RM Magazine, autumn 2012

Life demands excellence

A first look at the new Ellis Ward Young patients’ Beads of Courage magazine – autumn 2012

Leading international trial for CyberKnife

Breaking new ground

Introducing the team behind The Royal Marsden’s pioneering research into gynaecological cancer

RM12_PG01_Cover_des7.indd 1

30/08/2012 16:07

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

RM12_PG02-3_Welcome_des5 SE.indd 5

24/08/2012 10:49

Executive notes

Contents 12 Gynaecological cancer focus

New advances are resulting in better patient outcomes

18 Sense of renewal

Chelsea’s Ellis Ward re-opens after extensive renovation

22 Gems of bravery How beads help young patients with their treatment milestones

Regulars 04 Hospital news 20 Day in the life 25 PCAG 25 The Friends 26 Fundraising 28 Foundation news 30 Puzzles & prizes

Welcome

Welcome to the autumn 2012 edition of RM, The Royal Marsden’s magazine for our staff, patients, carers and Foundation Trust Members.

In this issue, we explore the advances we are making in gynaecological cancer (page 12) and the techniques and treatments that are making a real difference to patients’ lives. We also take a look at a recent breakthrough by our histopathology team (page 8), and the fantastic refurbishment of Ellis Ward in Chelsea (page 18).

We stay on Ellis Ward for the ‘day in the life’ feature, spending time with the two senior staff nurses (page 20).

Finally, we look at recent events that The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has benefited from, including the Audi Polo Challenge and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert (page 26).

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden

RM magazine 03

RM12_PG02-3_Welcome_des5 SE.indd 6

24/08/2012 10:49

Hospital News

The Royal Marsden leads international CyberKnife trial he Royal Marsden is leading a new study on the benefits of CyberKnife treatment.

The Prostate Advances in Comparative Evidence (PACE) study, an international, multicentre, randomised study, will compare CyberKnife stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with manual laparoscopic/robotic surgery and conventionally fractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for the treatment of localised prostate cancer.

The current accepted standards of treatment are surgery and radiotherapy; the PACE study aims to establish if CyberKnife is equivalent to, or better than, this in terms of the treatment of prostate cancer

T

and the impact on the patient’s quality of life. This will enable clinicians and patients to make informed decisions about their treatment based on the highest level of clinical evidence.

The PACE study has been created by a consortium of leading academic centres in Europe and the USA. These include Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, an academic partner of The Royal Marsden; Centre Oscar Lambret in France; Charité – Universitätsmedizin in Germany; Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Centre in the Netherlands; and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, and Genesis Healthcare Partners, San Diego, in the USA. The trial comprises two parallel randomised arms:

candidates for surgery, either by clinician recommendation or patient choice, are randomised to either laparoscopic prostatectomy (performed manually or through robotic assistance using da Vinci S) or CyberKnife prostate SBRT; ◆ non-surgical candidates or patients who refuse surgery will be randomised to either CyberKnife prostate ◆

The goal of the PACE study is to create data needed to compare outcomes Dr nick van as, consultant clinical oncologist, the royal marsden

SBRT or conventionally fractionated IMRT. Dr Nick van As, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden and Chief Investigator for the PACE trial, said: “It is great to be leading this international trial at The Royal Marsden. We hope it will show that CyberKnife can offer equivalent outcomes to conventional treatments but in a significantly shorter time and with fewer side effects.

“The PACE study will gather the data needed to compare outcomes of treatment with CyberKnife prostate SBRT to those of surgery and IMRT, which are the accepted standard treatments for organ-confined prostate cancer, to allow informed treatment decisions to be made.”

04 RM magazine RM12_PG04-05_News_desfin2.indd 7

30/08/2012 14:20

Hospital news

Mr Pardeep Kumar (left) and Professor David Nicol

Conference in Chicago

Clinicians unveil Latest research linicians from The Royal Marsden presented new, pioneering research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting this summer.

Breakthroughs in new treatments for cancer patients were discussed at the world’s most prestigious five-day international cancer conference in Chicago.

Clinicians and scientists from The Royal Marsden and our academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), were selected to present their work to leading cancer researchers from all over the world at the 2012 ASCO annual meeting.

Professor Stephen Johnston discussed new advances in treatments and molecular

C

Photography: ASCO/Todd Buchanan

Professor Stephen Johnston takes to the stage at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago this summer

profiling for breast cancer patients, helping doctors to personalise their care.

Professor Johann de Bono presented the latest results of a trial for the advanced prostate cancer drug enzalutamide.

Professor Ian Judson discussed how patients should be treated if there is no ‘gold standard’ therapy that has been proven in clinical trials to benefit them; global variations in standards; and problems with access to new drugs.

Dr Chris Parker presented updated survival results from the Phase III trial of radium-223 in castration-resistant prostate cancer. The drug is being evaluated as a potential new treatment for prostate cancer patients with bone metastases.

two New urologists join our team The Royal Marsden’s surgical urology team has recently appointed two new consultants.

Professor David Nicol and Mr Pardeep Kumar are to enhance the Trust’s strong surgical team by expanding our work into kidney, testicular, bladder and prostate cancers.

Professor Nicol, who was one of the first surgeons in the world to use laparoscopic surgical techniques for urology patients 20 years ago, plans to focus on kidney and testicular cancers. Before joining The Royal Marsden, Professor Nicol was the Clinical Lead of Renal Transplantation at the Royal Free Hospital and a Consultant Urologist at University College London Hospitals. He was previously Director of Urology and Renal Transplantation at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, and Professor of Surgery at the University of Queensland.

He said: “I am delighted to join such a well-respected hospital. I am looking forward

to getting back to combining my clinical work with research.”

Mr Kumar, who trained in the UK, has worked in Egypt and, more recently, the USA. He said: “In Egypt, the rates of bladder cancer are high, so it was a good place to learn, due to the sheer volume of operations we were performing.

“In the USA, I trained in robotic surgery and would like to use that experience here at The Royal Marsden. I plan to expand our work in robotic surgery for bladder cancer and start using it for urinary tract reconstruction as well.

“Not many places in the UK offer minimally invasive bladder reconstruction, so it will really offer our patients more options, and reduce their hospital stays will be from 16 days to seven.”

In the USA, I trained in robotic surgery and want to use that experience here MR PARDEEP KUMAr, consultant urological surgeon, the royal marsden

RM magazine 05

RM12_PG04-05_News_desfin2.indd 8

30/08/2012 12:30

Hospital news

Community Services on way to achieve a UNICEF accreditation

The dedication of Community Services staff to improve support for women breastfeeding in Sutton and Merton has been recognised with an international accreditation.

After months of hard work, the health visiting service has passed the prestigious Stage 2 assessment in working towards the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative with flying colours. Passing Stage 2 confirms that members of the health visiting teams have the knowledge and skills to support women to breastfeed successfully.

Anne Reilly, Midwife and Infant Feeding Co-ordinator for Sutton and Merton Community Services, said: “We decided to work with the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative as a way of helping to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care, support and information for all mothers in Sutton and Merton.

“Everyone is working really hard to improve the support and information local women receive about infant feeding, and passing this assessment to such a high standard is a testament to the dedication shown by all our teams.

Our efforts have paid off and the service is something to be very proud of.”

The team is now preparing for the final Stage 3, and passing this will mean the service is awarded the international Baby Friendly accreditation.

Professor Chris Nutting

Research work recognised

consultantS honoured with ProfessorshipS Royal Marsden consultant has been awarded the title of Professor by The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).

The research of Chris Nutting, Consultant Clinical Oncologist in the Head and Neck Unit, has been honoured by the ICR Credentials Committee, which conferred the title of Professor after considerable deliberation and extensive soundings from international experts.

The committee also honoured the work of the ICR’s Kevin Harrington, an Honorary Consultant at The Royal Marsden, awarding him the title of Professor.

Professor Nutting said: “This is a real honour – I am so delighted. The aim of my research work, including the

A

PARSPORT trial, is to improve cure rates for patients with head and neck cancer and preserve their quality of life, which is extremely important.

I am pleased that this has been recognised.”

