Private Care SPRING 2021
CAVENDISH SQUARE SPECIAL ISSUE
A WARM WELCOME
Our new diagnostic and treatment centre opens its doors
World-class facilities, expertise and cancer care in the heart of London
CONTENTS 4 A new standard of
private cancer care
See the outstanding facilities inside our new centre 8 Pursuing excellence How our multidisciplinary approach ensures the best care 10 The sooner, the better Dr Richard Lee on why early diagnosis is so crucial 11 Consultant Focus Mr Pardeep Kumar, Consultant Urological Surgeon 12 Putting patient safety first
Our Private Care service is backed by NHS standards of safety and governance 14 Why research matters How research influences cancer treatment at The Royal Marsden 16 A place like no other Four patients share their Royal Marsden experiences 18 All in the genes Professor Ros Eeles on the importance of cancer genetics 19 Consultant Focus Dr Alistair Ring, Consultant Medical Oncologist
ON THE COVER Professor Christopher Nutting, Clinical Director for Cavendish Square Some of the photographs in this issue were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and may not reflect current social distancing and PPE guidelines
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DIRECTOR’S NOTES
CAVENDISH SQUARE SPECIAL ISSUE SPRING 2021
WELCOME As the Clinical Director of The Royal Marsden Private Care at Cavendish Square, I’m delighted to introduce this special issue of Private Care magazine to mark the opening of our brandnew diagnostic and treatment centre. Cavendish Square allows us to offer worldclass standards of cancer care in state-of-theart facilities, located in the heart of London’s most respected healthcare district. The centre will provide a one-stop service with rapid test turnaround times and fast and direct access to The Royal Marsden’s world-leading experts, who offer a full range of cancer services as well as other specialties such as genetics. In this issue, we hear from some of our expert consultants about what really sets the centre apart, and patients reveal why The Royal Marsden’s high-quality and research-led services are second to none. You can also read more about our outstanding facilities, the benefits of our multidisciplinary team process and the importance of early diagnosis. Plus, we explain how private patients can use our service safe in the knowledge that it is backed by the strictest safety standards and governance usually only seen in the NHS. I hope you enjoy this issue. COMFORTABLE SURROUNDINGS The chemotherapy treatment bays in the Medical Day Unit at Cavendish Square
Professor Christopher Nutting Clinical Director for Cavendish Square
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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A NEW STANDARD OF PRIVATE CANCER CARE
Bringing The Royal Marsden’s personalised care to central London’s healthcare district, Cavendish Square offers private patients outstanding facilities and world-class expertise
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Medical Day Unit In the Medical Day Unit, we provide the highest level of care for patients from the UK and overseas and deliver some of the most advanced cancer treatments available. The unit features individual treatment bays where patients can receive chemotherapy and other supportive therapies for rare and common cancers in a private and reassuring environment.
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
Reception The welcoming entrance and bright reception area aims to put patients at ease, with friendly, multilingual Guest Relations staff on hand to meet and assist patients and visitors. The Royal Marsden Private Care offers an award-winning service – having won the LaingBuisson Best Hospital Award in 2020, for the third time – and is one of the few private hospitals to have been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.
In addition, our minor procedure suite provides patients with a quick and flexible surgical service in a comfortable space. Here, we perform small surgical interventions and procedures such as the removal of skin lesions, nasoendoscopy, colposcopy and flexible cystoscopy, as well as specialist wound-care clinics.
Refreshment stations and catering service As part of ensuring the best possible patient experience, there is a range of food and beverage options available. In addition, patients spending more time with us, including those receiving treatment in the Medical Day Unit, are also offered delicious, freshly prepared hot meals.
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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One-stop service with rapid test results Patients can expect to have an appointment booked following their initial enquiry, with direct access to diagnostic services. Our one-stop service means we can offer nextday appointments and same-day scans, assessments and test results. An onsite pathology department will conduct blood tests with rapid turnaround times to support experts in diagnosing cancer and delivering personalised treatment to patients at the earliest opportunity.
Strict infection control measures We have introduced a number of measures to change the way we provide healthcare and ensure the safety of our patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict infection control measures are in place at Cavendish Square, with clear signs, temperature checks at the front door, regular COVID-19 testing for patients receiving treatment in the Medical Day Unit, mask wearing and limits on numbers in the centre to allow for social distancing.
