and her extremely professional lymphoedema team.”
Prostate research Centre of Excellence now open The London Movember Centre of Excellence for prostate cancer research — based primarily at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) — is now officially open.
Several major breakthroughs have resulted in a ‘golden age’ of life-extending drug developments, successful clinical trials and cuttingedge treatments. Pioneering drugs such as abiraterone — now available on
the NHS and hailed as one of the biggest developments in advanced prostate cancer treatment — have helped cement The Royal Marsden’s status as a leading international force in the diagnosis, treatment and care
of the disease. It is due to this reputation that Professor Johann de Bono, Head of The Royal Marsden’s Drug Development Unit and the lead in the development of abiraterone, has been appointed as
the Director of the new centre — one of two created by the Movember Centres of Excellence Programme. The London Centre of Excellence is also based across Imperial College London and
University College London, with the other centre split across Manchester and Belfast. Both will receive funding of £5 million each over five years from the Movember Foundation through Prostate Cancer UK. RM MAGAZINE 11
A patient’s perspective
IT HAPPENED TO ME
Nothing matters if you have your health I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2013 and was referred to The Royal Marsden under the care of Professor Ian Smith. At the time, it felt as though I was in a film and watching someone else get the bad news… Marianne Butler, 35, barrister and breast cancer patient
t was a massive shock when I was told I had stage 3 breast cancer, as I was fairly fit and healthy and had no family history of the disease. I’m a barrister and was about to start a major trial, so I thought my treatment would have to wait until that was over.
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However, I was told that wasn’t a realistic option as the tumour was 6cm across and had spread to my lymph nodes, so I started chemotherapy four days later. Bizarre doesn’t even begin to describe how it felt, but Professor Ian Smith and his team were beyond fantastic. As well as
eight sessions of chemotherapy, I was given two very clever drugs: trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta). It was the first time The Royal Marsden had given this combination of drugs for treatment of a firstoccurrence breast cancer, following impressive results in a number of US trials. It was a great success and I returned to work three weeks after my operation. After six months, I received the amazing news that my cancer had gone. I’ve always been a planner and had mapped out what I wanted to do in life. You don’t realise until you’re knocked with cancer that you can’t live your life like that. It’s made me take my job – and life in general – with a pinch of salt. It sounds trite, but it really is true that nothing really matters as long as you have your health. Last year, my husband and 28 of our friends and family and, amazingly, Professor Smith too, took part in the first ‘Le Cure de France’, cycling four of Le Tour de France’s mountain climbs, over five days. We raised more than £100,000 for Professor Smith’s Breast Cancer Research Fund. We wanted to arrange this fundraising event so that other women and their families can benefit from the incredible work of The Royal Marsden. So, watch this space: Le Cure de France will be going for many more years to come. rm
My friends and family raised over £100,000 on our charity cycle ride ‘Le Cure de France’
Professor Ian Smith, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Head of the Breast Unit “The thing I’ll always remember most about meeting Marianne for the first time was her self-control and determination. Her view was ‘whatever you recommend, let’s get on with it’. She’s been terrific to look after and has always had a positive attitude and never let her treatment get her down. “As a barrister, Marianne has a very intense and difficult job, but she has managed to continue working while always staying cheerful. She has an infectious laugh and is certainly a patient I will always remember. “I decided to take part in Le Cure de France against my better judgement. A colleague and friend of mine decided he was going to join, and, although I thought we were both crazy, I enjoyed the challenge.”