Professor Harrington, Team Leader of the ICR’s Targeted Therapy Team and Consultant Oncologist, said: “I am delighted that the ICR Credentials Committee has recognised my work in head and neck cancer drug development. The trials show true joint working between The Royal Marsden and the ICR, and I am extremely excited about the current progress of the new drug RT3D, also known as Reolysin, and the impressive response rates in patients.”

Professor Martin Gore, The Royal Marsden’s Medical

Professor Kevin Harrington

Director, said the honours recognise the contributions of both professors to the joint working of both institutions.

He said: “Professors Nutting and Harrington have both been totally committed to trying to improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. Through their work, they have made a real difference.”

06 RM magazine RM12_PG06-07_News_desfin2..indd 6

30/08/2012 15:33

Hospital news

Professor Johann de Bono

Mount Vernon Challenge Fund

support for Three joint research projects Vital research work has received a boost from a new academic partnership fund.

Three projects have received money from the Mount Vernon Challenge Fund, which supports joint research projects between The Royal Marsden, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Hertfordshire.

The fund follows the launch of an academic partnership between the three organisations in June 2010. The partnership was launched to initiate new opportunities for translational research in both common and rare cancers, including radiotherapy research using CyberKnife, which is installed at both The Royal Marsden and Mount Vernon.

Dr Paul Nathan, Research and Development Director at Mount Vernon, said: “The Challenge Fund demonstrates the potential

The Challenge Fund shows the potential from collaborations between our three institutions Dr paul nathan, Research and development director, mount vernon Cancer Centre

from collaborations between our three institutions. The three projects funded are of the highest quality and we hope that further collaborative projects will be funded in the future.” ◆ Drs Vicky Goh, Sonia Li and Andreas Makris from Mount Vernon, and Professor Mitch Dowsett and Ms Janine Salter from The Royal Marsden and the ICR successfully applied for funding for their research project on volumetric perfusion CT in the assessment of primary breast cancer. ◆ Dr Andreas Makris and Professor David Miles from Mount Vernon, and Professors Ian Smith, Mitch Dowsett and

Stephen Johnston from The Royal Marsden and the ICR received funds for their project Breast Research Units Clinical Research Fellow for optimisation of neoadjuvant therapy for the treatment of early breast cancer. ◆ Drs Paul Nathan, Vicky Goh and Anwar Padhani from Mount Vernon, and Professor Martin Gore and Drs Andrew Reynolds, James Larkin, Simon Robinson and Dow-Mu Koh from The Royal Marsden and the ICR were successful in their application for their research into drug resistance, drug sequencing and predictive markers in metastatic renal cancer.

Royal Marsden staff take part in Olympic opening ceremony

A host of Royal Marsden staff enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience when they took part in the Olympic Games opening ceremony in July. Among staff representing The Royal Marsden were Senior Occupational Therapist Lizzie Jones, Trial Co-ordinator Grace Sharp and Pharmacy Clinical Trials Assistant Johan Johansson, who took part in the NHS staff segment of the ceremony.

Lizzie, who works at Chelsea, said: “It was so exciting to be a part of such a momentous event.”

Professor Ros Eeles

Fellowship honour for Royal Marsden consultants Professor Johann de Bono, Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology, and Professor Ros Eeles, Honorary Consultant in Cancer Genetics and Clinical Oncology, have been elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Fellowship of the academy is awarded to those who have made exceptional contributions to the medical sciences and bring about advances in human health and welfare.

Professor Martin Gore, Medical Director at The Royal Marsden, said: “This is a considerable personal achievement and a welldeserved recognition of the impact they have both made to oncology. There were 46 new Fellows chosen this year, all for their outstanding contribution to medical science. To have two colleagues elected at the same time is very special.”

RM magazine 07

RM12_PG06-07_News_desfin2..indd 7

30/08/2012 12:34

Hospital news

Tumour breakthrough

sarcoma discovery for research team new type of sarcoma has been discovered by a team at The Royal Marsden including Dr Khin Thway, Consultant Histopathologist to the Sarcoma Unit, the Paediatrics Unit and the Head and Neck Unit.

In addition to sharing a busy diagnostic service, Dr Thway, alongside Professor Cyril Fisher, has been carrying out research into the changes in individual tumour cells that underpin the development of different types of soft-tissue sarcoma.

Dr Thway and colleagues discovered and characterised a new type of sarcoma arising in the lung that can be diagnosed by detection of a specific cellular abnormality.

This is a rearrangement of genetic material within the cell, which leads to the formation of new genes that cause cells to grow and multiply abnormally.

The same genetic rearrangement is found in a number of other tumour types in different parts of the body.

These tumours, however, differ from each other in clinical

A

The ultimate goal is to be able to deliver personalised therapy for each individual patient Dr Khin Thway, Consultant Histopathologist

features, microscopic appearances and potential to recur or spread to other organs.

The challenge for the team is to identify the additional changes in the malignant cells that determine the development of specific tumour types. The aim is to identify changes at the cellular level that are susceptible to targeted treatment.

Dr Thway said: “In collaboration with The Institute of Cancer Research, we hope to investigate the further changes that lead to the formation of the different tumour types, using the latest techniques including genetic sequencing. The ultimate goal is to be able to deliver personalised therapy for each individual patient.�

Dr Khin Thway (above), Consultant Histopathologist at The Royal Marsden, worked with Professor Cyril Fisher (below) on this groundbreaking research into soft-tissue sarcomas

Soft-tissue sarcomas

1%

of all cancers are soft-tissue sarcomas, making these malignant tumours very rare

3,000

people a year are diagnosed with soft-tissue sarcomas in the UK

30+

the age at which soft-tissue sarcomas are more likely to occur

08  RM magazine

RM12_PG08-09_News_desfin2..indd 8

31/08/2012 13:00

Hospital news

Teenage Cancer Trust unit’s royal opening

Famous chefs cook up a treat

he Royal Marsden’s Oak Centre for Children and Young People has been attracting some big names from the culinary world. Chefs Tom Aikens and Allan Pickett visited the young patients and staff to share their awardwinning gastronomic talents.

Tom spent a morning in the kitchen with Paediatric Catering Supervisor Shirley Moore and her team while they prepared hot lunches. Shirley picked up tips on how to spice up the patients’ favourite chicken dippers and make fish fingers from scratch. She said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to be taught how to improve our two most popular dishes. Tom was lovely to work with and has

T

given me good tips on how to get the batter nice and crispy.”

Tom, who also visited the young patients after lunch, said: “It was inspirational to meet Shirley, her team and the children.

I hope they enjoyed my versions of their favourite dishes.”

Allan Pickett, Head Chef at London’s Plateau restaurant, visited a few weeks later to teach the children how to make perfect pizzas. Allan was so impressed with the Oak Centre that he has decided to adopt the schoolroom to complement his work with the Academy of Culinary Arts.

He said: “The children were wonderful and really got into making their own pizzas.”

Teenage Cancer Trust welcomed Sarah, Duchess of York and HRH Princess Beatrice to its new unit at The Royal Marsden in May. The £3.5-million unit is run in partnership with The Royal Marsden and is located within the Oak Centre for Children and Young People. It has been designed to allow teenagers and young adults to be treated with others their own age in an environment suited to their needs. It can also provide specialist treatments such as stem cell transplants and radioactive iodine therapy. Musician Roger Daltrey, a Teenage Cancer Trust celebrity patron, also attended the event.

Sarah, Duchess of York and HRH Princess Beatrice met Roger Daltrey (this photograph) and young patient Richard Storry (below)

Top: Tom Aikens with Shirley Moore, Oak Centre Paediatric Catering Supervisor; Above: Allan Pickett with young patient Robbie Hannan RM magazine 09

RM12_PG08-09_News_desfin2..indd 9

30/08/2012 15:40

Hospital news

Q&A

Thumbs up for switchboard service

information governance

The Royal Marsden handles a large amount of sensitive data, so it is vital that we manage that information effectively. Here, we explain our policy on this significant area of activity

Dr Shelley Dolan

What is information governance?

It refers to the way in which we manage information, particularly ‘personal information’ such as patient and staff data.