World-leading consultants Patients will have fast and direct access to The Royal Marsden’s consultants in private and comfortable consulting rooms. With many of our consultants active in research, our patients can feel confident that their treatment and care is based on the latest advances in oncology led by world-leading experts. Private patients are able to choose their own consultant, who will personally oversee every aspect of their treatment plan to ensure the continuity and reassurance of one-to-one care.
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W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
Full diagnostic imaging suite Our state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging suite – encompassing MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray and mammography – allows experts to identify and diagnose cancers sooner. Improving patient access to better and more rapid diagnostics is a priority at The Royal Marsden, and Cavendish Square is part of a broader strategy to diagnose cancer faster and earlier.
International Advocate service International Advocates ensure that the needs of overseas patients are met, both from a cultural perspective and in terms of treatment and care. They work closely with a multinational team of eight interpreters – this includes a dedicated Arabic Advocate Service, which can offer one-to-one translations.
Onsite pharmacy Our pharmacy means staff can access and deliver medication at the same site, making treatment processes even quicker for patients.
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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PURSUING EXCELLENCE The Gynaecology Unit is an example of how our multidisciplinary model ensures that cancer patients receive the highest standards of care THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH of The Royal Marsden’s Gynaecology Unit is central to how the Trust treats patients with ovarian, cervical, womb, vaginal and vulval cancers. We are a centre of excellence in these diseases, drawing on an expert team that includes surgeons, medical and clinical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and nurses. “We have transformed the way the gynaecology service is delivered to ensure that patients receive the best access to diagnostics, specialist clinicians and leading-edge treatments,” says Mr Thomas Ind, Consultant Gynaecological Oncology Surgeon and Head of the Gynaecology Unit. This multidisciplinary model ensures that our patients have a robust and timely diagnosis.
“We have transformed the way we deliver our service” 8 Private Care magazine
Patients who visit Cavendish Square can expect to have an appointment booked following their initial enquiry, with direct access to diagnostic services and an imaging suite offering MRI, CT, X-ray, mammography and ultrasound, as well as nasoendoscopy and colposcopy. They may also benefit from next-day appointments and same-day scans and results. Mr Ind says: “Having a full diagnostic imaging suite on site will make a huge difference to patients, as rapid diagnostics allow us to spot cancers earlier.” High-tech treatment The Royal Marsden’s multidisciplinary teams hold weekly meetings to develop personalised treatment plans for each patient. Up to 35 specialists attend, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiotherapists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses and allied health professionals. The Royal Marsden carries out all major gynaecological surgical procedures – such as laparoscopic, robot-assisted, endoscopic and open surgery – at the Chelsea hospital.
SURGICAL SKILLS Gynaecological surgeons Ms Marielle Nobbenhuis (right) and Mr Thomas Ind (below)
EXPERT TEAMS
We have pioneered robotic procedures for several tumour types, and our surgeons have carried out more than 1,000 robotically assisted operations for gynaecological cancers since 2012. Ms Marielle Nobbenhuis, Consultant Gynaecological Oncology Surgeon, says: “Robotic surgery means patients experience less blood loss, pain and scarring, and have shorter hospital stays, than with traditional surgery.
“With two da Vinci Xi surgical robots, funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and some of the leading robotic surgeons in the world, we’re at the heart of international discussions about how to train surgeons in robotic gynaecology surgery.” Changing outcomes Some gynaecological cancers have historically had a poor prognosis, but that is beginning to change, says Dr Susana
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Clinical nurse specialists assist patients throughout their cancer journey (above right)
Banerjee, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Research Lead for Gynaecological Cancers. “We are seeing substantial progress in research translating to better treatments in the clinic,” she says. “Several new targeted drugs have been licensed in recent years, giving more treatment options that will improve survival rates.” The Gynaecology Unit also works closely with the Cancer Genetics Unit to offer genetic testing to patients with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which can increase a woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer to 60 per cent. Alongside experts in research and surgery, the unit also includes a variety of dedicated nursing roles. In particular, clinical nurse specialists offer emotional support and advice to patients – at their diagnosis, throughout their treatment and during follow-up. In gynaecology, this might include providing practical information about the menopause, intimacy, body image, sexuality and fertility following treatment. Mr Ind says: “We wouldn’t be able to deliver an excellent standard of care for our patients without the work of our nursing teams.”