Panorama
BEHIND THE SCENES
The future in focus In February, The Royal Marsden featured in a BBC Panorama special focusing on the future of cancer medicine. Here, patients taking part in our drug trials speak about why they wanted to tell their stories on camera
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uring the past year or so, you may have spotted a television crew filming in The Royal Marsden. This was the BBC’s Panorama team making an hour-long special documentary, which aired on 11 February. The programme showcased our pioneering efforts in cancer drug development, looking at the science behind
drug trials as well as the patients’ views on taking experimental medicine. Seven of our patients undergoing drug trials agreed to take part in the programme, and were followed by a television crew over the past year during their hospital visits and at home with their families. Three patients were treated in the Oak Foundation Drug
Development Unit in Sutton, while the others were treated across both the Chelsea and Sutton sites. Professor Johann de Bono, Head of The Royal Marsden’s Oak Foundation Drug Development Unit, said: “When Panorama first approached us, Fergus Walsh said he wanted to explain the science behind personalised cancer ➜
Clockwise, from top: the Panorama crew filming at The Royal Marsden; Professor Johann de Bono, Head of the Oak Foundation Drug Development Unit; Dr James Larkin, Consultant Medical Oncologist, is involved in the trials of experimental treatments featured in the documentary
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Era-defining television ◆ Panorama was launched by the BBC on 11 November 1953, with a mission of investigative journalism. ◆ In 2014, the programme had an average of 2.37 million viewers and tackled subjects as diverse as NHS fraud and the Ebola virus. ◆ Fergus Walsh (above) has been the BBC’s Medical Correspondent since 2006. He has won several awards for medical journalism, and has been commended for his clear reporting style. ◆ Fergus and producer Alison Priestley won a Medical Journalists’ Association (MJA) Winter Award in 2012 for Panorama – The Mind Reader: Unlocking My Voice, which followed efforts to help severely brain-injured patients to communicate.
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treatment. I thought the best way to do this would be to speak to our patients who are undergoing drug trials, as they are experiencing, first hand, the benefits these new treatments can offer. “I think the programme will give a fascinating insight into not only the science behind cancer medicine, but also the reality for patients taking part in these trials.”
One of the patients selected to take part in the documentary was 11-year-old Sophie Armitage, who is being treated in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People. She says she thought the opportunity to be filmed would make her frequent hospital visits much more fun: “I felt like a mini celebrity. My friends thought it was really cool and couldn’t wait to see the programme.”
Sophie’s parents, Helen and Tom, agreed that it would be a unique opportunity to capture a time that will be a defining moment in her life. Helen says: “Not many people get this kind of privilege and we wanted to get involved for Sophie.”
Panorama – Can You Cure My Cancer? aired on 11 February and is available on BBC iPlayer
Panorama
ANGELA LITTLE
Matron for Oak Foundation Drug Development Unit and West Wing Clinical Research Centre
Above, clockwise from top: Professor Johann de Bono; Matron Angela Little of the Oak Foundation Drug Development Unit; the entrance to The Royal Marsden’s Drug Development Unit; young patient Sophie Armitage; a patient is filmed in the hospital’s imaging suite
“When I was first told about the Panorama project, I was delighted, because I saw it as an opportunity to showcase the Oak Foundation Drug Development Unit and highlight some of the wonderful work that goes on here. The biggest concerns I had were uncertainty about what the documentary crew would require and how much involvement would be required from staff and patients. “The general logistics of having a camera crew present on a Phase I drug development unit, while still treating patients and maintaining high standards of care, were always a concern. I expected the process to be a little demanding in terms of whether patients would be suitable and amenable for participation. I was unsure how the staff would respond, but I soon sensed they were delighted with the prospect. “Filming started in August 2013 and was fantastic. The film crew were great and worked with us to find dates and times that would be convenient to the patients and also our ongoing work on the ward. “The whole experience, although exciting, was a little daunting. However, having gone through nearly a year of filming, I would certainly be prepared to do it again, as I believe it is so important to give those who work around us, patients and their families, and the general public a better understanding of what we do and what we are striving for. “The filming process was a great opportunity to really see how far the patients we have treated have come, and also to witness the great work carried out on a daily basis by all the staff here on Oak Ward.” rm
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: OUR PATIENTS’ STORIES SARAH CROCKFORD, 41: “I agreed to take part because I believe that the targeted treatment I have had is the way forward. “I was told in July 2011 that I might have six months to live so I came to The Royal Marsden for treatment and, three years and four trials later, I am still here and able to share my story to help other people. My life has been extended thanks to the trials I’ve been on, and if the show helps one person, then I will be happy. “It was certainly an experience being followed by a film crew during my appointments and being asked lots of questions. It was good to talk about my experience and share things for others that I maybe take for granted, like scans, blood tests, and living life on a trial.”