How does it apply to The Royal Marsden?

As an NHS organisation, we have a huge responsibility due to the sensitive nature and enormous volume of information we process every day in order to provide the best possible healthcare service.

Why is it important?

The loss of personal and/or sensitive information can have a profound impact on the person it relates to. The Royal Marsden recognises the importance of this and has measures in place to ensure this does not happen.

How does the Trust protect its patient and staff data?

The Trust has a wide range of measures in place to mitigate any risk to our personal information, such as staff training and our policies and procedures. Another measure is the appointment of the following key roles and responsibilities:

David Probert

Dr Shelley Dolan, Caldicott Guardian Since 1997, all NHS Trusts have had to appoint a Caldicott Guardian. The main purpose of this role is to act as a champion for all patient data within the Trust, and ensure patient data is always managed on a justified and strict ‘need-to-know’ basis.

Our Chief Nurse and Caldicott Guardian, Dr Shelley Dolan, has adopted a proactive approach to this role and is always happy to personally review and represent any patient concerns.

David Probert, Senior Information Risk Officer The role of Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO) was created to ensure that any identified risk to personal data is reduced in a way that provides patients and

Staff do all they can to protect personal data, which is very reassuring to me syma dawson, information governance manager, the Royal Marsden

Syma Dawson

staff the assurance they deserve.

The Royal Marsden’s SIRO is Chief Operating Officer David Probert. David is significantly involved in the information governance process and places a high importance on its function.

He said: “All staff working at The Royal Marsden have a duty to ensure the information that we use to look after patients is protected and that confidentiality is maintained at all times.”

Syma Dawson, Information Governance Manager The Information Governance (IG) Manager at The Royal Marsden has a responsibility to ensure the Trust complies with its legal and national requirements, such as the Data Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000. They must also monitor and submit compliance against national IG standards and audits. Syma Dawson, IG Manager at The Royal Marsden, works hard to exceed standards and raise awareness as much as possible.

She said: “Information governance has a high priority in the Trust, and staff do all they can to protect personal data, which is very reassuring to me.”

A new customer service survey has highlighted that most callers using The Royal Marsden switchboard believe it provides a good service.

The Trust carried out an audit in preparation for the forthcoming assessment with the government’s Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Standard.

Ninety-two per cent of respondents said the switchboard answered the telephone within a minute, and 96 per cent felt that the switchboard acted on their requests.

The Trust obtained its compliance with the CSE Standard in 2008, and the Trust’s Customer Service Excellence Steering Group – which includes patients, front-line staff (clinical and non-clinical), managers and members of the Quality Assurance team – is now gathering information to support the new external assessment later this year.

George Absi, Quality Improvement Auditor, said: “The steering group has been assessing the experiences of callers to The Royal Marsden by distributing customer experience surveys at six reception areas across the Chelsea and Sutton sites over a three-week period, enabling the Trust to gain valuable feedback.

“We have been delighted with the feedback we have received. We will look to maintain our high standards of customer service and improve where we can.”

For more information, visit www.customerservice excellence.uk.com

10 RM magazine

RM12_PG10-11_News_desfin2..indd 10

30/08/2012 16:08

Hospital news

This picture: a ward at the Fulham Road site in a previous era; Below: the building’s exterior at an earlier time

150 years of The Royal Marsden at Fulham Road This year is the 150th anniversary of the opening of our Fulham Road site in Chelsea.

We look back at how The Royal Marsden came into existence

he Royal Marsden, then known as the Free Cancer Hospital, moved to the Fulham Road in 1862 – 150 years ago this year.

When the hospital was first opened in 1851, it consisted only of a dispensary on Cannon Row, Westminster. Its foundation in 1851 was based on the desire of Dr William Marsden to better understand the treatments for cancer. He is quoted as saying: “I want to found a hospital for the treatment of cancer, and the study of the disease, for at the present time we know absolutely nothing about it.”

Following the hospital’s inception in 1851, the growth in patient numbers and need for more facilities and inpatient

T

I want to found a hospital for the treatment and study of cancer dr william marsden, founder, The free cancer hospital

beds meant that a larger site was required.

In 1855, the board obtained the patronage of Angela Burdett-Coutts (later to be made a peer for her philanthropy), whose loan of £3,000 made it possible to purchase about an acre of land on Fulham Road.

Architect David Mocatta drew up designs for the hospital and the foundation stone was laid

by Angela Burdett-Coutts on 30 May 1859. In 1862, the hospital opened to patients at its new site on Fulham Road.

The expansion of the hospital to Sutton occurred more than 100 years later. Built in the 1950s, it was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 20 May 1963.

RM magazine 11

RM12_PG10-11_News_desfin2..indd 11

30/08/2012 12:42

Gynaecological cancer special

Leading the way in treatment and research

Dr Susana Banerjee Consultant Medical Oncologist

Dr Alexandra Taylor Consultant Clinical Oncologist

Dr Susan Lalondrelle Consultant Clinical Oncologist

Advances in our understanding of gynaecological cancers is resulting in better patient outcomes at The Royal Marsden. We speak to the consultants and surgeons in the Gynaecology Unit about their groundbreaking work

RM12_PG12-17_Gynae_desfin2..indd 12

29/08/2012 10:05

Cancer focus

Q&A Gynaecological cancer and Wales, but with the introduction of the cervical screening programme, the incidence has fallen – there are now about 3,500 new cases per year. The incidence of uterine cancers, on the other hand, is increasing due to a strong association with obesity, which has increased drastically in the past decade. Cancer of the uterus is now the fourth most common cancer in women and the most common gynaecological cancer. The second most common gynaecological cancer is of the ovary.

Miss Jane Bridges, Consultant in Gynaecological Oncology, talks about the different forms of gynaecological cancer and their treatment What are gynaecological cancers?

Cancer can arise from any of the organs in the reproductive tract, but there are four main types of gynaecological malignancies: vulval, cervical, uterine and ovarian.

What causes gynaecological cancers?

Vulval cancer can be associated with a number of inflammatory skin conditions that affect the vulva. A strong link has also been established between the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the development of this disease. Cervical cancer is also associated with HPV, as well as smoking.

Uterine cancers usually arise from the endometrium (uterine lining), although rare tumours called sarcomas can also occur on the muscle wall.

The strongest risk factor for developing cancer of the ovary is a family history associated with specific gene abnormalities, which lead to about 10 per cent of cases.

How are they diagnosed?

Vulval cancer normally presents as a painful, ulcerated raised skin lesion that is noticed by the patient. It may be associated with skin conditions that by themselves can cause irritation, itching and soreness.

The symptoms of cervical cancer usually include abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge. The diagnosis is made after a biopsy of the abnormality, which may be an ulcer or raised area on the cervix.

Ovarian cancer symptoms are more non-specific and can include abdominal

How are they treated?

bloating, indigestion, bowel disturbance and frequent urination. Diagnosis is made using a combination of ultrasound scanning, blood tests, and, on occasions, a biopsy.

Uterine cancer usually presents with abnormal bleeding, and is diagnosed via a combination of ultrasound scan and biopsy.

The majority of women with this cancer will present when the disease is at an early stage, and 75 per cent will be cured.

Who does it affect?

Older women are more at risk of vulval cancer – the disease is virtually unknown in women under the age of 25. The majority of women who develop uterine cancer will also be older, aged 50 or over. Ovarian cancer mostly affects women in the 50 or over age group while cervical cancer mostly affects women who are younger than 50.

How common are they?

The primary method of treatment for all gynaecological cancers is surgery. In the case of cervical cancer, this is normally a hysterectomy or, in young women who want to conserve fertility options, a less radical operation called trachelectomy. The treatment for uterine cancer is surgical removal of the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Some patients may also require chemotherapy and radiotherapy. New drug treatments for women who have a genetic abnormality and develop ovarian cancer are presently under trial and are showing encouraging results.

Is there any interesting research being carried out at The Royal Marsden?

