Shaping the Future of Cancer Care

Cancer treatments are evolving rapidly, driven by a need to balance survival rates with patients' quality of life. Research at Queen’s University Belfast has spearheaded advancements in precision radiotherapy for prostate cancer, combining cutting-edge imaging, biomarker technologies, and innovative therapies. These advancements offer hope for tailored treatments that not only prolong life but also minimize the side effects that often accompany cancer care.

A Dual Challenge: Fighting Cancer and Preserving Quality of Life

Prostate cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity worldwide. While current treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can be effective, they often result in side effects, including urinary symptoms, bowel dysfunction, and diminished sexual health. Traditional approaches to radiotherapy, which rely on generalised protocols, struggle to account for individual patient differences. The challenge lies in creating a therapeutic approach that achieves precise tumour targeting, spares healthy tissue, and integrates rapidly advancing imaging and molecular technologies into routine care.

Innovating for Precision: Game-Changing Cancer Research 

Queen’s researchers have developed pioneering solutions to address these challenges, particularly in the field of adaptive radiotherapy. By harnessing advanced imaging modalities such as multi-parametric MRI and integrating biomarkers into treatment design, clinicians can now deliver radiotherapy that is both highly focused and personalised. 

One breakthrough includes the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a technique offering high-dose, pinpoint-accurate radiation delivery. This was explored in the SPORT trial, which assesses its safety and effectiveness for high risk localised prostate cancer. Researchers are not only measuring clinical outcomes but also incorporating patient-reported experiences to ensure that these treatments prioritize quality of life alongside efficacy. 

Additionally, Queen’s University researchers are investigating novel combinations of radiotherapy with immunotherapy. By enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, this combination therapy has the potential to achieve long-term disease control, even in advanced cancers. 

Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and global research networks are accelerating the translation of these innovations from the lab to clinical practice. This integrated approach ensures that new techniques are rigorously tested and can be adopted by healthcare providers worldwide.

“This research is about more than survival; it’s about ensuring that people live well after treatment. By combining technology and precision medicine, we’re changing the way cancer care is delivered, one patient at a time.”

- Professor Suneil Jain

Impacting Lives, Shaping Policies, and Setting Standards

The impact of this research is multifaceted, benefiting patients, healthcare systems, and the wider scientific community: 

• Better Patient Outcomes: Clinical trials at Queen’s have demonstrated that precision radiotherapy reduces side effects such as urinary and bowel complications, enabling patients to maintain better post-treatment quality of life. 
• Advances in Clinical Practice: The integration of advanced imaging and biomarkers has reshaped radiotherapy protocols, allowing for real-time adjustments during treatment and more effective tumour targeting. 
• Global Influence: Findings from these studies have informed international guidelines and set new benchmarks for cancer care, particularly in radiotherapy standards. 
• Economic Benefits: Reduced side effects and fewer complications mean lower long-term healthcare costs, making these treatments more accessible. 
• Training and Capacity Building: The research has supported the training of clinicians and scientists in cutting-edge techniques, creating a ripple effect in improving care globally.

Impact related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Learn more about Queen’s University’s commitment to nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research and education.