JOHN TIMBERLAKE, 84: “I was thrilled when first told about Panorama, for three reasons: first, it discussed prostate cancer; second, it publicised the excellent work of The Royal Marsden; and third, I could help in some way. “The filming was great fun. Fergus and I struck up a good rapport, and the producer Alison was lovely too. A memorable moment for me was playing croquet with Fergus at my local club in Cheam. “The drug trial has undoubtedly extended my life.” TAMI MORRIS, 40: “I had the standard treatment for ovarian cancer at my local hospital, and years later I was told there was nothing left for me to consider. “When I came to The Royal Marsden for experimental
VICKY BROWN, 61: “I saw Panorama as an opportunity to raise the profile of melanoma. “The drug trial I’m on saved my life and has given me an incredible quality of life. I took part in the programme to share my story so that people know there are other options out there. “When Dr James Larkin was filmed giving me good news about my scan, I could tell that the production team were genuinely happy for me as well, which was really touching.”
John Timberlake
Tami Morris
Vicky Brown
medicine, I was quite nervous. Trials aren’t as scary as they sound though, and I really wanted to be a part of the Panorama programme as I felt it was important for fellow cancer patients to see that there are other options available.”
RM MAGAZINE 15
This page: Dr Steven Allen, Consultant Radiologist, uses the Mammotome elite. Right: Dr Robin Wilson, Consultant Radiologist, with Superintendent Radiographer Nancy Layt
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Diagnostic focus
LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY
Redefining breast cancer diagnosis
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The latest advances in technology are making it easier and quicker to diagnose breast cancer, along with the dedication of skilled staff at The Royal Marsden’s Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre
adiology is central to all breast cancer patients’ treatment pathway at The Royal Marsden. At every stage, from diagnosis and throughout treatment, patients can expect to be scanned regularly to ensure they are still on the correct treatment plan. Dr Elizabeth O’Flynn, Clinical Lecturer and Consultant Radiologist, says: “We play an integral role in the journey of a breast cancer patient and work very closely with surgical and oncological colleagues. We also manage a large proportion of benign breast diseases through GP referrals to the Trust’s Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre [RDAC]. “Our magnetic resonance [MR]-guided facilities at both Chelsea and Sutton are extensive, with the installation of new scanners over the past few years, and we were one of the first NHS hospitals in London to offer MR-guided breast biopsy. We also take referrals from across the south and southeast.”
Transforming the biopsy
To save women from having to have surgery for diagnosis and treatment of benign changes, the RDAC has pioneered the use of vacuum-assisted biopsy technology in the shape of the Mammotome
elite. This small, handheld machine is now being used to retrieve biopsy samples from patients. Dr Steven Allen, Consultant Radiologist, says: “The Mammotome elite has saved many of our patients from undergoing surgery under general anaesthetic to find out if their tumour is benign or malignant. “Using the Mammotome elite, it only takes about 15 minutes for the procedure under a local anaesthetic. This allows more procedures to be performed, even when we have a busy clinic, meaning that fewer patients need to be rebooked. The whole experience seems less stressful for our patients.”
A clearer picture
Dr O’Flynn says: “We were the first department in the UK to acquire digital mammography and we’ve recently implemented digital breast
tomosynthesis, which can further enhance diagnosis.” Tomosynthesis uses digital technology to acquire a series of images using a mammogram machine that rotates around the breast to make multiple exposures. Rather than creating a single combined image with overlapping structure, tomosynthesis allows the radiologist to view the breast in 1mm-thick slices. This allows a detailed assessment of the breast tissue, with overlapping structure separated, and a clearer view of abnormalities that would otherwise be hidden by normal, dense tissue. Dr Robin Wilson, Consultant Radiologist, says: “Tomosynthesis both increases the detection of significant abnormalities that might otherwise have been missed, and it also decreases the detection of falsely worrying features that prove to be quite normal. “International studies have shown that tomosynthesis increases the detection of early breast cancer, while reducing the number of women who undergo further tests for what prove to be insignificant findings. Tomosynthesis is of particular use for younger women and for those with a dense breast pattern on mammography.” rm
Tomosynthesis increases the detection of significant abnormalities DR ROBIN WILSON, CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST
RM MAGAZINE 17
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
And the award goes to… The Royal Marsden’s annual Staff Awards are our chance to thank those who always strive for excellence in all that they do
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ur Staff Awards ceremony was held in November 2014 at the London Hilton on Park Lane. While everyone enjoyed the fun of the masquerade-themed soirée, the real business of the evening was to recognise the dedication to their calling that makes the people who work with us world class. More than 900 people from across the Trust attended, 018RM 18 RM MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
making the night a huge success. Congratulations to all members of staff who were nominated for awards and to all the winners. Professor Ian Smith received a Special Recognition Award for his pioneering work in breast cancer, while over 30 staff who have achieved more than 20 years of service at The Royal Marsden were also recognised for their hard work and commitment
with Long Service awards. Professor Martin Gore, Medical Director, says: “These 33 members of staff have, between them, amassed over 660 years of service at The Royal Marsden. They have made a tremendous commitment to the hospital, our patients and their families.” Here, five of the Long Service winners tell us just what their work means to them.