We have a number of research trials looking at new agents to treat ovarian and cervical cancer. Some of this work is performed in parallel with laboratory research undertaken at The Institute of Cancer Research. In gynaecological radiology, there are studies examining new imaging techniques for both cervical and vulval cancer, which may allow more conservative surgery for patients with this disease. ➜

Although vulval cancer appears to be on the increase in the UK, it still remains relatively rare: it accounts for less than one per cent of all cancer cases and approximately eight per cent of all gynaecological malignancies.

Cervical cancer used to be the most common gynaecological cancer in England RM magazine 13

RM12_PG12-17_Gynae_desfin2..indd 13

29/08/2012 10:05

Cancer focus

Drug research

Ovarian and endometrial developments

A research team led by Dr Susana Banerjee, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, is now offering a portfolio of Phase I–III clinical trials for patients with gynaecological cancers. The two most promising areas are in the treatment of ovarian cancer with the development of the drug bevacizumab – also known as Avastin – and PARP inhibitors.

Avastin works by attacking the blood vessels that feed cancers and allow them to spread. Phase III trials have shown that by combining this drug with chemotherapy and continuing it afterwards, the time before the cancer progresses is increased, as is the survival rate in patients at high risk of relapse.

Dr Banerjee says: “This breakthrough is very exciting and means there are more treatment options for patients. This drug is available to patients with ovarian cancer as first-line treatment through the Cancer Drugs Fund, and patients with recurrent disease are offered Avastin at The Royal Marsden.”

Clinical teams in the Gynaecology and Drug Development units, with scientists at the hospital’s academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), have pioneered the development of PARP inhibitors. This class of drug has shown promising activity, in particular in patients with ovarian cancer who have the BRCA gene mutation.

PARP inhibitors work by selectively killing cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

Patients are currently being recruited to clinical trials of PARP inhibitors (such as olaparib) at The Royal Marsden.

Personalised treatment

Dr Banerjee and her team have also launched a programme to collect tumour and blood specimens from patients to test for molecular abnormalities linked to their cancer.

She says: “This approach aims to help guide treatment for individual patients and help women diagnosed in the future.”

Cancer treatments for ovarian and endometrial (uterus) cancers continue to develop as understanding improves of what distinguishes cancer cells from normal cells.

It is now known that the molecular make-up of various subtypes of gynaecological cancers differ, meaning that some patients will respond more positively than others to a

Dr Susana Banerjee talks to a patient

Helen Taylor, CyberKnife Lead Radiographer, and Dr Alexandra Taylor

14 RM magazine

RM12_PG12-17_Gynae_desfin2..indd 14

29/08/2012 11:44

Cancer focus

particular drug. It is important that all people with a particular type of cancer are not treated in the same way but that treatment is personalised to each patient.

Dr Banerjee says: “This means that patients will have a greater chance of successful treatment, as well as reducing the unnecessary side effects that a less targeted treatment can cause.”

Patients at The Royal Marsden are already being offered individualised treatment in clinical trials according to the genetic abnormalities in their tumour.

Gene testing in ovarian cancer patients

Above, from left: Dr Susana Banerjee, Consultant Medical Oncologist; Dr Susan Lalondrelle, Consultant Clinical Oncologist; and Dr Alexandra Taylor, Consultant Clinical Oncologist

Dr Banerjee is collaborating with Professor Nazneen Rahman and her team at the ICR to offer testing of BRCA and other relevant genes to all ovarian cancer patients, regardless of a family history of cancer.

Using the latest molecular techniques, this information may influence the treatment pathway of individual patients.

Funded by a Wellcome Strategic Award of more than £2 million, this pioneering research programme will be piloted at The Royal Marsden later this year with the hope of delivering genetic testing in mainstream medicine to all cancer patients across other NHS centres.

radiotherapy

Our state-of-the-art techniques

Gynaecological cancer patients at The Royal Marsden are treated using the latest radiotherapy planning and delivery technology. Each patient will be carefully ➜

Gynaecological cancer facts

21

women a day are diagnosed with uterine cancer in the UK, making this the most common gynaecological cancer

6 in10

women diagnosed with cervical cancer are under the age of 50

8in10

women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over the age of 50 and have been through the menopause

65

The age above which the incidence of vulval and vaginal cancers are at their highest

Case study:

Caroline Webb, 29

“In July 2011, I was told that my smear test was abnormal and that cancerous cells had been found. It was a huge shock: I was a fit and healthy 28-year-old and was enjoying living and working in London.

“I was referred to Dr Susan Lalondrelle at The Royal Marsden. I saw her on the very same day – she kindly fitted me in just before she went on holiday to ensure that my treatment began as soon as possible.

“I had four rounds of chemotherapy – one every three weeks – as well as radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Unfortunately, I developed a blood clot in my right leg, leaving me bed-bound for about a month. It took a long time for the clot to disperse and I was in a lot of pain for several months.

“Once I felt better, I continued the chemotherapy. In June this year, I had an operation to remove a lymph node that still appeared diseased on my scans. I have now finished my treatment and am waiting for my end-of-treatment scans.

“All of the staff at The Royal Marsden have been incredible throughout my treatment, and with their help and the amazing support of my friends and family, I have been able to maintain a positive mentality throughout and continue with life as best I can.

“I have always advocated the importance of smears, and I am living proof of how vital it is for women to attend their routine smear test. People always think it won’t happen to them, but it did to me.”

I am living proof of how vital it is for women to attend their routine smear test caroline webb, Royal Marsden patient

Dr Susan Lalondrelle plans the radiotherapy session for a patient

RM magazine 15

RM12_PG12-17_Gynae_desfin2..indd 15

29/08/2012 10:05

Cancer in focus

accuracy of the treatment means larger doses can be delivered each time, meaning patients need fewer treatment sessions.

It is particularly useful for patients who have tumour recurrence in areas that have previously received radiotherapy. It is not usually possible to deliver radiotherapy to the same place twice, but we have successfully used this technique to target lymph nodes and other isolated disease recurrences. This offers a focused therapy option to patients who may otherwise require chemotherapy for limited disease.

Dr Alexandra Taylor, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, says: “With CyberKnife, we have been able to target recurrences in previously treated areas that would otherwise not have been possible.

There is now great potential for us to treat cancers we could not previously eradicate due to the new radiotherapy techniques.”

aftercare

Excellent specialist nurse support

Dr Susan Lalondrelle in the CyberKnife suite with Lead Radiographer Helen Taylor

and individually assessed before a course of treatment is recommended.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) allows external beam radiation to be shaped more closely around the target, reducing the dose to surrounding organs such as the bowel, bladder and pelvis, and minimising the side effects of the radiotherapy. IMRT has recently been introduced routinely for delivering radiotherapy in post-operative endometrial and cervical cancer patients.

IMRT involves taking images of the target area to ensure that the treatment is delivered as accurately as it is planned. A number of techniques for this have been developed and implemented at The Royal Marsden.

Image-guided brachytherapy is the use of internal radiation to increase the dose where it is really needed. One of the most exciting areas is the combination of MRI scanning with the planning of brachytherapy. This allows us to instantly identify the tumour and ensure we deliver treatment based on each patient’s tumour size and anatomy, while avoiding surrounding normal tissue and organs.

CyberKnife also delivers external beam radiotherapy but, thanks to its robotic arm and sensors that track the position of both patient and target, it is extremely precise. The

A team of specialist nurses are supporting patients through their cancer journey. This year, the first nurse-led chemotherapy clinic was launched at our Sutton site, running alongside the doctors on the gynaecological team.

Dr Susan Lalondrelle, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, says: “Our support services at The Royal Marsden are fantastic. The nursing team has also started an end-ofcancer treatment clinic, giving patients the opportunity to discuss how to cope with cancer and what symptoms to look out for.”

Cancer and its treatment can have lasting physical and mental side effects.

Gynaecological Cancer Nurse Specialists at both Royal Marsden sites offer a range of aftercare and survivorship advice, including psychosexual therapy, a survivorship programme, dietetics and physiotherapy.

New radiotherapy treatments give us the chance to treat previously untreatable cancers DR alexandra taylor, Consultant clinical Oncologist

Aftercare: psychosexual therapy Patients may find that being treated for cancer has an impact on both the physical and emotional aspects of their sexual life and relationship with a partner.

