Life demands excellence
magazine – summer 2015
High-tech treatment How The Royal Marsden’s advanced radiotherapy techniques lead to better patient outcomes
The pioneering 100,000 Genomes Project begins Scientists team up in the Centre for Molecular Pathology
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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
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Contents 12 Advanced technology, precision treatment New radiotherapy techniques mean better patient outcomes
18 In the lab
The teams working in the Centre for Molecular Pathology
20 Focusing the beam
How BRC funding boosts our radiotherapy research
22 A day in the life
Meet Dr Lisa Thompson, Manager of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
24 Hundreds and thousands
The Royal Marsden’s role in the 100,000 Genomes Project
Regulars 04 Hospital news 17 It happened to me 26 Fundraising 28 Foundation news 30 Puzzles & prizes
Cover photograph: Dr Imogen Locke, Lead for Clinical Oncology at The Royal Marsden
Welcome
to the summer 2015 edition of RM, the magazine for our staff, patients, carers and Foundation Trust members. In this issue, we focus on the work being done in radiotherapy at The Royal Marsden (page 12). With one of the largest departments in the UK, we treat, on average, up to 5,000 patients each year and deliver more than 75,000 treatments. Our new machine, the Brunel, adds to our 10 linear accelerators and can deliver all forms of advanced external-beam radiotherapy. We also look at the official openings of two new facilities: the Reuben Foundation Imaging Centre and the West Wing Clinical Research Centre. In Chelsea, the Reuben Foundation Imaging Centre – funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity through a generous donation from David and Debra Reuben – was officially opened by Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of NHS England (page 5). Equipped with two MRI scanners and two CT scanners, it will help accelerate the pace of new imaging discoveries and benefit cancer patients for many years to come. We also welcomed Professor Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer for England, to The Royal Marsden in Sutton to formally open the West Wing Clinical Research Centre (page 6). Also funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the West Wing has increased the Trust’s capacity for delivering efficient, innovative clinical trials in a research-focused setting. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of RM.
Cally Palmer CBE, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden
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HOSPITAL NEWS
MAGGIE’S COMES TO THE ROYAL MARSDEN he Royal Marsden is proud to announce that Maggie’s will be opening a new Centre at its Sutton site. The Centre will provide free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. It will further enhance the patient
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care on offer at The Royal Marsden and mark another step forward in the redevelopment of the Sutton site. Maggie’s Centres are built in the grounds of NHS hospitals and offer people a warm and welcoming environment, with qualified professionals providing a programme of support that has
been shown to improve physical and emotional wellbeing. The Centre will be designed by London-based studio Ab Rogers Design, with landscaping by world-renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf. Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden, said: “Treating people with cancer
is not just about treating their disease; at The Royal Marsden, we treat the whole person – their physical, emotional and psychological needs. Working with Maggie’s, to provide a Maggie’s Centre at The Royal Marsden in Sutton, will enable us to extend the level of non-clinical support in a beautiful environment.” A planning application is due to be submitted in early summer 2015, with the aim to open the Centre in early 2017. For more information about Maggie’s, visit www.maggiescentres.org
Hospital news
IMAGING CENTRE NOW OPEN Lucy Westmore: Maggie’s and me I was diagnosed with cancer when an MRI scan revealed a mass covering the right side of my body, from my liver to my lower spine. Professor David Cunningham at The Royal Marsden was straightforward and brilliant when he told me the harsh reality: that without immediate treatment, I had months to live. I knew that medically I could not be in better hands. But I felt like I was walking through a nightmare. I was exhausted and in pain, my emotions were all over the place, and my body was in a state of stress. I knew I would need a lot of support to get through the coming months. I remember walking along the path to the Maggie’s Centre at Charing Cross Hospital for the first time. It felt as if the plants and trees were guiding me to a place of recuperation. A lovely member of staff from Maggie’s asked if I needed help. I burst into tears and she gave me the biggest hug I have ever had. It was just what I needed. We sat down with a mug of tea and I told her my story. She recommended I start a weekly relaxation class and from that point, I never looked back. It’s an uplifting and happy place to be.
I burst into tears and received the biggest hug I have ever had LUCY WESTMORE, ROYAL MARSDEN PATIENT
The Reuben Foundation Imaging Centre has been officially opened at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea by Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England. Thanks to a generous donation by the Reuben Foundation, the centre is equipped with state-of-the-art 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners and two CT scanners. This will ensure that the Trust remains at the forefront of cancer diagnostics and continues to pioneer new methods. David Reuben and his wife, Debra, enjoyed a tour of the centre before it
was officially opened. Mr Reuben said: “We are delighted and proud to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in creating the Reuben Foundation Imaging Centre, which will help accelerate the pace of new imaging discoveries and benefit cancer patients for many years to come.” The new centre is the final part of the rebuilding work at the Chelsea site following the fire there in 2008. Cate Savidge, CT Superintendent Radiographer, said: “We are now able to offer more appointments and new procedures, extend our interventional service, and work at the forefront of technology. It is a pleasure to give the first-class service our patients deserve. Patients have commented on how wonderful the new facility is.” Opening the centre, Mr Stevens said: “It is thanks to philanthropy – as well as an impressive feat of engineering – that this remarkable imaging centre was able to go ahead. It is yet another example of how The Royal Marsden continues to pioneer new technology to give cancer patients access to the latest machines and techniques.”
Survey asks patients’ views on clinical trial involvement The Royal Marsden’s Gastrointestinal (GI) and Lymphoma Unit has conducted a survey to investigate patients’ views of cancer research and their reasons for participating in clinical trials. Between August 2013 and July 2014, patients who had been approached about participating in clinical trials were
asked to complete a questionnaire. Of the 249 respondents, 75 per cent said they would consider taking part in studies requiring a research biopsy, while 78 per cent would donate their tissue for genetic research. Funded by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of
Cancer Research, the survey found that the majority of patients approached consented to one or more clinical trials. Many said this was because they felt the trial offered the best treatment available. They also wished to help others and contribute to research. Dr Sing Yu Moorcraft, Clinical
Research Fellow in the GI and Lymphoma Unit, said: “Recruitment to clinical trials can be challenging. Understanding patients’ attitudes towards research and the factors that influence their decision regarding trial participation may lead to improved trial recruitment strategies.” RM MAGAZINE 05
Hospital news
UroStation tests begin Patients at The Royal Marsden have become the first in the UK to be tested for prostate cancer using the Koelis UroStation, a revolutionary new software platform. Funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the £100,000 UroStation creates a 3D map of the prostate. These more comprehensive and accurate images represent a major step in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Mr Pardeep Kumar, Consultant Urological Surgeon, explained that early diagnosis is the key to improving patient outcomes, so enhancing our techniques for diagnosing cancer is hugely beneficial to patients. He said: “The UroStation allows us to combine both ultrasound and MRI images in real time, allowing pinpoint accuracy in needle biopsy placement.” One of the first patients to undergo testing was Paul Ashworth (pictured), who said: “The procedure of taking a biopsy is not pleasant; however, it was fantastic to know that Mr Kumar was going to obtain a sample from the area of concern. The importance of this was brought home, as the sample proved conclusively the type, stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. As a result, it was clear I needed a radical prostatectomy. “Without the new machine, it would have been much harder to make the decision to go ahead, but I’ve since had a radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci robot and I’m recovering well.”