Above: Haemato-oncology Administrator Jackie Cook. Right: Electrician Dean Smith. Below right: Nursery Assistant Sharon Geer
Hospital Staff Awards news
JACKIE COOK
Haemato-oncology Administrator
Jackie works in the Bud Flanagan Unit’s Minor Procedure Suite in Sutton. She joined the unit 20 years ago as Ward Clerk and took on her current role six years ago. Jackie says: “I love working here and have made some great friends over the years, both colleagues and patients. My job combines clerical work and seeing patients, which I love. Sometimes, patients will come in alone for a procedure, so I’ll sit and hold their hand and give them support and comfort.”
SHARON GEER
Nursery Assistant
Over the past 20 years, Sharon has cared for hundreds of children aged between six months and five years. She says: “I love seeing the children develop and grow from babies into children. Although it can be very challenging at times, it’s great to see them meet different milestones in their lives. My colleagues are lovely to work with, and over time you build up a rapport with different people and grow to love the children.” Sharon adds: “Some children come back to see me and I get surprised at how much they’ve developed – it certainly makes me feel my age. I recently found out that one
child I looked after is now studying at the University of Oxford.”
DEAN SMITH Electrician
Based at The Royal Marsden’s Sutton site, Dean joined the hospital when he left college and spent a couple of weeks with the Trust on work experience. Dean was then
employed as a maintenance electrical assistant for several years before taking up his current role. He says: “There’s never a dull moment in this place and I really like the variety of work because you never know what’s going to crop up. It’s a friendly place and a really nice environment to work in.” ➜ RM RM MAGAZINE MAGAZINE019 19
Staff Awards
DR ELEANOR MOSKOVIC
NORA KHAN
Dr Moskovic specialises in the diagnosis of breast cancer, ultrasound, gynaecological cancer and soft-tissue sarcoma. She joined The Royal Marsden as a junior doctor in 1989 before becoming a consultant in 1994. She says: “It’s been a wonderful experience and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. The patients are lovely and my colleagues are of such a high calibre. It’s a great pleasure and privilege to be at Britain’s premier cancer institution. “Over the past 20 years, technology has changed radiology beyond belief. We previously used X-ray film but now everything is digitalised, improving speed and archiving, and it’s easier to refer a patient with their imaging electronically from other hospitals. “Our reports are dictated using voice recognition so no typing is needed, and we have wonderful new CT and MRI scanners. It’s now a fantastically efficient service and it’s only getting better.”
Nora provides one-to-one care and support to patients throughout the night once they have left hospital for Sutton and Merton Community Services. She says: “I enjoy being one-to-one and providing palliative care – it’s nice to be there for someone who is in need and make their last days as comfortable and bearable as possible. It’s tough but experience definitely helps you through it. “I have watched the NHS change over the years and I’m still proud to be a nurse. I’m happy and can’t imagine doing anything else.” rm
Consultant Radiologist
20 NOT OUT: ALL 33 LONG SERVICE AWARD WINNERS Adam Searle Alan Williamson Annabel Harman David Saunders Dean Smith Diane Hobson Dushy Leo Eleanor Moskovic Elizabeth Chapman Jackie Cook Jacqui Oates Jane Bane Janet McDonald Katharine Hudspeth Krishnaveni Hyer Leanne McPherson Lesley Edwards Lesley Innes Lorna Livingstone Maxine Gladwin Michael Horan Mikki Summers Miranda Wong Nora Khan Pauline Spence Penny Strover Peter Kirkham Rose Acquaye-Nortey Sara Mason Sara McTighe Sharon Geer Stephanie Gordon Virginia Sherwood
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Below: Consultant Radiologist Dr Eleanor Moskovic. Above right: Community Nurse Nora Khan
Community Nurse
Professor Ian Smith (centre) with The Royal Marsden’s Chief Executive Cally Palmer and Chairman R. Ian Molson
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD WINNER
Professor Ian Smith, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Head of the Breast Unit Professor Smith received this award in recognition of the work he has done to directly improve the care and survival rates of breast cancer patients. His research achievements include pioneering the clinical use of aromatase inhibitors – the most effective and widely used hormonal treatment for breast cancer, which has cut death rates by 40 per cent compared with no treatment. Professor Smith has also shown that trastuzumab, better known as Herceptin, can reduce death from aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer by 35 per cent. He was also one of the first to use neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients – now a common strategy both for treatment and as part of personalised medicine research strategies. Professor Martin Gore, Medical Director, says: “Professor Smith is an inspirational teacher of the next generation of cancer specialists and remains the go-to person for wise counsel. During his time as Head of the Breast Unit at The Royal Marsden, the unit has achieved unprecedented success and gained international acclaim.”