Dr Isabel White is The Royal Marsden’s first psychosexual therapist. She offers a service for male and female patients and their partners who may be experiencing sexual difficulties following cancer treatment.

In the months after treatment, sex is not normally a priority for patients. But once they have recovered and are getting back to life after treatment – of which sex is often a part – they may have unexpected difficulties. This can especially be the case for gynaecological patients.

The psychosexual service aims to not only manage these difficulties but also help clinicians talk to patients about sexual recovery, recognise people who need further help and identify the next steps for these patients.

16 RM magazine

RM12_PG12-17_Gynae_desfin2..indd 16

30/08/2012 12:49

Cancer focus

Breakthrough in surgical treatment

Gynaecological cancers are now being treated by robotic surgery, and The Royal Marsden is pioneering this groundbreaking treatment

The Royal Marsden is renowned for its advances in surgery, and we are leading the way in several areas of the surgical treatment of gynaecological cancer.

In 2007, Mr Thomas Ind and Professor John Shepherd, Consultant Surgeons at The Royal Marsden, performed the firstever robotic hysterectomy in the UK at the hospital, pioneering the way for robotic

surgery in the treatment of gynaecological cancers. And from September this year, the da Vinci S robot will be used in robotic surgery as a standard treatment for suitable gynaecological patients treated at The Royal Marsden. We are one of a select few hospitals that are able to offer this for gynaecological cancer patients.

Mr Ind says: “Regular use of the da Vinci S robot is a real step forward in the treatment of gynaecological cancers. We hope to train other surgeons in the field and expand our expertise and experience in the use of laparoscopic and robotic surgery.”

The da Vinci S robot allows surgeons to perform laparoscopic surgery on patients with endometrial or cervical cancers.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, enables surgery on patients with more complicated cases.

There are also several benefits to the patient, including reduced post-operative pain due to smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time and stay in hospital.

The da Vinci S robot will also be used in trachelectomy procedures. This surgical treatment for cervical cancer preserves reproductive function that would otherwise be removed with a full hysterectomy – a common treatment for cancer of the cervix.

The Royal Marsden is well known for leading the way in trachelectomy surgery, and da Vinci S will be an extremely useful tool in removing the lymph nodes, which is a very delicate part of the procedure. rm

Regular use of the da Vinci S robot is a real step forward in the treatment of gynaecological cancers Mr Thomas Ind, Consultant surgeon

Mr Thomas Ind, Consultant Surgeon

Case study:

Pauline Sims, 75

“It was a complete shock when I was told I had primary peritoneum/ ovarian cancer earlier this year.

Dr Susana Banerjee was so sympathetic as she explained the treatment I needed.

“I was first admitted to have some fluid drained.

The nurses were very considerate, especially when they discovered it was my first time staying in hospital.

“After I’d had three sessions of chemotherapy, CT scans showed that the mass had shrunk, so it was decided to go ahead with surgery.

Mr Ind performed the operation. I was terrified, but he took the time to reassure me and regularly checked up on me during my 10 days as an inpatient.

“I then began three more sessions of chemotherapy, this time with the addition of Avastin, a new drug that extends the time that the cancer is held in check.

“The support of the staff at The Royal Marsden has helped me so much. I can’t thank them enough.”

RM magazine 17

RM12_PG12-17_Gynae_desfin2..indd 17

30/08/2012 12:49

Ellis Ward

ellis ward refurbishment

A welcoming environment The state-of-the-art Ellis Ward at Chelsea is now open. We take a tour of the modernised facility

e

llis Ward has re-opened as a stateof-the-art facility at our Chelsea site following an extensive refurbishment and modernisation programme. Many of the changes in the new Ellis Ward become immediately apparent on entering the unit.

The sense of space and natural light at every bed is noticeable, and its bright colours and designs are eye-catching.

There is a large new lounge area where patients can relax and help themselves to hot and cold drinks.

Ellis Ward now contains 14 beds, with two single rooms and three four-bedded bay areas. The refurbishment of the unit includes modernised bathroom facilities next to the bedded bays, and en-suites for the single rooms. Each bedside has also had a new patient entertainment system installed. The refurbishment of the ward, for women with breast, gynaecological, gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancers, was due to a generous donation from Jimmy Thomas, whose late wife, Alma, was treated at the hospital. The redesign has been based on the wishes of Alma,

Jimmy Thomas generously donated towards the Ellis Ward refurbishment

who wanted every patient staying on the ward to enjoy the “highest levels of comfort”.

Mr Thomas says: “My wife Alma died on 31 December 2008 at the age of 74. Her treatment here at The Royal Marsden was excellent and the staff were superb, but we both felt the environment of the ward did not match up to the standard of care.

“We wanted to rebuild and modernise the facilities, to increase comfort and dignity for patients on the ward and improve the environment for the staff working on the ward. In the redesign, we wanted to capture the promise of hope at The Royal Marsden.

Central to the theme is the purple anemone, which was Alma’s favourite flower and appears throughout the ward. It is my vision of a ward of the future. I am thrilled with the look of the new ward; it is a warm and safe environment for patients to be when they are undergoing treatment.”

Professor Martin Gore, Medical Director at The Royal Marsden, says: “We are delighted with the new modernisation of Ellis Ward. We are grateful to the generosity of Mr Thomas and his family. By funding the refurbishment of this ward, they have realised his wife’s vision of creating a state-of-the-art unit with a warm and welcoming environment that ensures the highest levels of comfort for NHS patients.”

Ellis Ward patient Irene Hill strongly approves of the change: “I’ve been a patient on old Ellis and new Ellis. The standard of care has always been out of this world, but the new ward, and the way it’s been organised and designed... what a difference!” rm

The way the new ward has been organised and designed... what a difference! irene hill, ellis ward patient

18 RM magazine

RM12_PG18-19_EllisWard_desfin2.indd 18

30/08/2012 15:35

Ellis Ward

Q&A emily davies From left: Jimmy Thomas; Cally Palmer, The Royal Marsden Chief Executive; Carla Chappell; Professor Martin Gore, The Royal Marsden Medical Director; and Simon Thomas with a portrait of Mr Thomas’s late wife Alma

The Ellis Ward Sister tells us how the team is settling into the new setting How is it going in the new refurbished ward?

It’s going exceptionally well.

The change is unbelievable to both patients and staff. I didn’t fully appreciate how much the environment could make a difference to the morale of a ward until we moved back to our new home!

What are the main improvements/differences?

The ward has been particularly well laid out. This makes it easier to nurse in, as you can keep an eye on all patients at all times, which enables teamwork to thrive.

Patients are also able to see the nurses all the time, which reassures them.

Sister Emily Davies on the new Ellis Ward

Each bedside has a patient entertainment system

The calming atmosphere of the lounge area

What have the patients said about the new ward?

Patients can’t believe the transformation and are hugely impressed by the vision of the architect. They comment on how bright and airy the ward feels, as well as being inviting for visitors with a lounge area to relax in.

Ellis Ward is now the ward that patients want to come back to, and I’d like to thank my amazing team who make such a difficult time in a person’s life easier through their skills, friendliness, humour and compassion.

RM magazine 19

RM12_PG18-19_EllisWard_desfin2.indd 19

30/08/2012 15:35

Senior Staff Nurses Catherine Lawrence and Aoife Faherty keep Ellis Ward running smoothly and ensure that patients are comfortable

Patients trust us to care for them and have their best interests at heart

20  RM magazine

RM12_PG20-21_DITL_desfin2..indd 20

30/08/2012 12:53

Staff profile

a day in the life

Senior Staff Nurses, Ellis Ward Catherine Lawrence and Aoife Faherty

a

s Senior Staff Nurses (SSN), we ensure that patients receive the best possible care and that the other staff on Ellis Ward feel happy and supported in their roles. The ward is specifically for female patients, with most being treated for breast or gynaecological cancers.

On a day shift, we arrive at 7.30am and check the staff rota before the night shift hands over to us at 8am. We then allocate patients to nurses depending on the nurse’s skills and the patient’s needs. We say hello to all the patients and check that the ward is tidy and safe, then hold a multidisciplinary team meeting with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and sometimes a discharge co-ordinator or dietitian. The clinical site practitioner – a senior nurse in charge of the hospital – then visits the ward to discuss patients’ length of stay and discharge and admission dates.