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The Royal Marsden’s Dr Nicholas Turner with Professor Dame Sally Davies
West Wing to boost research rofessor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, has officially opened the West Wing Clinical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden’s Sutton site. The £2.6-million unit is a dedicated space for Phase Ib, II and III clinical trials. Previously, patients on latephase studies were treated in different departments around the hospital. Now, they will be seen in one space. The facility includes five treatment bays, an on-site laboratory and a pharmacy room. It is staffed by a dedicated team incorporating research nurses, clinical research fellows, trial co-ordinators, schedulers, a Good Clinical Practice Compliance Officer,
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laboratory staff, IV-trained nurses and a resident pharmacist. Dr Naureen Starling, Consultant Medical Oncologist and lead clinician for the unit, said: “The West Wing Clinical Research Centre has increased the Trust’s capacity for delivering efficient, innovative clinical trials in a research-focused setting. It is a modern and comfortable environment for patients, improving their clinical trial experience. This is another example of how we are investing in our research infrastructure, delivering personalised medicine and translating scientific findings into the clinic.” The facility was funded by legacies left by generous supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Involving patients in centre’s design Patients had an active role in shaping the West Wing Clinical Research Centre. Staff at The Royal Marsden ran an internal competition to come up with names for the five treatment
bays. The 50 entries were then narrowed down to five and taken to a Patient and Carer Research Review Panel, which voted for the winning theme of gemstones. The
bays are called Amethyst, Coral, Jasper, Quartz and Topaz. Patients also helped choose the 24 treatment chairs that are within the unit. Four types were chosen and displayed at the
front entrance of the hospital. Visitors, staff and patients were asked to try the chairs and vote for their favourite, with the winning design being rolled out across the unit.
Hospital news
SURGERY GOES SOCIAL
or the first time, surgeons at The Royal Marsden invited the online community into the operating theatre as a procedure was live tweeted as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The operation was a robotic-assisted prostatectomy performed under a general anaesthetic, using the new da Vinci Xi robot to remove the prostate and surrounding tissues. Two members of The Royal Marsden’s PR and Communications team sat in the operating theatre
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LIVE TWEETING STATS Retweets
176
New followers
50
Total reach
1,076,234 and broadcast each step of the two-hour procedure on Twitter on behalf of Mr Erik Mayer, Consultant Urological Surgeon. Mr Alan Thompson, Consultant Urological Surgeon, was also on hand as the Patient Advocate and to help
answer any questions from followers on the social network using #TRMlive. Mr Mayer said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. We wanted to raise awareness of the disease while also highlighting one of the treatment options that involves the latest technology in prostate cancer surgery. “The da Vinci Xi robot manipulates tissue in the same way as a surgeon would when carrying out open surgery. But, unlike the surgeon, the robot does this through tiny holes – reducing pain and blood loss, and minimising the patient’s hospital stay and recovery time. “By live tweeting the procedure, we were able to demystify what happens during this type of surgery and answer questions from followers.” The 70-year-old patient was happy for us to broadcast his procedure in order to raise awareness of the disease and to give other men an understanding of what happens in the operating theatre.
PROSTATE CANCER FACTS
SOURCE: CANCER RESEARCH UK
41,736 men in the UK were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011
1 in 3 cases are diagnosed in men aged over 75
84%
of patients diagnosed in 2010–11 in England and Wales are predicted to survive 10 or more years
1 in 8 men
in the UK will get prostate cancer during their lifetime
NEWS IN BRIEF RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP FOR GI NURSE Ann Muls, Macmillan Nurse Consultant in the Gastrointestinal Unit, is the first nurse at The Royal Marsden to be awarded a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) clinical doctoral research fellowship. Ann’s study will look at ways to predict which patients will have long-term changes in bowel function following radiotherapy. Recruitment will begin later this year and women diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer will be invited to participate. Ann said: “Pelvic radiotherapy treatment causes 80 to 90 per cent of people to have long-term changes in their bowel function. This can have a devastating impact on their quality of life. “This research will hopefully give us a predictive marker so we can inform patients of their likelihood of experiencing chronic bowel problems before they start treatment.”
CHIEF EXEC JOINS TASKFORCE Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden, has joined an independent taskforce announced by NHS England to develop a five-year plan for cancer services that will improve survival rates and save many lives. The taskforce has been asked to deliver the vision set out in the NHS Five Year Forward View, which calls for better prevention; swifter diagnosis; and better treatment, care and aftercare. It has also launched a programme to test ways of diagnosing cancer more quickly at 60 sites in the UK. Chaired by Harpal Kumar, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, the taskforce will work across the entire health system and will include cancer specialist doctors, patient groups and charity leaders.
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Hospital news
Imaging Clinical Research Facility hosts open evening Patients and their families were invited to an open evening at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton to discover more about the Imaging Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The event coincided with International Clinical Trials Day in May. The facility includes three MRI scanners – two 1.5T and one 3T – as well as two PET/CT scanners, and manages a portfolio of around 100 research studies. This includes providing imaging expertise to support early-phase experimental medicine studies as well as leading on the development of imaging techniques and guided therapies for improved cancer treatment. Katherine May, Imaging CRF Centre Manager, said: “Imaging is an essential part of cancer care as it can be used to help diagnose cancer and to plan surgery and other treatment options. “We want to make sure that our research is focused on the needs of the patient, so encourage their involvement in all stages of the research process. “By joining The Royal Marsden Patient and Carer Research Review Panel, patients can help with grant applications, protocol development and ensure our information sheets are user-friendly.” The Imaging CRF is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). It is one of 19 CRFs in the UK, and the only one dedicated solely to imaging research. The NIHR funds CRFs for experimental medicine to help speed up the translation of scientific advances for the benefit of patients.