Hospital news
2014 STAFF AWARD CATEGORY WINNERS Clinical Excellence Edith Tuekpe Staff Nurse, Outpatients, Chelsea Above and Beyond Jackie Cook Haemato-oncology Administrator, Minor Procedure Suite, Sutton Working Together Interventional Radiology, Chelsea Beyond the Hospital Sutton and Cheam Locality Community Nursing Team Lifetime Achievement Rose Acquaye-Nortey Clinical Site Practitioner, Sutton Special Recognition Professor Ian Smith Consultant Medical Oncologist
RM RM MAGAZINE MAGAZINE021 21
I rotate my clinical roles and devote part of my week to management-related tasks
In his varied roles at The Royal Marsden, Dr Tim Wigmore has a unique insight into many aspects of care, so is well placed to devise and implement new strategies for excellence and innovation
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Staff profile
A WORKING LIFE
Dr Tim Wigmore
Associate Medical Director, Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist in the Critical Care Unit
m
y role at The Royal Marsden is unique. Not only do I hold the position of Associate Medical Director, I am also a Consultant Anaesthetist and an Intensivist in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). I rotate my clinical roles and devote part of every week to my management-related tasks. In my role as Associate Medical Director, I facilitate the day-to-day running of the medical services across the Trust, mainly covering clinical services at Chelsea. I focus predominantly on surgical and critical care, but I’m also closely involved in nuclear medicine, anaesthetics, palliative care, radiology, the pain service, pharmacy and outpatients. Dr Mike Potter is the other Associate Medical Director and mainly covers our Sutton services, although there is a lot of crossover between us. There is a large strategic element to my role. I strive for the best outcomes for patients and efficient services to treat as many patients as possible, as well as ensuring best practice is followed now and in the future. Implementing strategies I am also the Clinical Information Officer for the Trust. Again, my involvement is strategic: setting priorities for projects and working with our IT experts to make our IT services fit for purpose over the next decade. I’ve recently been looking at how to move our Electronic Patient Record to a more sustainable model, and have been visiting other hospitals and institutions to gain some further insights. I’m especially interested in developments in mobile devices and how they can make
the patient experience better by making life easier for both them and our staff. For example, we are going to be trialling a new app for patients in our pre-assessment centre. Using their smartphone or tablet, patients will be alerted to their next appointment and shown how to get there. Clinical work Alongside my management duties, I spend one week in six in our CCU, where I am either present or on-call 24/7 for the seven days. The system works well as it provides continuity of care for patients, so I get to know them and their families during that time. It can be tiring, but it’s an excellent way of delivering care. On a Monday, there is a multidisciplinary team meeting with colleagues from the Intensive Care Unit and other services to ensure that our patients are getting the best treatment. As a Consultant Anaesthetist, I specialise in urology procedures and have a particular interest in robotics. I have anaesthetised more than 1,000 prostatectomy patients with the da Vinci S robot. I’m very excited about the prospect of the new da Vinci Xi robot coming to the hospital as part of the Trust’s expansion of its robotic surgery programme to other tumour areas. The Royal Marsden continues to push the innovation boundaries for the benefit of patients. While it can be a challenge to combine all three roles, I enjoy the variety that the different jobs allow. I think it’s important for me to retain a clinical position, as this complements the work I do as Associate Medical Director, and it also keeps my feet firmly on the ground. rm
RM MAGAZINE 23
CANCER GENETICS
Routine gene testing As a Biomedical Research Centre, The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research together receive funding from the National Institute for Health Research to support our work. Here, we show how the Cancer Genetics Unit is translating pioneering gene-testing research into practical clinical applications
i
t’s a time of huge opportunity in the field of cancer genetics, according to Professor Nazneen Rahman, Head of Cancer Genetics at The Royal Marsden and Head of the Division of Genetics and Epidemiology at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). She says: “Improvements in gene testing mean tests can be integrated into mainstream cancer treatment. Many more people can now benefit without additional costs to the NHS.” The Cancer Genetics Clinical Academic Unit at the ICR and The Royal Marsden specialises in carrying out translational research, ensuring that work conducted in the laboratories of the ICR is transferred into clinical practice at The Royal Marsden, resulting in these groundbreaking enhancements. Professor Rahman is Cancer Genetics Theme Lead for the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), which is a key partner in delivering the Mainstreaming Cancer Genetics (MCG) programme, a Wellcome Trustfunded initiative led by the ICR BRC THEMES As part of our series looking at our work as a Biomedical Research Centre, we focused on the following BRC themes in previous issues: Cancer Imaging Dr Dow-Mu Koh