Moving through the day

At 11am, the nurses, healthcare assistants and housekeeper catch up to discuss each patient and get an idea of each nurse’s workload. The nurses describe their clinical observations and tell us their NEWS (a scoring system that tells us if a patient’s condition needs to be investigated).

Once this is over and new patients have been given beds, we prepare admission paperwork and allocate lunch breaks to the nurses on shift. This can be quite complex: we need to consider the skill mix of those on duty so that the ward is covered at all times – a lot can change during a lunch break.

Depending on staffing levels, we often have to wear two hats: a nurse caring for patients and an SSN in charge of a shift. This means being aware of the conditions of all 14 of our patients, as well as supporting staff and answering patients’ and carers’ questions.

A patient’s condition can unfortunately deteriorate at any point, but the layout of our new ward lets us see everyone at once, so it’s easier to communicate any changes in their conditions with the rest of the team.

Evening handover

We have another catch-up at 4pm on the status of all our patients. Later, we add information on new and current patients to the handover sheet for the night shift, and ensure the ward is tidy and well stocked.

We check that the ward is adequately staffed for the next day, then help with the evening medication rounds. Finally, we do one last check on our patients’ fluid balance and observations. The night staff arrive at 7.45pm and handover begins at 8pm.

Patients’ cases can be emotive, and while we have to be professional, we are also human. Being honest and trustworthy is very important – we meet our patients at possibly the most vulnerable point in their lives, and they trust us to care for them and have their best interests at heart.

Our role is always interesting – no two days are the same. We need to see the bigger picture, too: we are a close team and we support each other in and out of work.

Because of this, Ellis Ward is a very friendly place, and patients always notice that. rm

RM magazine 21

RM12_PG20-21_DITL_desfin2..indd 21

29/08/2012 10:09

OUR YOUNG PATIENTS

Gems of courage

The Beads of Courage programme has captured the minds of young patients in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People, helping them to focus on their recovery by collecting the brightly coloured beads

Play Specialist Claire Riddell and young patient Robbie Hannan choose a new bead

he inspiring Beads of Courage programme has started a trend among young patients who have gone from struggling with the emotions that cancer treatment can evoke to focusing on collecting beads to mark each of their treatment milestones. More than 100 Royal Marsden patients take part in the programme, which aims to break down the communication barriers between young cancer patients.

The beads have become a key talking point between patients in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People since the programme started in December 2011, says Play Specialist Claire Riddell: “The beads have really helped engage patients who would probably not have spoken to each other before. I have seen 14-year-olds sit and chat to five-year-olds and compare beads. It has become a real ice-breaker and helped the children and young people to get to know one another.”

Young patients are offered the opportunity to join the Beads of Courage programme a month after they are diagnosed with cancer.

Each participant is given beads that spell out their first name and a card that explains the types of beads that are awarded for a particular treatment.

Patients are given specific coloured beads for every procedure and step of their treatment pathway – for example, a yellow bead for every night they stay in hospital, a star when they undergo surgery, a lime bead for every day they are in isolation, and a glow-in-the-dark bead for every radiotherapy session they undergo.

Claire says: “The beads are something for them to be proud of and take ownership of during a period in their lives when they can have very mixed emotions. Every bead tells a story of hope, strength and courage.

“I have noticed that some teenagers who would not usually engage very much with staff are now really animated when they start talking about their beads. Some of our younger patients have used the beads in show-and-tell at their school to explain what they have been through.”

The Trust’s shared care hospitals have also signed up to the programme, enabling children to carry on collecting their beads at their local hospital.

Claire says: “Aside from giving the children something to focus on and help ➜

The beads are something our young patients can be proud of... Every one tells a story of hope and strength CLAIRE RIDDELL, PLAY SPECIALIST, THE ROYAL MARSDEN

CASE STUDY:

Blue Tobin, 3

Blue underwent chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia last year but, this February, suffered a disease relapse for which he required a bone marrow transplant.

Mum Francesca Waite says: “The Beads of Courage have helped us all so much. Blue has more than 1,300 beads. They’re like an inspirational diary without having to write it.

“Blue chats to 14-year-olds about his beads and treatment. If they didn’t have the beads in common, they wouldn’t talk to each other. It’s lovely for them to have something to focus on.

“When Blue was very poorly, Claire gave me a special bead for parents, which really lifted my spirits and made me realise that I was not alone.”

22 RM MAGAZINE

RM12_PG22-24_BeadsOfCourage_desfin2.indd 22

30/08/2012 12:55

Beads of Courage Play Specialist Claire Riddell in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People

RM magazine  23

RM12_PG22-24_BeadsOfCourage_desfin2.indd 23

29/08/2012 10:11

Beads of Courage

Hannah Howell shows off her collection

them to tell their story, I think the beads can help them deal with their treatment.

It is surprising that the beads have such a powerful influence on the patients.”

Five-year-old Belle McIntyre’s mum, Selena, said the beads have been a lovely distraction for the whole family. She says: “The Beads of Courage have given Belle something else to focus on. Instead of saying, ‘We’re going to hospital’, we say, ‘We’re going to get some more beads today’.

It is such a positive programme that has really engaged the children.” rm

Case study: Harry Poil, 13

Case study:

Hannah Howell, 6 Harry has accumulated an astounding 880 beads since he started collecting last year.

He was diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2011 but relapsed in November.

Harry said: “The beads have helped me speak to other patients that I probably would not normally speak to.

“I think my three courage beads are my favourite ones as they are bigger than the rest and much harder to get. You have to do something pretty amazing to get one.”

Hannah’s 1,600 beads were her inspiration during her 13 days in isolation following her bone marrow transplant.

Her mum Beccy said: “Hannah spent a lot of her time in isolation using the string of beads to make up the alphabet. It was mainly something to pass the time, but also for her to keep up with her school work and learning.

“Her beads make her treatment seem worthwhile as she gets a reward at the end of each stage, and they help her to understand what is going on.”

Instead of saying, ‘We’re going to hospital’, we say, ‘We’re going to get some more beads today’ Selena McIntyre, mum of Royal Marsden patient Belle, 5

24 RM magazine

RM12_PG22-24_BeadsOfCourage_desfin2.indd 24

30/08/2012 12:55

Hospital groups

Pcag and the friends

helpING patients in the community

Designer Lulu Guinness is a supporter of The Royal Marsden

PCAG highlights importance of the community patient voice How members of The Royal Marsden’s Patient and Carer Advisory Group (PCAG) can help represent the voice of patients in the community was the topic of a workshop in June.

In April last year, The Royal Marsden became the provider of Sutton and Merton Community Services, which offers a diverse range of services within different health and social care settings.

These include community and school nurses, health visitors, physiotherapists and sexual health clinics.

The guest speaker at the PCAG workshop was Adam Doyle, former Divisional Director, Community Services, who introduced Sutton and Merton Community Services.

PCAG members then discussed ways of engaging community services patients and what areas of PCAG experience might be shared with them. The workshop also looked at how PCAG could recruit community members to ensure their views and opinions are represented, as well as what has worked in recruiting hospital members.

The event took place at Cannizaro House in Wimbledon and was followed by a dinner to mark PCAG’s successes. The idea for this came from Mandie Adams McGuire, who stepped down as PCAG Chairman this year after four years at the helm.

Among the dinner guests were Dr Shelley Dolan, Chief Nurse, Adam Doyle, and Dr Liz Bishop, Divisional Director for Cancer Services and Research and Development.

Mandie said: “Those who came along thought it was very beneficial and enjoyed it. It was very well organised by Craig Mortimer from the Quality Assurance Team at The Royal Marsden. We were also thrilled that members of The Friends of The Royal Marsden, Sutton branch came too.”

Those who came along thought it was very beneficial and enjoyed it mandie adams mcguire, PCAG

Mandie Adams McGuire

The Friends of the Royal Marsden, chelsea

The ‘it’ bag raising money for a great cause Top British bag designer Lulu Guinness has created a fabulous and exclusive bag for The Friends of The Royal Marsden, Chelsea.