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The da Vinci Xi surgical robot in theatre at The Royal Marsden
SURGICAL SUCCESS FOR FIRST DA VINCI XI PATIENT he new da Vinci Xi surgical robot is now fully integrated into the McCarthy Family theatre suite, enabling more patients at The Royal Marsden to experience the benefits of this revolutionary surgical system. Diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2012, 58-year-old Rita Hegarty was referred to The Royal Marsden a year later. She was treated with radiotherapy and, on 29 January 2015, became the first patient in England to be treated using the da Vinci Xi robot. Since then, the machine has been used to operate on more than 30 patients, allowing surgeons to operate with greater accuracy than ever before. “I was told the benefits of the new machine and it seemed like the best option for me at that time,” said Rita. “When you’re dealing with cancer, you have to trust your
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consultants. I knew I was in safe hands with Professor Paris Tekkis and his team. “Initially I assumed the robot would be preprogrammed to perform the operation. I didn’t realise that Professor Tekkis would be controlling the robotic arms using a console just a few feet away. “Being the first patient didn’t faze me. I hear so many stories of people affected by cancer that I want to help in any way I can. So, I hope that I’ve helped surgeons hone
I felt well enough to walk within five days – I’m starting to feel like myself again RITA HEGARTY, THE FIRST PATIENT IN ENGLAND TO UNDERGO SURGERY WITH THE DA VINCI XI
their skills and they can now go on to save many more lives with this fantastic piece of machinery.” For Rita, the most remarkable thing about the experience is how quickly she recovered. “I felt well enough to walk around within five days and was out of hospital pretty quickly,” she said. “Also, because the robotic procedure is done through keyhole surgery, I have minimal scarring and bruising, which means I’m starting to feel like myself again.”
Hospital news
ALWAYS EVENTS LEAD TO BEST POSSIBLE CARE We will always... 1 listen to patients, families and our colleagues 2 introduce ourselves to patients, families and colleagues 3 find out from the patient how they like to be addressed or called 4 observe careful hand hygiene as it is the most effective way to prevent and control infection 5 involve the patient and carer in the design of their care 6 ask if patients and families have any concerns or worries 7 explain, and check that you have understood our explanations 8 ask if a telephone call addressed your needs and concerns 9 aim to have take-home medication prescribed 24 hours prior to discharge 10 ensure that the patient and family know who to contact on discharge 11 ask if patients are happy with the care they are receiving In its ongoing commitment to safe, effective and compassionate care, The Royal Marsden has created 11 ‘Always Events’. These are events that should always happen if we are to give the best possible care to patients. The idea was inspired by NHS England’s ‘Never Events’ guidance for all frontline staff – highlighting things that should never happen in a hospital. The new initiative has come from frontline doctors, nurses and allied
health professionals. The events have been communicated to all staff caring for patients and their families. Dr Shelley Dolan, Chief Nurse at The Royal Marsden, said: “Always Events will keep all of us focused on achieving the best possible care throughout the Trust. “It is another example of how we are always looking at ways to keep the patient at the heart of everything we do at The Royal Marsden.”
New targeted treatment for blood cancer patients licensed Ibrutinib (Imbruvica), a new blood cancer treatment, has launched in the UK following clinical trials in hospitals including The Royal Marsden. A once-daily, first-in-class oral drug, ibrutinib treats relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in patients whose disease has returned following their first treatment. Previous treatments for relapsed disease have been limited and are associated with a number of side effects. Ibrutinib represents a nonchemotherapy option for these patients. Dr Claire Dearden, Consultant Haematologist and Head of Haematooncology at The Royal Marsden, said: “The use of ibrutinib signals a real step change in CLL treatment. Historically, there have been few treatment options beyond chemotherapy, which may not be suitable or effective for all patients. Many of our patients who have taken part in the trial have responded extremely well to this new drug.”
Ibrutinib signals a real step change in CLL treatment. Many patients on our trial responded extremely well to the drug DR CLAIRE DEARDEN, CONSULTANT HAEMATOLOGIST AND HEAD OF HAEMATO-ONCOLOGY, THE ROYAL MARSDEN
Schwartz Rounds to encourage staff communication The Royal Marsden has introduced Schwartz Rounds to encourage staff who do very different jobs to talk and share best practice. Originally developed in the US city of Boston, Schwartz Rounds allow staff from all disciplines across the organisation to get
together and reflect on the challenging and uplifting parts of their jobs. The first Schwartz Round at The Royal Marsden was held in February and was incredibly popular. Research shows that staff who attend Schwartz Rounds feel they communicate better with their
patients and colleagues, feel less isolated and more supported, cope better with the emotional pressures of their work, and get a better understanding of how colleagues think. About 100 UK Trusts now run them. Chief Nurse Dr Shelley Dolan said:
“The invitation to attend a Schwartz Round is to absolutely everyone in the hospital, as the experience that our patients and their families get at The Royal Marsden is the result of hundreds of people all working together to effect the best care possible.”
Dr Shelley Dolan, Chief Nurse
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Hospital news
Cookbook and nursing manual out now he Royal Marsden has launched two books this spring. The Royal Marsden Cancer Cookbook, edited by Dr Clare Shaw, The Royal Marsden’s Consultant Dietitian, navigates through the facts and myths about what patients should eat during and after cancer treatment. The book helps those experiencing changes in body weight, appetite, the ability to taste and swallow, or digestion.
PHOTOS: GEORGIA GLYNN SMITH
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Arts Forum competition open The Arts Forum photography competition is once again looking for your most inspiring and uplifting photographs. The biennial competition is open to patients, their families, carers and staff, with a panel of external judges deciding the three best pictures. Shortlisted photographs will be exhibited at The Royal Marsden in Sutton and Chelsea. To enter, email your photo to Stephen Millward (stephen. millward@rmh.nhs.uk) with your name, address and telephone number. Images must be in JPEG format and no larger than 1MB. You can submit up to four digital photos. The closing date is 7 September 2015, and winners will be announced at the opening of the exhibition in October. 10 RM MAGAZINE
Dr Shaw said: “For many, a diagnosis of cancer leads them to reconsider their diet and how it can be improved. The book will help inspire people to eat food that will support and nourish them during and after treatment.” The book features more than 130 beautifully presented recipes, with contributions from celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson, Mary Berry and Tom Aikens. Published by Kyle Books, The Royal
Marsden Cancer Cookbook (RRP £19.99) is available in all good bookshops as well as online – with 50 per cent of proceeds going to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures is internationally recognised as the definitive guide to clinical nursing skills. Now in its ninth edition, the manual provides detailed and evidence-based guidelines for more than 200 procedures related to every aspect of a patient’s care. Published by Wiley, the manual has three separate versions: Professional, Online and Student. Trust access to the online version is via www.rmmonline. co.uk. The professional and student versions are available to buy from www. royalmarsdenmanual.com
Hospital news
MEALTIMES MADE EASIER n initiative to help patients get the most out of mealtimes has been developed by The Friends of The Royal Marsden, Chelsea, and Dr Clare Shaw, The Royal Marsden’s Consultant Dietitian. The trial scheme on Horder Ward sees volunteers help to
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prepare patients for their meal, ensure they are comfortable, chat to visiting relatives, and talk through any eating difficulties that patients may be having. Volunteer Henrietta Fellowes said: “As well as lending the ward nurses a helping hand, we’ve also had some wonderful interaction
with patients and their relatives, who have been grateful for the support.” Sarah Briscoe, whose husband is a patient, said: “The volunteers are so helpful. Small things like knowing how my husband likes his soup, and encouraging him to eat when he’s having difficulties, have made a big difference.”