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in partnership with the hospital. “The support of the BRC has been vital in delivering this work,” says Professor Rahman. The programme has fully implemented a ‘mainstream’ pathway to test for mutations in BRCA genes for women with breast and ovarian cancer at The Royal Marsden. This pathway gives women the option of having the testing through their routine oncology appointments. Anyone whose test shows a BRCA mutation is given an appointment with the Cancer Genetics Unit, to discuss the implications for themselves and their families. Those without mutations can also have an appointment. “Information from gene tests must be provided to the right doctors, at the right time, to select the best possible clinical management for the patient,” says Professor Rahman. “This could mean surgery, drug treatments or screening.” The system is faster and cheaper than the previous requirement for patients to be referred to the Cancer Genetics
Unit to access testing. In turn, this has enabled the hospital to provide more testing without increasing costs to the NHS. The pilot stage of implementing this pathway for women with ovarian cancer was funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and more than 200 women with ovarian cancer have now received BRCA tests through this pathway. A survey of 77 of these women found that 100 per cent were happy they had the test, and 99 per cent were happy to have the test through oncology. This work was praised in Parliament in November 2014 by Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton & Cheam, who reported that “doing the testing as part of an oncology appointment is not costing the NHS more, and is having huge benefits”. The Cancer Genetics Theme was recently awarded flagship funding by the BRC so more people with breast cancer can benefit. Professor Rahman and Breast Unit colleagues plan to widen access to mainstream BRCA testing in 2015. rm
Molecular Pathology Professor Mitch Dowsett Cancer Therapeutics Professor Johann de Bono Breast Cancer Dr Nicholas Turner Prostate Professor David Dearnaley
Clinical studies Professor David Cunningham In the next issue of RM, we will highlight the work of the remaining BRC theme and the role of its lead: Radiotherapy Professor Kevin Harrington
NIHR Biomedical Research Centre
Improvements in gene testing mean tests can be integrated into mainstream cancer treatment, meaning many more people can beneďŹ t PROFESSOR NAZNEEN RAHMAN, HEAD OF CANCER GENETICS
RM MAGAZINE 25
THE ROYAL MARSDEN CANCER CHARITY
Fun with fossils
As members of the Charities Forum, The Royal Marsden and the Natural History Museum joined forces to bring some of the museum’s amazing collection of exhibits to the hospital – to the delight of our young patients
oung patients at The Royal Marsden’s Oak Centre for Children and Young People in Sutton were treated to a special visit from scientists from the Natural History Museum in January. In a bid to inspire the next generation of scientists and museum curators, the visitors brought along several exhibits, including fossils, insects and specimens of deep-sea creatures – some of which are millions of years old and usually only available to view at the Natural History Museum itself. An investigate centre was set up in the unit, where our young patients were able to learn
Y
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about sorting specimens and the prehistoric era. The day was made up of two sessions: the first was aimed at the younger patients who are being, or have been, treated at the Oak Centre, while the afternoon was for patients on the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit. Seven-year-old patient Leon Sateney said: “My favourite part about the visit was seeing the dinosaur skull and fossils.” The unique event came about after the Natural History Museum joined the Charities Forum, of which The Royal Marsden is also a member. The Charities Forum is the group of charities and organisations
Fundraising
My favourite part about the visit was seeing the dinosaur skull and fossils YOUNG PATIENT LEON SATENEY, 7
Thanks to The Royal Marsden’s membership of the Charities Forum, patients such as Leon Sateney (above) in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People got their hands on some of the Natural History Museum’s fossils and specimens