The bag was launched at The Friends Summer Drinks Party in June, held at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and hosted by Countess Cadogan, MVO. It was a splendid evening, spiced up by some of London’s best cocktails and award-winning English sparkling wine from Coates & Seely. More than 400 people came to the Summer Party and, thanks to Strutt & Parker’s sponsorship, more than £23,000 was raised for the hospital.

Lulu is a supporter of The Royal Marsden and said she

was “thrilled to design the bag because of the invaluable work of The Friends of The Royal Marsden and the huge difference it makes to patients, their families and staff at the hospital.”

The bag is fast becoming the ‘it’ bag for 2012 with Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Felicity Kendal among those seen out and about with it already.

You can obtain your own ‘Lulu’ from The Friends shop or Café in Chelsea, located in Outpatients on the first floor, the Fundraising office or stall in Sutton, or online at www. royalmarsden.nhs.uk/lulu for just £15 plus postage and packing. It could solve all your Christmas shopping problems.

RM magazine 25

RM12_PG25_PCAG_desfin3.indd 25

30/08/2012 12:57

The royal marsden cancer charity

Left and below: young patients Lillie Killick (left) and Hannah Wright attended the concert; Bottom: Hannah with her mother Zara

A grand day out

Young Royal Marsden patients were among the recipients of tickets to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert, donated by The Princes’ Charities Forum

oung patients, staff and donors to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity enjoyed a great evening out when The Princes’ Charities Forum generously donated 45 pairs of tickets to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert.

Hannah Wright, 16, who is currently being treated at The Royal Marsden, was one of the ticket recipients. She was first diagnosed with Philadelphiapositive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia just after her eighth birthday in 2004, and underwent months of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Y

followed by a bone marrow transplant from her younger brother, Harvey. Sadly the disease was again detected just two months later and Hannah and her family endured three years of good and bad results.

In 2008, Hannah was accepted onto a drug trial at The Royal Marsden, but in June last year was given the devastating news that she had suffered a fullblown relapse and would need a second bone-marrow transplant.

Hannah’s mother Zara said: “Hannah missed her siblings and being at home over the summer, but kept herself busy

with the patients on the ward.

She had her second transplant in November last year, and amazed doctors by being discharged just 19 days later.

She’s now doing really well.”

The concert was a muchneeded treat for Hannah and her family. Zara said: “Hannah has been unable to attend school since her relapse. When we were invited to the concert, we were both so excited. It was a day of such happy memories.

“Hannah thinks that seeing so many stars certainly made up for all the events she had missed out on last year.”

chelsea Scanners Appeal The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity is committed to funding two new state-of-theart MRI scanners and refurbishing the areas in which they will be located in the new Diagnostic Imaging Suite at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea.

The charity needs to raise £6.95 million to fund the specialist equipment – a 1.5T and a 3T scanner. This will provide The Royal Marsden with some of the best available diagnostic imaging equipment in a purposebuilt space. It means that patients will be provided with exceptional imaging as part of their diagnosis and assessment of treatment, and it will support developments in other areas such as radiotherapy.

The Royal Marsden will be one of just a few centres to give patients access to both a 3T and a 1.5T scanner in the same location.

26 RM magazine

RM12_PG26-27_Fundraising_desfin2..indd 26

30/08/2012 12:59

Fundraising

royals’ polo support Princes and celebrity supporters take on a sporting challenge in aid of our charity

HRH The Duke of Cambridge, The Royal Marsden’s President, helped to raise funds at a polo event in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The Audi Polo Challenge took place on 12–13 May at Coworth Park in Ascot, Berkshire. It was the third year that the event has supported the charity, with Audi making a generous donation of £20,000.

TRH Prince William and Prince Harry both played on the Audi Quattro team, which narrowly beat Audi Ultra during the tournament. The Duchess of Cambridge handed out prizes to the winning team.

Celebrity guests included actors Tom Hardy, Gemma Arterton, Jesse Eisenberg, Anna Friel, Rhys Ifans, Rupert Penry-Jones and Chris O’Dowd.

Christmas celebrations Our 2012 range of Christmas cards and small gifts is now available. Christmas card designs include an exclusive by five-year-old patient Hannah. Pick up a leaflet at the hospital or order online at www.royalmarsden. org/shop Every year at The Royal Marsden, we place thousands of stars on our Christmas trees, each one celebrating the life of someone close. For a suggested donation of £15, you will receive a lapel badge to wear in honour of your loved one, and their name will be handwritten on a gold star and placed on your chosen tree. A carol service will be held on the evenings of Tuesday 11 December in Sutton and Thursday 13 December in Chelsea. To sponsor a star, pick up a leaflet at the hospital or visit www.royalmarsden. org/star

TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended the Audi Polo Challenge

Marsden March 2013 registration opens egistration for our third Marsden March on Sunday 17 March 2013 opens on Monday 8 October.

This popular fundraising event raised an exceptional £1.2 million for the charity in 2012 and we hope it will be just as successful in 2013. The Marsden March is a 14-mile sponsored walk between

R

our hospitals in Chelsea and Sutton, with a five-mile familyfriendly option as well. It’s a chance for our supporters, patients and their families, staff and celebrity supporters to walk with us to take on cancer. To ensure places for you and your family, register today at www. royalmarsden.org/march RM magazine 27

RM12_PG26-27_Fundraising_desfin2..indd 27

29/08/2012 10:25

foundation News Health and Social Care Act 2012

I never imagined that I would one day get the chance to carry the torch Vikki Orvice, Patient Governor

Patient Governor Vikki Orvice carries the Olympic Torch

getting in the olympic spirit wo Royal Marsden Governors showed their community spirit by taking on important roles in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Patient Governor and sports writer Vikki Orvice had the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch 300 metres through the streets of Barnsley as the Torch Relay made its way to her home city of Sheffield.

And Public Governor Tony Hazeldine helped the Games run smoothly when he took on two important responsibilities: being a London Ambassador and a Games Maker.

Vikki, who has covered Olympics in Sydney, Athens and Beijing as a sports writer, said: “Never did I imagine that I would one day get the chance to follow in the footsteps of Olympic 400m champion Cathy

Freeman, who lit the flame at my first Games in Sydney, and carry the torch myself – especially given that five years ago, I was diagnosed with secondary cancer.

“But thanks to treatment at The Royal Marsden, I am five years in remission – a year for each of the Olympic rings – and after being nominated

by London 2012, I carried the flame 300 metres.”

Vikki’s family, including her 82-year-old mother and her husband Ian, who was also successfully treated at The Royal Marsden, watched with pride as she carried the flame.

Vikki said: “When I looked up at the flame when it was lit in the cauldron at the Olympic Stadium in London, I proudly remembered that I helped get it there.”

Tony was incredibly busy during the Olympics with his two roles. As a Games Maker, Tony was in the Workforce Operations unit at Horse Guards Parade, providing backup and motivation for the teams of volunteers who helped make the Games happen.

And as a London Ambassador, he was on hand to welcome visitors from around the world, provide information and answer any questions. He was based in Stratford and was part of the ‘Flying Squad’ – if there was a problem, he was one of a number of people who would go to help.

Tony said: “It was a wonderful experience and a great honour to be part of London 2012, and to do my bit to help make sure everything went smoothly.”

Coming into effect earlier this year, the Health and Social Care Act is the most extensive reorganisation of the structure of the NHS to date. Among other things, it means the abolishment of Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities. In their place are Clinical Commissioning Groups partly run by GPs. The Royal Marsden has actively engaged Governors as the bill went through Parliament. Now that it has become law, it means a number of changes to the way in which the Trust is governed, including to the role of Monitor, the regulator of Foundation Trusts, and the responsibilities of Governors.

At a Trust briefing on the act, Governors explored the implications of the act on their role to hold the Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the board of directors, and to represent the interests of the Members of the Trust and the public.

Governors are working with the Trust to review and update its constitution and governance structure to ensure that the Council is fit for purpose. A further update will be provided in the next issue of RM.