NEW PATIENT SUPPORT PROCESS FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS Breast cancer patients at The Royal Marsden are benefiting from a redeveloped follow-up pathway after their treatment is complete. The Patient and Carer Advisory Group (PCAG), in line with national organisations, was aware that many patients are unsure of what to do when they have concerns at the end of treatment. PCAG participated in the development of the open-access pathway and provided valuable input into how end-of
treatment consultations should be delivered at the start of the pathway. During a consultation, the nurse practitioner will assess how the patient is coping, provide information about the signs and symptoms to look for, and explain how to contact their team with any questions or concerns. A cancer support worker will also provide support and suggest other services. Fiona McKenzie, a member of PCAG and a patient at The Royal
Marsden, said: “Although most breast cancers do not recur due to the success of treatment, the fear of recurrence is present for many patients. It’s important for us to establish a good relationship with the breast care team from the beginning, so that we feel supported and comfortable enough to contact them once our treatment has concluded.” Patients can call the open-access line on 020 7811 8114 (9am–5pm) or email oafu@rmh.nhs.uk
TV stars bring gifts and glamour to our young patients Celebrity visitors have been keeping patients, their families and staff entertained in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People. Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec (top, with young patient Olivia Maloney) popped in to the hospital to show off a few dance moves, while comedians Josh Widdicombe and Adam Hills from Channel 4’s The Last Leg toured the Teenage Cancer Trust unit and handed out copies of their latest DVDs. And comedian David Walliams (above) had everyone laughing when he read out a chapter of his Gangsta Granny story, before meeting patients in the centre and giving them each a book. RM MAGAZINE 11
Radiotherapy focus
OUR RADIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
Advanced technology, precision treatment The Royal Marsden has one of the UK’s largest radiotherapy departments, treating up to 5,000 patients a year using a range of techniques
Q&A RADIOTHERAPY In the past 10 years, research into radiotherapy techniques has transformed the way we treat patients. Dr Imogen Locke, Lead for Clinical Oncology at The Royal Marsden, explains What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-ray radiation produced by linear accelerators to shrink tumours and kill cancer cells. Radiation is delivered by a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or from radioactive material placed in the body close to the cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, also called brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses radioactive substances such as radioactive iodine that travel in the blood to kill the cancer cells.
What factors decide the type of radiation you use?
The radiation therapy prescribed depends on many factors, including the type of cancer, its location, how close it is to normal tissue that is sensitive to radiation, and how far into the body the radiation needs to travel. The type of therapy will also
take into consideration the patient’s general health and medical history, location of the cancer, and whether the patient will be receiving other types of cancer treatment. Radiotherapy cures approximately 40 per cent of cancers, and half of all cancer patients should receive radiotherapy at some point during their treatment pathway.
How does radiation therapy kill cancer cells?
Radiation therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells beyond repair, so they stop dividing or die. When the damaged cells die, they’re broken down and eliminated by the body’s natural processes.
How has radiotherapy technology developed?
The way we treat patients is more sophisticated now. The evolution of radiotherapy is based on shaping
the beam of radiation so that it minimises the damage to healthy tissue and organs.
Has the way we treat patients changed over the past few years?
We’ve seen advances with research into radiotherapy techniques. The PACE trial, for example, is exploring the benefit of reducing radiotherapy sessions from 39 standard treatments to five delivered with stereotactic radiotherapy. This would be less time-consuming for the patient. The START trial proved it was as effective to give three weeks of radiotherapy as it was for five weeks in breast cancer cases. The next phase is looking at reducing this further, with bigger doses for shorter periods. The FAST trial has completed recruitment and compared three weeks with just one week. The results will be published in the next couple of years. ➜
The evolution of radiotherapy is based on shaping the beam of radiation DR IMOGEN LOCKE, LEAD FOR CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
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Dr Imogen Locke, Lead for Clinical Oncology RM MAGAZINE 13
Radiotherapy focus
TAILORED TREATMENT: OUR RANGE OF RADIOTHERAPY TECHNIQUES IMAGE-GUIDED RADIOTHERAPY (IGRT) Uses a variety of imaging techniques, such as X-rays or CT scans, alongside radiotherapy. Imaging confirms the position of the patient and the tumour so that the radiotherapy beam is targeted more precisely. INTENSITYMODULATED RADIOTHERAPY (IMRT) Multiple beams of radiation of varying intensity are used to shape the radiotherapy more precisely. VOLUMETRIC MODULATED ARC THERAPY (VMAT) This is an advanced method of radiotherapy first performed in the UK at The Royal Marsden. During VMAT, the linear accelerator delivers radiotherapy in one or more continuous arcs to conform the treatment to the exact size and shape of the tumour.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY The use of multiple small beams to deliver a high dose in just a few treatments. It is delivered using an IGRT technique on a linear accelerator or CyberKnife. CYBERKNIFE Delivers stereotactic radiotherapy, using a moving couch and a small linear accelerator on a robotic arm to deliver multiple beams of radiation from different angles. BRACHYTHERAPY Radioactive sources are placed inside the patient’s body. ADAPTIVE RADIOTHERAPY These treatments are chosen on the day. The patient is imaged and the treatment plan designed to ‘fit’ the volume to be treated. For example, in bladder cancer, we will select the plan that fits the size of the bladder that day.
HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT
Our linear accelerators deliver various radiotherapy techniques
The Trust’s Radiotherapy Department is one of the largest in the UK, treating up to 5,000 patients and delivering more than 75,000 treatments each year. The multidisciplinary team includes therapy radiographers, radiotherapy aides, medical physicists, engineers and clinical oncologists. Now, a new linear accelerator has been installed at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea, offering patients the most up-to-date radiotherapy techniques. The £2.3-million Varian TrueBeam machine, known as the Brunel, treats up to 40 patients a day across a variety of tumour types, including breast, lung, head and neck, prostate, gastrointestinal and gynaecological cancers. The TrueBeam can deliver all forms of advanced external-beam radiation, including image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). This unit also has the flattening filter free (FFF) delivery system, which means the dose can be delivered more quickly. “Developments in radiotherapy imaging allow us to target tumours
Top: the Radiotherapy reception in Chelsea. Above: Sophie Alexander, Senior Radiographer
with sub-millimetre precision,” says Sarah Helyer, Radiotherapy Services Manager. “Greater accuracy means that fewer healthy cells are damaged, which, in turn, means higher doses can be given, making treatment more effective and reducing side effects.” In total, the Trust operates 11 linear accelerators across the department. Additionally, the CyberKnife machine in Chelsea is used specifically for stereotactic treatments. The Sutton department has a Gulmay superficial radiotherapy machine for the treatment of skin cancers. This year, the Trust is replacing the oldest machine at the Sutton site ➜
Greater accuracy means that fewer healthy cells are damaged SARAH HELYER, RADIOTHERAPY SERVICES MANAGER
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Cancer focus
The state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. Insets, from top: an X-ray showing the area to receive radiotherapy; setting up the beam on the control screen; the view inside the machine
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Radiotherapy focus
Advances in Comparative Evidence (PACE) study is a randomised clinical trial that compares stereotactic radiotherapy treatment to the current standard treatments of surgery and conventional radiotherapy.
SHARING PIONEERING TECHNIQUES
Our new treatment techniques are adopted nationwide
The Royal Marsden’s new radiotherapy techniques are often rolled out across the country, thanks to its commitment to training and education. New treatment methods have been shared with more than half of the UK’s radiotherapy departments. “At The Royal Marsden, we thrive on change and embrace it well,” says Dr Helen McNair, Lead Research Radiographer. “We like to try new ways of doing things for the benefit of our patients. Radiotherapy studies at The Royal Marsden have changed the way cancer patients are treated, not only here but across the country.”
TRAINING FUTURE GENERATIONS
We provide professional development for radiographers
Top: a patient is positioned on the linear accelerator prior to treatment. Above: Sarah Helyer, Radiotherapy Services Manager
with an Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator. This will be known as the Hawthorn Unit and can deliver the full range of advanced techniques, including the FFF delivery system.
CLINICAL TRIALS
We conduct innovative research into new treatment techniques
Patients at The Royal Marsden have access to clinical trials for new radiotherapy treatments, with many national trials being instigated here. 16 RM MAGAZINE
Our trials are evaluating methods such as IMRT and IGRT in order to deliver higher doses to the tumour while reducing the risk of long-term side effects. Such trials include IMPORT HIGH, for patients with breast cancer, or the HYBRID and RAIDER trials, which use IGRT and adaptive radiotherapy in patients with bladder cancer. Other trials are looking at reducing the numbers of treatments that patients receive. The Prostate
The Royal Marsden’s Radiotherapy Department prides itself on offering the best training for the next generation of radiographers. We support about 70 students over their three- and fouryear courses, as well as radiographers who are undertaking a Masters. “Although we support students on the conventional full-time three-year BSc course, we also train staff who are recruited for admin and clerical work in radiotherapy while they undertake a part-time degree programme,” says Sarah Armstrong, Professional Development Lead. “The in-service programme allows people who would like to train to be a radiographer to work full-time and receive a salary while they undertake the part-time four-year BSc.” rm
A patient’s perspective
IT HAPPENED TO ME
How we deal with cancer as a family I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in September 2011, and given six months to live without treatment. But I’m still here, thanks to The Royal Marsden’s drug development programme… Tom McKinley, 38, lung cancer patient
ince testing positive for an ALK mutation, I’ve moved from one new drug to another, but I’ve still been able to spend valuable time with my family. Living with stage 4 lung cancer has had a huge impact on everyone I love. I think it’s easier for me to cope with, as it’s my body and my fight. For my family, and my wife Rosy in particular, they have to contemplate a different future to the one we expected.
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I’ve been on many trials with Dr Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist, and been through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and two brain surgeries on secondary tumours. It surprises me how living with cancer has become a way of life for us. My family has been my backbone since diagnosis. Occasionally, my children – Wilf, 7, and Esme, 4 – will innocently belittle it in a way that I find so uplifting.
Once, at the end of the school day, my son’s teacher produced a jar full of staples that had been used to stitch me up after surgery. Wilf had taken it to school for show-and-tell. Another time, Esme explained proudly to a friend that my bald patch was because “Daddy has cancer!” It made me smile because it reflected how we deal with cancer as a family. To them, it is just something Daddy has. And aside from The Royal Marsden’s amazing work, it’s thanks to my family that I’m still here fighting. Going from one drug trial to the next can be difficult. In the back of your mind, you think the road will end somewhere. But, a part of me enjoys my visits to The Royal Marsden, because Dr Popat and his team have been so warm and honest, giving me as many options as possible. Last year, the side effects of the trial I was on were considered too much. Dr Popat explained that it was either chemotherapy or morphine pain management until another trial opened. Chemotherapy had stopped working years before, so even though there was no guarantee I’d get another trial, I opted to wait. Fortunately, it paid off and I’m now doing really well on a new trial.
Esme explained proudly to a friend that my bald patch was because “Daddy has cancer”
Dr Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist, says: “Tom is a remarkable individual, living with a diagnosis of advanced lung cancer with seeming normality. He is testament to the years of scientific and drug development advances that have revolutionised the way we now treat non-small cell lung cancer. “It is only through a deep understanding of the biology of his lung tumour, combined with the impact of new drugs and the dedication of The Royal Marsden’s Lung Unit team, that we have been able to control his tumour so successfully. “Tom has undergone innovative approaches to molecularly characterise his tumour, and accessed the latest advances in stereotactic radiotherapy and new drugs, allowing us to remain one step ahead. I hope we can change the face of lung cancer to see many more patients doing as well as Tom is. We are just starting to see this happen.” RM MAGAZINE 17
Several research teams populate the top floor of the Centre for Molecular Pathology, including the Systems and Precision Cancer Medicine group, led by Dr Anguraj Sadanandam (far right)
MEET OUR SCIENTISTS
In the lab The Centre for Molecular Pathology brings together world experts dedicated to the research of personalised cancer treatment. Here, we meet the teams and their pioneering work
w The discoveries these teams are making will ensure that The Royal Marsden remains at the forefront of targeted therapies for cancer
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e now know that patients with the same type of cancer may respond differently to the same treatment. This is due to differing genetic mutations in individual tumours and the patient’s own genetic profile. Molecular diagnosis uses this information to tailor treatment to suit each patient’s needs. Since opening in November 2012, the £18.2-million Centre for Molecular Pathology (CMP) has brought together experts
from The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research with the aim of revolutionising the way we treat cancer. Now, the top floor of the CMP has been filled with research teams, investigating tumours for new mutations and mechanisms of response to possible new treatments. The discoveries these teams are making will ensure that The Royal Marsden remains at the forefront of international developments in targeted therapies for cancer.