of which TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry are presidents or patrons. HRH The Duke of Cambridge is the President of The Royal Marsden. HRH The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry founded the forum in 2006 in order to bring their individual charitable interests together and to explore how they could best lend their support to them all in an effective and efficient way. The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has played a key part in the Charities Forum by sharing ideas on fundraising activity, events and campaigns. Carly Snowball, Matron for the Oak Centre for Children and Young People, said: “This new partnership has given children who wouldn’t normally have access to such exciting pieces of natural history, because of illness or mobility issues, the chance to view them in an environment they feel comfortable in. The day was a huge success and we have already had some fantastic feedback from our patients and their relatives.” Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, said: “Making the science of nature accessible and inspiring is at the heart of our work. We are extremely pleased to be working with The Royal Marsden to share some of the wonders of our collections with their young patients, families and staff.” RM MAGAZINE 27
FOUNDATION NEWS
10
YEARS AS A FOUNDATION TRUST
In 2014, The Royal Marsden marked 10 years as an NHS Foundation Trust. Here, Governors past and present tell us how they’ve been involved and what’s impressed them the most
FOUNDATION TRUST TIMELINE
2005
Opening of the Drug Development Unit at Sutton
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SALLY MASON
Former Patient Governor, 2004–13
“One period that sticks in my mind is the rebuilding of the Chelsea site following the fire in January 2008. The Trust Board had the vision to use this terrible event as an opportunity to restructure parts of the hospital showing how, even in the face of adversity, The Royal Marsden strives for improvement, innovation and world-leading facilities for cancer patients.”
2007
The Royal Marsden becomes the first hospital to introduce the da Vinci S surgical robot
The Royal Marsden’s Chelsea site suffers a devastating fire, requiring extensive rebuilding and refurbishment The Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre at Chelsea opens
2008
TONY HAZELDINE
Former Public Governor, 2004–13
“Sadly my wife died at The Royal Marsden in Sutton, where she had been treated so well and with such dignity. Shortly afterwards, in 2004, when The Royal Marsden became one of the first Foundation Trusts, I was proud to be elected as a Public Governor. We were involved in the introduction of CyberKnife, the da Vinci S surgical robot and life-saving drugs. All in all, an incredible journey for an amazing hospital.”
Foundation news
A WORD OF THANKS
VIKKI ORVICE
Patient Governor
“Over the past decade, The Royal Marsden has, I believe, set the benchmark – not just for cancer care but for hospital care throughout the country.”
2010
The Critical Care Unit at Chelsea opens
The Trust would like to take this opportunity to thank all of its Governors, past and present, who have played an important part in our progress as a Foundation Trust. Our Chairman, R. Ian Molson, says: “We are hugely fortunate that we have guidance from our Council of Governors. Personally, I find their questions help me to think differently about operational issues. Without their support we would not be the high-performing organisation we are today.”
The Oak Centre for Children and Young People, in Sutton, is officially opened by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
The Reuben Foundation Imaging Centre is built at Chelsea
The Royal Marsden acquires Sutton and Merton Community Services
2011
COUNCILLOR ROBERT FREEMAN Local Authority Governor
“As the nominated Governor for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, I should like to say how proud we are to have The Royal Marsden, a centre of excellence, within our Borough.”
2012
The Centre for Molecular Pathology in Sutton opens
2013
2014
Fashion designer and philanthropist Ralph Lauren visits The Royal Marsden to launch The Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research at our Chelsea site
RM MAGAZINE 29
PUZZLES & PRIZES
Test your wits
Win!
Complete our crossword and you could win £50 in John Lewis vouchers SUDOKU
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Star letter Dear RM, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year and was told that my only option was a hysterectomy. I went to The Royal Marsden for a second opinion and five months on, I am in remission and hoping to stay rid of cancer. The Royal Marsden not only saved my life but also potentially my fertility. Another day in the office for people like yourselves is another chance at life for your patients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Naomi Orme 5
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PRIZE CROSSWORD
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ADDRESS
Congratulations to Zola and Peter Cameron, the winners of last issue’s crossword prize.