Next Members’ event The next Members’ event will take place in November in Sutton, giving Members further insight into how the Trust is working to improve patient care in the community. Members will hear from Adam Doyle, Divisional Director, Private Patients, and former Divisional Director, Sutton and Merton Community Services, about the benefit that the integration of Sutton and Merton Community Services has had at the Trust. Please contact the Foundation Trust Office to register your interest on 020 7808 2844.

28 RM magazine

RM12_PG28-29_Foundation_desfin2..indd 28

30/08/2012 13:01

Foundation news

From bench to bedside

Great interest was shown at the recent Members’ Event held in July at Chelsea.

The Julian Bloom Lecture Theatre was packed as David Probert, Chief Operating Officer, hosted an event that showcased some of the Trust’s pioneering work in cancer care, treatment and research. Presentations were provided from guest speakers Dr James Larkin, Consultant Medical Oncologist, and Dr Nick van As, Consultant Clinical Oncologist. Dr Larkin spoke about the challenges of personalised medicine with particular targeted drugs, while Dr van As discussed the impact that CyberKnife – the latest in radiotherapy technology – has had for patients, and its importance in the context of future developments in clinical radiotherapy trials.

Members put a variety of questions to the experts and also had the chance to tour the CyberKnife Unit, which reached the first anniversary of its opening this summer.

The events are a fantastic way for people interested in the work of The Royal Marsden to gain a further insight, as well as provide feedback and meet key people within the Trust. If you haven’t been to any of our events and are interested in attending, please contact the Foundation Trust Office.

Working for our Members

new governors We welcome Simon Spevack and Liz Coyne wo new Patient Governors, Simon Spevack and Liz Coyne, have been elected to the Foundation Trust’s Council.

Sam Greenhouse, Head of the Foundation Trust Office, said: “We look forward to working with Simon and Liz to ensure the views of Members are represented at the highest level in the Trust.”

Sam also thanked the two outgoing Governors, and welcomed back Edward Crocker, who was re-elected for a second term of office.

Here, the new Governors tell us what they hope to achieve.

T

“The Royal Marsden is a wonderful institution. I feel very honoured to devote time, expertise, energy and commitment to represent – and improve – the collective needs of other patients and myself.

“My leisure interests have also been very diverse and devoted to running peopleorientated charities, both at a local and national board level. I appreciate the importance of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

“I want to ‘put something back’ for the services that I have received, and I believe that I have the commitment to do just that.”

Simon Spevack “As a patient, my relationship with The Royal Marsden stretches back 38 years, from a frightened, naive teenager with testicular cancer to a cured adult of 57. Over the years, I have used the hospital’s services and I have seen the hospital develop.

“I am keen that knowledge of long-term side effects is passed on to patients – especially young ones – so that they can look out for them as they get older.

“As a keen supporter of The Royal Marsden and its research, I want to give something back for all it has done for me.”

Liz Coyne “I wanted to be elected as a Governor to show my appreciation of the excellent treatment that I have received.

New Patient Governors Simon Spevack (top), and Liz Coyne

Date for your diary The Royal Marsden Annual General Meeting This will take place on Wednesday 26 September 2012 at 5pm in the Julian Bloom Lecture Theatre, The Royal Marsden Education and Conference Centre, Stewart’s Grove, Chelsea.

If you would like to attend, please email malvin.sayle@rmh.nhs.uk or call 020 7808 2259.

Your Governors at a glance Patient Governors ◆ Paediatric and Adolescent Stacey Munns ◆ South West London Anita Gray, Fiona Stewart, Edward Crocker, Liz Coyne ◆ East Elmbridge & Mid-Surrey Dr James Laxton, Simon Spevack ◆ Greater London Dr Geoff Harding, Hilary Bateson ◆ Elsewhere in England Sally Mason, Vikki Orvice Carer Governors Lesley-Ann Gooden, John Preston, John Howard Public Governors ◆ Kensington & Chelsea Dr Carol Joseph ◆ Sutton & Merton Tony Hazeldine ◆ Elsewhere in England Ann Curtis Staff Governors ◆ Doctor Professor Ian Smith ◆ Nurse Lorraine Hyde ◆ Other clinical professional Nina Kite ◆ Non-clinical Kim Andrews Nominated Governors ◆ Institute of Cancer Research Cathy Scivier ◆ Primary Care Referrer Dr Chris Elliott ◆ South West London Cancer Network Alison Hill ◆ West London Cancer Network vacant ◆ London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Councillor Robert Freeman ◆ Sutton & Merton PCT Dr Martyn Wake ◆ Croydon PCT vacant ◆ NHS Kensington & Chelsea Mable Wu ◆ Surrey PCT vacant ◆ Cancer Research UK (charity) Kate Law ◆ University Partner vacant If you have any questions or would like to become a Member, call the Foundation Trust Office on 020 7808 2844 or email foundation.trust@rmh.nhs.uk RM magazine 29

RM12_PG28-29_Foundation_desfin2..indd 29

30/08/2012 15:56

PUZZLES & PRIZES

Test your wits

Win!

Complete our crossword and you could win a £50 John Lewis voucher SUDOKU

4 9 3 5 2 3 7 5 1 1 5 4 2 8 4 3 2 3 7 5 2

1

7

1 5 9 6 3 9 3 8 1 6 6 8 4 7 2 1

8

tell us your thoughts We always love to hear from our readers, whether it is about their experiences of The Royal Marsden or thoughts on the latest edition of RM. You may have read some of these in our Star Letter section in previous issues. It’s great to receive your letters, and any letter featured will receive £50 of John Lewis vouchers. Write to us at RM, Press Office, The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6JJ.

4 2 5

5 5

4

3

RM readers:

6

8

9

10

12

11

13

14

15 17

16 18

20

19

21

22

Fill in your details below when sending in your crossword competition entry. See right for details of our address.

NAME

CONTACT DETAILS

ADDRESS

PRIZE CROSSWORD

Across 1 Banquet (5) 4 Velocity (5) 7 Golfing accessory (3) 8 Wild (7) 9 Fake (5) 10 Long narrative poem (4) 14 Fencing sword (4) 15 Temperamental (5) 18 Large imposing house (7) 20 Peculiar (3) 21 Lukewarm (5) 22 Part of the leg (5) Down 1 Festival (4) 2 Amazing! (7) 3 Second sign of the zodiac (6) 4 Location (4) 5 Type of tree (3) 6 Subtract (6) 11 Security device (7) 12 Recluse (6) 13 Part of the eye (6) 16 Discover (4) 17 Not in action (4) 19 Short sleep (3) Congratulations to Sylvia Miller, who won last issue’s crossword prize.

The lucky winner of our prize crossword will receive £50 of John Lewis vouchers.

We also welcome your thoughts on RM magazine and love to hear about your experiences at the hospital. Star Letters win a £50 John Lewis voucher.

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 closing date for entry is Friday 12 October 2012.

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 Friday 12 October 2012. 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 and 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 of John Lewis vouchers is the sender of the best letter selected by RM magazine. 9. The winner of the crossword prize of £50 of 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.

30 RM MAGAZINE

RM12_PG30-31_Puzzles_IBC_des4 SE.indd 30

29/08/2012 12:00

in the next issue RM brings you the latest hospital updates, research news, inspiring stories and exclusive interviews. The winter 2012 issue is coming soon…

ews about the Centre for N Molecular Pathology ctober is cancer month – O a Year of Pathology he latest news and research T updates from across the Trust

For The Royal Marsden Rachael Reeve – Director of Marketing and Communications Elaine Parr – Head of PR and Communications Naomi Owen – PR and Communications Manager Belinda Lock – Senior Press Officer Catherine O’Mara – Senior Press Officer Marie-Thérèse Shepherd – Press Officer For Sunday Lucy Ryan – Editor Marc Grainger – Sub Editor Catherine Hopkinson – Art Director Lindsay Barrett – Account 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 2012. 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.

RM12_PG30-31_Puzzles_IBC_des4 SE.indd 31

30/08/2012 13:04

RM12_PG32_OBC_des2.indd 37

24/08/2012 11:29