Centre for Molecular Pathology
Systems and Precision Cancer Medicine
This team, led by Dr Anguraj Sadanandam, develops ways to screen patients with colon and pancreatic cancers to determine which group of patients is more likely to respond to a specific treatment. The aim is that patients are given a personalised treatment regimen that works efficiently on their specific cancer.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology and Genomics
Dr Nicola Valeri leads this team in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for gastrointestinal cancers. Their research has three main aims: studying circulating microRNAs as predictors or response in gastrointestinal cancer patients; using largescale RNAi screenings to define novel therapeutic targets; and developing novel preclinical models for drug testing and studying mechanisms of resistance.
Clinical Pharmacodynamics Biomarker
Dr Udai Banerji and his team study the biological effects of new treatments on the body. Patient samples from tumours, blood and hair are taken before, during and after treatment and undergo bespoke tests to determine how active the drug is in individual patients. This is a critical question when evaluating new anticancer drugs.
created to predict such mechanisms in cancer cells and devise rational combinations of drugs to provide more effective treatment options.
Cancer Biomarkers Laboratory
Headed by Professor Johann de Bono, this team focuses on circulating biomarkers, specifically circulating tumour cells (CTCs), whole-blood gene expression profiling, and sequencing of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in plasma. The CMP routinely receives blood samples taken from patients being treated at The Royal Marsden, as well as other hospitals around the world. Counting the CTCs in a blood sample gives the clinician an indication of how a patient is responding to therapy.
Computational Pathology and Integrative Genomics
Dr Yinyin Yuan leads this team, which is investigating cancer tissue ecosystems and how selective pressures can promote cancer development. Understanding how tumours adapt to their microenvironment is key to appreciating how they grow and spread, and could direct interventions to alter or stop the selective pressures helping to drive their growth. rm
Above: Dr Udai Banerji leads the Clinical Pharmacodynamics Biomarker and Drug Evaluation Pharmacodynamics teams. Below: Adnan Khan (left) and Andreas Heindl are part of the Computational Pathology and Integrative Genomics team
Drug Evaluation Pharmacodynamics
Scientists working in this group, also led by Dr Banerji, are studying resistance to cancer treatments in order to devise combinations of anticancer drugs that can overcome specific resistance mechanisms. Computer algorithms are RM MAGAZINE 19
RADIOTHERAPY
Focusing the beam 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 advanced radiation technologies are leading to better patient outcomes
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t The Royal Marsden, we are dedicated to developing advanced techniques to enhance the benefits of radiotherapy. Half of our patients will receive radiotherapy at some point during their treatment and it contributes to the cure of 40 per cent of patients as a standalone therapy, or in combination with treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. Professor Kevin Harrington is Radiotherapy Theme Lead for the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). He focuses on how new techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) can help increase cure rates, reduce side effects and improve functional outcomes for patients. “We are currently assessing the role of IMRT in shaping and delivering radiation beams more accurately,” says Professor Harrington. “This would allow BRC THEMES The Royal Marsden’s work as a Biomedical Research Centre focuses on eight research themes, each of which is spearheaded by a Theme Leader. The themes and their leaders are:
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us to increase the radiation dose to a range of different tumour types, including pelvic, lung and head and neck cancers. “A number of studies are also addressing the issues of using IMRT as a way of avoiding damage to normal tissues. These include assessments of sparing the heart, salivary glands and carotid arteries. The support of the BRC has been essential to fund research in delivering these pioneering techniques.” Professor Harrington and his team have also conducted pilot studies on reducing the number of fractions of radiotherapy in breast and prostate cancers. FAST-Forward, a randomised Phase III multicentre trial, aims to identify a one-week, fivefraction schedule of curative radiotherapy that is at least as effective and safe as the UK-standard 15-fraction regimen used after primary surgery for early breast cancer.
Cancer Imaging Dr Dow-Mu Koh Molecular Pathology Professor Mitch Dowsett Cancer Therapeutics Professor Johann de Bono Breast Cancer Dr Nicholas Turner
“This is of great benefit to patients, as they have fewer radiotherapy treatments and, potentially, reduced side effects,” says Professor Harrington. “It is also important to the NHS as it achieves a 66 per cent cost-saving benefit.” The Royal Marsden has also won funding from the Medical Research Council to build a new MR Linac, which will be used, initially, in Sutton for research in treating tumour types such as prostate, lung, head and neck, rectal and pancreatic cancers. “The MR Linac will use MRI in place of the standard CT imaging on our existing linear accelerator [linac] machines and allow us to see tumours in real time during each fraction of radiotherapy,” says Professor Harrington. “This will lead to a significant increase in studies that we hope will be BRCfunded to evaluate image-guided radiotherapy across a range of tumour types.” rm
Prostate Professor David Dearnaley Clinical Studies Professor David Cunningham Cancer Genetics Professor Nazneen Rahman Radiotherapy Professor Kevin Harrington
NIHR Biomedical Research Centre
Our radiotherapy trials are of great benefit to patients, as they lead to fewer treatments and, potentially, reduced side effects PROFESSOR KEVIN HARRINGTON, BRC RADIOTHERAPY THEME LEAD
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Multiple genes from several patients can be sequenced in a matter of days
As Manager of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, two days are seldom the same for Dr Lisa Thompson. But whether it’s assessing solid tumours in the laboratory, giving talks to colleagues or explaining the department’s work to fundraisers, Dr Thompson is focused on high-quality diagnostics for patients
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Staff profile
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Dr Lisa Thompson Laboratory Manager, Molecular Diagnostics
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y role is to ensure that The Royal Marsden’s Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory provides a comprehensive, specialised service for haematological malignancies and solid tumours. We’re not patient-facing, but what we do in the laboratory helps patients, and that means a lot to everyone. With state-of-the-art technology and facilities, we’re fortunate to be based in the Centre for Molecular Pathology (CMP) in Sutton.
In sequence
My day starts at 8am with assessments in solid tumours such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer and melanoma. In order to maximise finding genetic changes at low levels in the tumour, we need to enrich the tumour cells from which we extract DNA. By using a microscope, I identify and mark the tumour-rich tissue on a slide before passing it to my team for DNA extraction. We use this approach not only for Royal Marsden patients, but also to prepare DNA for the 100,000 Genomes Project [see page 24]. Using next-generation sequencing technology and specialist software, we look for genetic changes in the DNA that will have a direct impact in the diagnosis, prognosis and targeted treatment options for patients. Multiple genes from several patients can be sequenced at one time in a matter of days, rather than the weeks taken with conventional methods. I report our sequencing results to the oncologists at The Royal Marsden and other hospitals across the country and overseas. We are
also using this technology in the Cancer Research UK National Lung Matrix Trial. I next focus on testing an online system for requesting tests and viewing results. This will allow clinicians to track sample requests in real time and to receive alerts when results become available, improving the standard of clinical reporting and patient care.