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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OPINION
THE SOONER, THE BETTER Discovering cancers earlier is the key to treating patients successfully, says Dr Richard Lee, Consultant in Early Diagnosis, whose role is funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity We know that by diagnosing more cancers early, we could save thousands of lives every year. When cancer is caught sooner, we have a much greater chance of being able to treat it successfully, often with less invasive procedures and fewer long-term side effects. But we are faced with challenges. Some cancers – such as pancreatic, ovarian and lung – often don’t cause any symptoms until they become advanced. People can also be too embarrassed to talk
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about their symptoms, or too scared of what they might find. Equally, many cancers cause vague symptoms that are more likely to be something less serious, so it can be difficult for GPs to know when to refer patients to us, particularly during the pandemic.
“We’re exploring how breath tests could help diagnose some cancers”
I’m a champion of the early diagnosis of cancer, working across all tumour types and investigating how we can improve clinical practice and research in this field. We’re working on a range of initiatives to help. For example, with RM Partners, the West London Cancer Alliance, we’re carrying out ‘lung health checks’ and low-dose CT scans for people at risk of lung cancer. I lead this initative nationally as part of an NHS England pilot that will scan more than 100,000 patients to find treatable lung cancer earlier. Another project – the award-winning RAPID (Rapid Assessment Prostate Imaging and Diagnosis) pathway – aims to detect prostate cancer faster. We’ve also developed a new streamlined journey from GP to treatment for patients with symptoms of colorectal cancer, and are promoting a telephone reminder service to encourage participation in the national bowel screening programme. It’s important that we help our GP colleagues to spot the signs of cancer through our education events and online learning resources. And with our colleagues at Imperial College London, we are exploring how breath tests could be used to diagnose certain cancers. If our research has positive results, we could diagnose some cancer types early through this quick and non-invasive method. With our combined expertise in research, diagnosis and treatment, we aim to make a difference to people’s lives in the UK and beyond, ensuring that no one gets left behind.
C O N S U LTA N T F O C U S
Q&A
MR PARDEEP KUMAR Consultant Urological Surgeon MR PARDEEP KUMAR is a specialist in urinary tract cancers and reconstruction at The Royal Marsden. He trained in London and gained fellowship experience in the USA and Egypt. Mr Kumar uses the latest techniques, including robotic surgery to treat prostate and bladder cancers, to optimise cancer control and maintain patients’ quality of life. The Royal Marsden has the most comprehensive robotic surgery programme for cancer in the UK. In 2016, Mr Kumar helped to establish the first worldwide multi-specialty robotic and pelvic exenteration fellowship at The Royal Marsden – funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – to train more consultants in leading-edge robotic techniques. He has also published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers.
“Our robotic programme offers surgery across various tumour types”
Q What services do you provide at Cavendish Square? A I run initial assessments and outpatient clinics in prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular cancers. Same-day diagnostic tests – including the investigation of blood in the urine – are available, as well as onsite treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Q What about robotic surgery? A At The Royal Marsden, we have an all-encompassing robotic programme offering surgery across a variety of tumour types. Robotic surgery has revolutionised the way we treat cancer, allowing us to perform complex procedures using minimally invasive keyhole surgery. Q What research are you involved in? A I’m investigating invasive bladder cancer survival and the outcomes of urinary tract reconstruction, as well as
identifying how we can best preserve organ function after surgery and improve quality of life for patients. At The Royal Marsden, we offer all options for bladder reconstruction, and our results are among the best in the world. Another research focus is MRIguided prostate biopsies. We introduced one of the first systems in Europe that could guide a biopsy needle by superimposing the MRI scan onto the ultrasound, in order to improve results and identify more significant prostate cancers at an early stage. Q What does the future look like for urological cancer patients? A We’re increasing cure rates of bladder and prostate cancers, as well as finding innovative ways to preserve bladder and kidney function by using advanced surgical techniques to remove only part of the organ, along with combined treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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PUTTING PATIENT SAFETY FIRST The Royal Marsden offers private patients the unique benefits of an NHS hospital, including a robust system of governance that ensures treatments are safe and effective PLAYING BY THE RULES Jatinder Harchowal (left); Mr Asif Chaudry (above right); Pat Cattini (right)
RECEIVING PRIVATE CANCER care in an NHS setting has key benefits for patients at The Royal Marsden, giving them the confidence that stems from treatment decisions being made by multidisciplinary specialists, and access to a world-class critical care ward. Private patients can also rest assured that all aspects of their care – from prescribed drugs to the radiotherapy or surgery they have – has been reviewed and approved as part of the tight governance framework required of an NHS hospital.