The lucky winner of our prize crossword will receive £50 in John Lewis vouchers. We also welcome your thoughts on RM magazine and love to hear about your experiences at the hospital. The Star Letter wins £50 in John Lewis vouchers. Send your crossword or letter with your name and contact details to RM, Press Office, The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6JJ. The entry closing date is Monday 20 April 2015. See below for prize draw rules. PRIZE DRAWS & STAR LETTER TERMS & CONDITIONS: 1. The Prize Draws and Star Letter are open to all readers of RM except employees of the Press Office at The Royal Marsden and Sunday, who produce RM magazine. 2. The closing date for receipt of all entries is Monday 20 April 2015. Only one entry per person per draw. 3. Responsibility cannot be accepted for entries that are incomplete, illegible or not received. Proof of posting is not proof of receipt. No cash alternative is available and prizes are not transferable. Value of prizes is correct at time of going to press. 4. Winners will be notified by post within 14 days of closing date. 5. The Promoter’s decision on any aspect of the promotions is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into. 6. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should circumstances make this necessary. 7. Entry implies acceptance of rules. 8. The winner of the Star Letter prize of £50 in John Lewis vouchers is the sender of the best letter selected by RM magazine. 9. The winner of the crossword prize of £50 in John Lewis vouchers will be the first correct entry drawn out of the bag. 10. The Promoter is The Royal Marsden Hospital, 203 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ.
IN THE NEXT ISSUE RM brings you the latest hospital updates, research news, inspiring stories and exclusive interviews. The summer 2015 issue is coming soon…
Focus on the role of radiotherapy ● Live tweeting in surgery ● New partnership with Maggie’s ●
FOR THE ROYAL MARSDEN Rachael Reeve – Director of Marketing and Communications Elaine Parr – Head of PR and Communications Vicky Hartley – PR and Communications Manager Catherine O’Mara – Senior Press and PR Officer Claire Borgeat – Senior Press and PR Officer Kelly Smale – Press Officer FOR SUNDAY Lucy Ryan – Editor Marc Grainger – Deputy Editor Ian Dutnall – Art Director Lindsay Barrett – Strategy Director Matt Beaven – Creative Director Toby Smeeton – Managing Director RM magazine is published by The Royal Marsden in partnership with Sunday: sundaypublishing.com © The Royal Marsden 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor. The Royal Marsden and Sunday accept no responsibility for the views expressed by contributors to the magazine. Repro by F1 Colour. Printed by Pureprint.
16 May
17 May
South Downs Trekathon
Pearsons Sportive Cycle
Trek 26 miles across the beautiful South Downs. Register by 30 April: www. royalmarsden.org/ trekathon
The 150km route will take you through the climbs of the North and South Downs. The 30km fun route is a ride through leafy lanes in Surrey, taking in some of the easier rises in the North Downs. Visit www.pearsonscycles.co.uk/ pearson150sportive
1 August
Mudnificent 7 This muddy obstacle race is only for the toughest! Visit www. royalmarsden.org/ mudnificent-7
Get involved Have fun and raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. 19 June
Jump June 2 August
Prudential RideLondon – Surrey 100 The 100-mile route takes you past iconic London landmarks and into Surrey’s stunning countryside. We have places available – please contact charity@royalmarsden.org
This unique Royal Marsden Parachute Day takes place at Salisbury airfield and we have 20 places up for grabs. Visit www.royalmarsden. org/parachute
2015 25 May
Bupa 10,000 run This 10km run starts at Birdcage Walk and passes many famous landmarks. Visit www.royalmarsden. org/bupa-london-10000
May, June and July
Spartan Run Series The Spartan Race is the world’s largest obstacle race and we have three categories for you to choose from. Visit www. royalmarsden.org/ spartan-race
11 October 5–9 September
The Big Cycle London to Paris Starting at The Royal Marsden in Sutton, you will be taking on the challenge of cycling from London to Paris. To find out more, visit www. royalmarsden.org/londonto-paris-cycle
Royal Parks Half Marathon We have places available or you can join our team if you already have a place. For more information, please contact charity@royalmarsden.org