Time for a lecture
Around lunchtime, I sometimes give lectures on topics such as next-generation sequencing to pathology staff. Lectures are an important part of continuing professional development, and keep staff up to date with advances in molecular pathology as well as how our work fits into the patient’s clinical pathway. Next, I might be back to the laboratory to take fundraisers on a tour of the facility. This is a rewarding role, as fundraisers generously support our work and appreciate getting an insight into what we do here. Finally, I go to a lab meeting, at which I’m updating the team on a new departmental policy. An important area of my work is ensuring the laboratory is performing to the highest level and fulfils the requirements of the UK Accreditation Service. This involves making sure that all aspects of laboratory work is documented and audited and that there are clear standard operating procedures and policies in place. I’m proud to work with an amazing and dedicated group of people. No day is ever the same and each one brings different challenges, which is why I enjoy working in molecular diagnostics. rm
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100,000 Genomes Project
GROUNDBREAKING GENOMICS PROGRAMME
Hundreds and thousands The Royal Marsden is part of a new initiative to sequence the genomes of thousands of people in England. Dr Rowena Sharpe, Assistant Director of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, explains the importance of the 100,000 Genomes Project
The 100,000 Genomes Project is an ambitious three-year programme to sequence 100,000 whole genomes from NHS patients across England by 2017. Genomics promises incredible benefits in healthcare through scientific discovery, and this study will help to deliver them.
In what way is The Royal Marsden involved?
The project is the latest element of our pioneering work in translational cancer research and personalised medicine. The Royal Marsden is part of the West London Genomic Medical Centre (GMC), along with the Imperial College, Chelsea and Westminster, and Royal Brompton NHS trusts. We’re leading on the cancer element of the partnership, collecting and decoding the genomes from some of the 50,000 cancer patients who are treated at our Chelsea and Sutton sites each year, together with patients from two Royal Marsdenassociated hospitals: Epsom and St Helier, and Kingston.
Why is genomics so important in cancer treatment?
Identifying the genomic make-up of patients and their tumours is crucial for pinpointing whether they are eligible for targeted therapy. The knowledge we’ve gained in 24 RM MAGAZINE
recent years has provided us with an opportunity to accelerate our understanding of cancer, particularly in the area of personalised medicine.
Which patients will be involved?
There has been an extraordinary response by patients and their families wanting to take part in the project. It is anticipated that about 75,000 NHS patients across England with cancer or a rare disease – including some with life-threatening and debilitating diseases – will be involved. Recruitment for the cancer element of the project began in May 2015 to identify and gain consent from patients and to collect tumour samples, extract DNA and start the whole-genome sequencing process.
Can genomics improve the treatment patients receive?
Research into genomes has already led to enhanced treatment for our patients. For example, a mutation in the BRCA2 gene can trigger a type of breast cancer as the body produces faulty proteins and, ultimately, tumours. Identifying the BRCA2 gene enables clinicians to draw up targeted patient treatment plans and potentially increase the chances of remission and survival. The BRCA2 gene and its links to cancer were discovered 20 years ago by scientists at The Institute
of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden’s academic partner. This paved the way for genetic testing and the discovery of treatments for patients with the faulty gene. This is just one example. Genetic research has enabled new and more precise diagnostic tests, and will lead to more effective and targeted treatments to improve outcomes and reduce side effects of cancer therapies. BRCA is one of many genes that are altered in cancer. The 100,000 Genomes Project will look at whole human genomes to identify, in a single test, the changes that may be present in many different genes.
What future benefits will we see? This initiative – and genomics in general – could transform the future of healthcare. It could improve the prediction and prevention of disease, enable new and more precise diagnostic tests, and allow personalisation of drugs and other treatments to specific genetic variants. We’re already pioneers in this field and this project gives us the opportunity to have an even greater impact on cancer treatment and practice in the future. rm To discover more about the 100,000 Genomes Project or to find out how you can take part, visit www.genomicsengland.co.uk
ILLUSTRATION: DALE EDWIN MURRAY
What is the scope of the project?
Genomics explained Genomics is the study of genomes. A genome is the complete map of the DNA sequence of an organism. The full human genome, which comprises three billion letters, was completely read, – or sequenced – in 2003 through the Human Genome Project. The project cost £2 billion and involved years of research by scientists around the world. Modern technology now means that a person’s genome can be sequenced in a matter of days, at a fraction of the cost. Today’s pioneering genomics projects are leading to dramatic advances in personalised medicine, and better outcomes for cancers in particular.
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THE ROYAL MARSDEN CANCER CHARITY
Give me five! This spring, thousands of patients, staff, family and friends came together for the fifth annual Marsden March in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
he sun shone on 22 March as more than 5,500 walkers crossed the finish line of the fifth annual Marsden March, a 14-mile sponsored walk between The Royal Marsden’s Chelsea and Sutton hospitals to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This year’s event was started by Professor Martin Gore, The Royal Marsden’s Medical
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Director, whose groundbreaking work has been supported by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Richard and Fred Fairbrass from pop band Right Said Fred, who have walked every year, cut the ribbon in Chelsea. The event began in 2011 with 2,000 participants, who raised more than £800,000. Since then, it has involved
over 15,000 marchers and raised almost £5 million. The Marsden March is a great way for patients, staff, friends and family to show their support or honour a loved one. Money raised from the Marsden March helps us to provide the best possible care and treatment for people affected by cancer. As well as Richard and Fred Fairbrass, there were a number
of other familiar faces among the walkers this year. Comedian Tim Vine kicked off the fivemile walk from King George’s Playing Fields in Lower Morden before completing the walk with the rest of the fundraisers. Newsreader Nicholas Owen was also there to hand out medals at the finish line. Charles Hallatt, Chairman of Banham, sponsors of the event, said: “We were honoured to sponsor The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s Marsden March. A large number of the Banham team participated and raised funds for this vital cause. “The Marsden March really brings the community together to raise funds and awareness for The Royal Marsden so that it can keep achieving its pioneering and life-saving
Fundraising
This year, 5,500 walkers took part in the fifth annual Marsden March, raising more than £1.6 million for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The 14-mile route between Chelsea and Sutton took in landmarks such as Putney Bridge and Wimbledon Common
The atmosphere was fantastic. I’ll be signing up for next year’s march without a doubt TALIA GOLDING, ROYAL MARSDEN PATIENT
research to fight this terrible disease that unfortunately touches so many of us. We were delighted to take part and hope this year sees the largest-ever fundraising amount to date.” Amanda Heaton, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s Community and Corporate Fundraising Manager, said: “A big thank you to everyone who gave up their Sunday to
take part in another fantastic day – we saw more walkers than ever before taking part. “Early indications are that we are on our way to exceeding our fundraising target of £1.6 million and we hope we can continue to improve on this figure year after year. We are so grateful to all our fundraisers, volunteers and supporters and look forward to seeing them again in 2016.”