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“All new drugs, and new indications for previously approved drugs, must be reviewed by the Drugs and Therapies Committee prior to use within the Trust,” says Chief Pharmacist Jatinder Harchowal. “This amounts to a unique safety net. “In the private setting at The Royal Marsden, treatment decisions follow the same local requirements for clinical governance as they do for the NHS.” Consultants must co-write a clinical review with a
pharmacist and present their case, accompanied by at least two peer-reviewed papers demonstrating the drug’s safety and efficacy, to the committee. Chaired by Consultant Haematologist Dr Sunil Iyengar and comprising a combination of consultants, pharmacists and nurses, the committee then carries out a multidisciplinary review, scrutinising the data and challenging the case to ensure that all relevant experts agree that the drug is effective, safe and fit for clinical use.
SAFETY OF OUR MODEL
MR ASIF CHAUDRY
Jatinder says: “We aim to give patients quick access to the right drugs for them, without compromising safety.” The benefit of experience Similarly, The Royal Marsden pioneers surgical techniques and proves their efficacy through research, without putting patients at risk. The Trust has the most comprehensive programme of robotic surgery for cancer in the UK, and was the first centre to offer robotic oesophagectomies and perform free-flap surgery for head and neck cancers. Consultant Surgeon Mr Asif Chaudry explains that surgeons who have the benefit of the NHS’s experience behind them are forever conscious not to take risks unduly. “NHS England has the longest internal memory of any healthcare provider, and a length and breadth of experience in risk modification and mitigation smaller entities don’t have to the same extent,” he says. “In surgery, we use this to our advantage, learning from what has gone before and ensuring we continually evaluate the efficacy of our work.” Professor David Nicol, Consultant Urologist and Chief of Surgery, adds: “Thanks to strict regulations, surgeons with the most experience and the best training work for the NHS. This benefits all patients at The Royal Marsden, whether NHS or private.” Every piece matters Every item of equipment a Royal Marsden patient has
Consultant Surgeon Mr Chaudry and his colleague Mr Myles Smith undertook a two-year training and regulation process before performing the UK’s first robotic oesophagectomy at The Royal Marsden using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot. This involved: Initial observation of robotic oesophageal and gastric cancer surgery at Seoul National University Hospital and University Medical Center Utrecht Presenting an efficacy case to the Robotic User Group committee, setting out the patient benefits
“NHS England has experience in risk modification and mitigation that smaller entities don’t have” contact with has been approved as safe and effective, says Pat Cattini, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control. “New devices have to be rubber-stamped by the Medical Device Committee, which assesses the clinical benefit, as well as Procurement, which assesses the efficiency – and must comply with strict infection prevention and control requirements,” she explains. “Whether it’s a new scope costing £20,000 or the cotton swabs we use, everything is carefully considered for its safety and effectiveness.”
Seeking support and approval from senior staff and the Medical Director Completing 60 hours of online learning modules and simulation at the da Vinci Xi console, followed by theatre simulation Bespoke training under Professor Richard van Hillegersberg, who pioneered the procedure at University Medical Center Utrecht Achieving a score of over 90 per cent when executing the procedure in training Performing a case at The Royal Marsden within two weeks of gaining approval. Six more cases within eight weeks followed, attended by proctors from Utrecht to guide and monitor progress
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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WHY RESEARCH MATTERS The Royal Marsden’s groundbreaking research has revolutionised the way we provide cancer treatment and care, extending and improving the lives of patients everywhere AS THE LARGEST cancer centre in Europe, The Royal Marsden and its academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, together recruit more patients to clinical trials than any other similar hospital in the UK. Over the past 10 years, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has provided
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£66 million to support this groundbreaking research work. “Cancer is a complex disease with hundreds of variations and an ability to adapt and evolve, so it is essential that we continue to carry out the latest innovative research,” says Professor David Cunningham, The Royal Marsden’s Director
of Clinical Research, Head of the Gastrointestinal Unit and a Consultant Medical Oncologist. “The Royal Marsden’s clinical trials lead to breakthroughs that translate into huge benefits for cancer patients everywhere.” A radical shift Some of the most transformative changes in recent years have come in lung cancer treatment. For early-stage lung cancer, surgery can remove the
R E S E A R C H - L E D T R E AT M E N T
of optimism at The Royal Marsden about the future. “We’ve completely changed the way we treat lung cancer,” says Professor Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist in the Lung Unit. “For some patients, we can now manage it as we would a chronic disease. Patients are surviving longer, with a better quality of life.” “We look at a sample of tumour cells to see which genetic mutations they have and which ones are likely to drive tumour growth, then we match them to a drug that targets this mutation.”
tumour and offer the best hope for a cure. But often, the disease shows no signs or symptoms until it has spread. In the past, this meant most patients had a poor prognosis, and treatments were mostly palliative. However, as a result of research breakthroughs over the past decade, there has been a radical shift in the way patients with lung cancer are treated. There’s now a sense
Major breakthroughs The Royal Marsden has also made major breakthroughs in radiotherapy research. The Trust has one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the UK, treating up to 5,000 patients a year using a range of techniques. Private patients continue to have radiotherapy treatment at our Chelsea and Sutton hospitals, but outpatient appointments can also take place at Cavendish Square. According to Dr Alison Tree, Consultant Clinical Oncologist in the Urology Unit, the Trust’s research means patients benefit from more personalised treatment and a continued improvement in outcomes. “Radiotherapy studies at The Royal Marsden have changed the way cancer patients are
MAKING PROGRESS Dr Alison Tree (above) and Professor Sanjay Popat (right) are available to see patients at Cavendish Square
“For some patients, we can manage lung cancer as we would a chronic disease”
treated, not only here but also across the world,” she says. “Developments in radiotherapy imaging allow us to target tumours with submillimetre precision. This means that fewer healthy cells are damaged, which means we can give higher doses, making treatment more effective and reducing side effects.” For Professor Cunningham, The Royal Marsden’s research is vital for driving forward advances in cancer treatment and care. “As one of the leading cancer centres in the world, we pride ourselves on never standing still,” he says. “We always strive to do better – for patients, and for their families.”
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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A PL ACE LIKE NO OTHER As a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden has the clinical expertise, facilities and technology to provide patients with personalised treatment plans. Here, four Private Care patients share their experiences of The Royal Marsden Shama Mohammed
Breast cancer patient “My mother was treated for breast cancer at The Royal Marsden in 2015. Four years later, I decided to see her surgeon after my routine breast screening in Pakistan revealed irregular results. I knew I would be in good hands. “Further tests revealed I had breast cancer, but it had been caught early. I was placed in the care of Dr Gerald Gui, Dr Imogen Locke and Dr
“My treatment exceeded expectations and made everything much easier” 16 Private Care magazine
Marina Parton and had surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a targeted therapy called Herceptin over seven months. I was able to return home to Karachi two days after my final radiotherapy appointment, where I could continue having the Herceptin injections.
“I’ve now finished my treatment and I’m doing well. I feel like cancer is a closed chapter in my life. “My treatment at The Royal Marsden exceeded my expectations and made the whole process so much easier. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
PAT I E N T P E R S P E C T I V E S
Shiona Ramage
John Lister
Colorectal cancer patient “I’ve been coming to The Royal Marsden since I was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1989. I was one of the earliest patients to receive carboplatin, a chemotherapy drug developed at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London. “Then, in 2007, I was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer, and I started treatment again at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea. You really do get the best clinical staff, nursing and care here. “I have had 114 cycles of chemotherapy, more than 20 operations and numerous rounds of radiotherapy. I can’t really remember a life without cancer, but after being told my disease was incurable in 2013, I’m still around.”
Melanoma patient “In 2016, I went to get a mole checked and was diagnosed with melanoma. My life changed forever. “Following surgery to remove both the tissue around the mole and 20 lymph nodes where the cancer had spread, I was referred to The Royal Marsden under the care of Professor James Larkin. He recommended a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, ipilimumab and nivolumab. Five years on, and my latest scans show good results. “I feel fortunate to be treated by the fantastic team at The Royal Marsden. I’m now on a new treatment after a
biopsy discovered a tumour in my breast, so having both doctors in the same hospital is invaluable. The tumour is now almost undetectable. “Thanks to The Royal Marsden’s expertise, I’m able to keep living life to the full. The care I receive is outstanding and the research they do to develop treatments is at the forefront of medical science.”
“Thanks to The Royal Marsden’s expertise, I’m able to live life to the full”
Natalie Hickton
Cervical cancer patient “Historically, if I’d been diagnosed with cervical cancer, my only option would have been a complete hysterectomy, which would have left me unable to get pregnant. “But thanks to the robotic surgery programme at The Royal Marsden, they were able to see my cancer in
much closer detail, remove any tissue of concern and identify areas at risk of spreading. It’s now been five years since I was given the all-clear. “Having fertility-saving surgery meant my husband and I could still try for children, and I’m lucky to now have two beautiful boys.”