Talia Golding, a 25-year-old patient treated at The Royal Marsden for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, walked the 14-mile route on the day. She said: “The hospital is an amazing place, with great facilities and staff. I found out about The Marsden March while I was staying in hospital a couple of years ago and decided I really wanted to take part. “This was the first year that I’ve been well enough to do it and I really enjoyed the day – the atmosphere was fantastic. I’ll be signing up for next year’s march without a doubt.” Next year’s Marsden March takes place on Sunday 13 March. To find out more, visit www. royalmarsden.org/march or email marsdenmarch@ royalmarsden.org RM MAGAZINE 27
FOUNDATION NEWS
A WELCOME TO...
Professor Dame Janet Husband, former Medical Director of The Royal Marsden, who returned to the hospital last year to take up the position of Non-Executive Director. We speak to her about her activities in recent years and how it has been since taking up the role
Janet’s career highlights
2002 Appointed Officer of the British Empire for services to medicine 2003 Appointed Medical Director of The Royal Marsden 2004 Becomes the first female President of the Royal College of Radiologists 2007 Awarded title of Emeritus Professor of Radiology by The Institute of Cancer Research. Appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire for services to medicine 2010 Appointed Chair of the National Cancer Research Institute 2014 Rejoins The Royal Marsden as a Non-Executive Director
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Research, the Trust’s academic partner, in 2007, and retired in the same year after a career in diagnostic radiology spanning nearly 40 years. Away from The Royal Marsden, Janet became the first female President of the Royal College of Radiologists in 2004. In 2007, she was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire for services to medicine and received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of London in 2013. Janet’s impressive career also extends to a number of non-executive appointments in healthcare, as well as a six-year service as a Specially Appointed Commissioner to The Royal Hospital in Chelsea and a spell with Monitor as a member of the Cooperation and Competition Panel for NHS-funded services. he newest member of the Trust’s Board of Directors is Professor Dame Janet Husband, who joined us in June 2014 as a NonExecutive Director following the unanimous approval of her appointment by the Council of Governors.
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Janet will be familiar to many staff and patients as she was formerly The Royal Marsden’s Academic Lead in Radiology and was Medical Director from 2003 to 2006. She was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor of Radiology by The Institute of Cancer
It is a huge privilege to be a Non-Executive Director at The Royal Marsden PROFESSOR DAME JANET HUSBAND, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Foundation news
Clinical Nurse Specialist Joanna Stone discussed her work with young patients at a recent Members’ Event
Between 2010 and 2012, Janet served as Chair of the National Cancer Research Institute. “My previous roles have given me a wealth of experience in many different settings,” Janet said, “but a constant theme running through them all is oversight of the quality of patient care and strategies to ensure its continuous improvement. This has given me the best possible background to take up this role, and to provide an experienced, independent voice on the Board to support its overall strategic direction.” In her role, Janet attends Board sub-committees, the Quality, Assurance and Risk Committee, the Audit and Finance Committee and Council of Governor meetings. She has already had a positive influence following her return to the Trust, and has shown her firm commitment to her new position by embarking on hospital ‘walkabouts’ with Chief Nurse Shelley Dolan and Chief Operating Officer Dr Liz Bishop. “I am very fortunate to have been able to talk to patients,” said Janet. “I have learned that there is a real culture of caring for patients as individuals, which shines through the whole organisation. This one-to-one contact is a powerful tool to help inform our ideas about how we can improve patient care. “I am delighted to have been appointed as a Non-Executive Director at The Royal Marsden. It is indeed a huge privilege.”
MEMBERS’ EVENT: NURSES ON THE FRONTLINE OF CARE The Royal Marsden recently held an event for its members and Governors to give them an insight into the role of nursing at the hospital and within the community. Hosted by Jen Watson, Clinical Nurse Director, the event at the hospital’s Sutton site was attended by about 50 people. Dr Catherine Wilson, Head of The Royal Marsden School, discussed the growing success of the school, while Clinical Nurse Specialist Joanna Stone spoke about the challenges she faces working with young patients in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People. Ann Duncan, Matron for Smithers, Kennaway, Markus and Wilson wards, gave an overview of what her role involves, followed by a presentation about nursing in the community by Jane Hopping, Integrated Locality Manager for Raynes Park of Sutton and Merton Community Services. Jen said: “The event was a great success, with many members saying they had found out something new. It is really important that the role of nursing is understood as it is a vital part of the successful running of the hospital.” The Trust would like to thank all those who were involved in the event, particularly the members and speakers who made it a great success. If you are interested in attending similar events and are not a member, please contact Rebecca Hudson on 020 7808 2844.
Keep in touch
Dates for your diary Annual General Meeting Tuesday 22 September 2015, 5pm-6.30pm, Chelsea
Governor Focus Conference Carer and Patient Governors Lesley-Ann Gooden and Colin Peel represented The Royal Marsden at the NHS Providers Governor Focus Conference in April. The event brought together more than 200 governors from acute, ambulance, community and mental health trusts across the country. It enabled them to share their experiences and explore how governors can be best equipped to support trusts in delivering quality healthcare. Colin said: “I found it very useful in terms of content and information. I had the opportunity to see what problems other trusts were facing and to discuss potential solutions that would also benefit our Trust.”
Council of Governors meeting Wednesday 23 September 2015, 11am-1pm, Chelsea
To attend a meeting, please call 020 7811 8558.
Become a Member and/or contact your Governor: telephone 020 7808 2844, email foundation.trust @rmh.nhs.uk or visit www.royalmarsden. nhs.uk/membership RM MAGAZINE 29
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Congratulations to Tatiana Roshupkina, the winner 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 Tuesday 28 July 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 Tuesday 28 July 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 autumn 2015 issue is coming soon…
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News from ASCO Investing in continuing education New Father & Son fundraising campaign
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 Marc Grainger – Editor Ian Dutnall – Art Director Madhushri Nadgir – Senior Account Manager Richard Robinson – Group Editor Matt Beaven – Creative Director Toby Smeeton – Managing Director RM magazine is published by The Royal Marsden in partnership with Sunday: wearesunday.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.
Registered Charity No. 1095197
You can organise your own My Marsden March event at a time and a place to suit you, your friends and family. Beautiful countryside, stunning cities or scenic beaches – the choice is yours. All the money you raise will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to help us build a future beyond cancer. For more information visit www.royalmarsden.org/mymarch