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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OPINION
ALL IN THE GENES Genetic testing is a vital tool in identifying people at risk of cancer, says Professor Ros Eeles, Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Oncogenetics Broadly speaking, oncogenetics is the study of genetic variants that may increase a person’s risk of cancer or influence diagnosis and treatment. For example, people who carry mutations in their DNA repair genes may have a higher risk of developing cancer and may respond to certain targeted agents. In my team, we’re particularly interested in looking for DNA changes that affect a man’s predisposition to prostate cancer. There isn’t one gene that tells us whether a man will or won’t
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develop the disease. But we do know of more than 170 common genetic changes that, when inherited, can increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Our cancer genetics service aims to spot men who are predisposed to prostate cancer, and identify those who need urgent treatment alongside
“At Cavendish Square, we offer cancer genetics counselling and testing”
those who can go on to monitoring programmes in order for us to catch the disease early. Our research has already uncovered vital new information about the genetic factors that can predispose someone to prostate cancer, and we have established a prostate risk clinic at The Royal Marsden to translate our research advances in genetics. In the PRACTICAL consortium study, we’ve also shown that some prostate cancer genetic variants are more common in men of African ancestry than in men of European heritage, and others are more common in Asian men. We’re now investigating whether knowing more about certain genetic features can improve diagnosis for men with a higher risk of prostate cancer, including men of African ancestry and men with a family history of the disease. By testing for a range of genetic changes, we can identify men who could benefit from screening. At Cavendish Square, we offer cancer genetics counselling and testing across a number of tumour groups to patients who have a personal or family history of cancer that suggests an inherited genetic predisposition, or who have a known gene mutation in the family. Patients are able to access genetic testing with rapid result turnaround times, allowing us to identify the screening programmes that will best suit each individual. Understanding the role genetics plays in developing cancer is crucial if we are to change the way we diagnose and treat the disease – or even prevent it altogether.
C O N S U LTA N T F O C U S
Q&A
DR ALISTAIR RING Consultant Medical Oncologist DR ALISTAIR RING specialises in all aspects of the medical treatment of breast cancer. He has particular expertise in the management of metastatic and early breast cancer, and the management of cancer in older patients. After qualifying from Oxford and Cambridge universities in 1997, he completed oncology training at The Royal Marsden, St George’s and Guy’s hospitals, and was appointed as a consultant in 2008. Dr Ring gained a MD(Res) degree in 2005 and has gone on to become the UK lead for a number of seminal studies. Much of his research examines novel treatments and targeted therapies, with the aim of developing more effective, personalised treatments that improve patient survival and quality of life.
“With improved early detection, we’ll see more patients surviving breast cancer”
Q How have the treatment for breast cancer and patient outcomes changed during your career? A There have been staggering advances in the field of breast cancer over the past 20 years. We have made major progress in the development of targeted therapies, thanks to a better understanding of the molecular abnormalities in cancer cells. This means we can offer patients more individualised, personalised treatment options with reduced toxicity and better outcomes. Q What services do you provide at Cavendish Square? A Our patients benefit from a comprehensive service provided by national and international specialists. Blood and radiology diagnostic tests are available on the same day, with treatments such as targeted therapies and chemotherapy offered on site. My focus is on both diagnosis and
establishing appropriate and individualised treatment plans. Q Why is it so important to diagnose breast cancer early? A By improving the accuracy of early detection, we expect to see more and more patients surviving breast cancer. Early diagnosis requires a shift towards faster investigative testing and quicker responses to patients who present with symptoms. Q What does the future of breast cancer treatment look like? A Despite the increases in incidence of breast cancer, there has been an overall doubling of survival rates. There are a number of reasons for this, but it is largely due to early diagnosis, better surgical techniques and the increasing use of adjuvant therapies that reduce the risk of breast cancer returning. The future is positive for patients.
For referrals and enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
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As Europe’s largest cancer centre, The Royal Marsden has the expertise, facilities and technology to provide the highest standards of personalised care, and we treat more private patients than any other UK centre. By choosing The Royal Marsden, you are ensuring the best possible treatment and care, at the moment a patient needs it most. Because where a patient goes first really matters.
Life demands excellence
To refer a private patient, call our Private Care Contact Centre on +44 (0)20 3944 7350 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private 1 Private Care magazine
