Oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma: understanding disease pathogenesis and applications to earlier diagnosis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Cancer of the gullet (oesophagus) is increasing rapidly in the western world and has a very poor outcome unless diagnosed early. My research laboratory is focussed on better understanding how this cancer develops so that we can find better tools for diagnosis and treatment. We have made very good progress in developing a new diagnostic test called the Cytosponge. This comprises a cell collection device which can be given in the GP surgery and avoids endoscopy. The collected cells are then tested in the laboratory for protein and gene alterations that we have identified suggestive of precancerous changes. This test is now being developed for routine clinical use.
Technical Summary
Understand the underlying clinical, genetic and cell environmental factors that lead to the conversion of a low-risk pre-malignant state into invasive cancer.
Find new diagnostic tools that will identify those patients who are at an increased risk of developing cancer.
Improve the molecular characterisation of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and identify novel approaches for tumour classification, monitoring and therapy.
Find new diagnostic tools that will identify those patients who are at an increased risk of developing cancer.
Improve the molecular characterisation of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and identify novel approaches for tumour classification, monitoring and therapy.
People |
ORCID iD |
Publications
Alvi MA
(2013)
DNA methylation as an adjunct to histopathology to detect prevalent, inconspicuous dysplasia and early-stage neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus.
in Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
Bailey MH
(2020)
Retrospective evaluation of whole exome and genome mutation calls in 746 cancer samples.
in Nature communications
Bansal A
(2015)
Biomarkers in Barrett's Esophagus: Role in Diagnosis, Risk Stratification, and Prediction of Response to Therapy.
in Gastroenterology clinics of North America
Blair VR
(2020)
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer: updated clinical practice guidelines.
in The Lancet. Oncology
Blayney JK
(2018)
Glucose transporter 1 expression as a marker of prognosis in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
in Oncotarget
Boerwinkel DF
(2014)
Fluorescence imaging for the detection of early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus: old looks or new vision?
in European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
Bornschein J
(2019)
Transcriptomic profiling reveals three molecular phenotypes of adenocarcinoma at the gastroesophageal junction.
in International journal of cancer
Buas MF
(2014)
Integrative post-genome-wide association analysis of CDKN2A and TP53 SNPs and risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
in Carcinogenesis
Related Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC_UU_12022/1 | 01/10/2013 | 31/03/2022 | £4,906,000 | ||
| MC_UU_12022/2 | Transfer | MC_UU_12022/1 | 01/10/2013 | 31/03/2022 | £3,901,000 |
| Description | 1. Member of the Screening Advisory Body Task and Finish |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | ACED Alliance UK-US F2F - New York |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Building on the foundations, of a world leading cancer centre and ean Early Detection programme, Professor Fitzgerald will lead and advice this programme Cambridge will design, develop and deliver ACED Clinic Cambridge to drive early-phase clinical trials of new diagnostic technologies. Cambridge offers robust early detection capabilities, including the ability to accelerate testing, develop new training programmes and act as a catalyst in the creation of new treatments, technologies and tools. |
| URL | https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/research-opportunities-in-early-detection-a... |
| Description | Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Award |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | None |
| Description | Association of Physicians in Glasgow, Invited Chair at conference and board meeting |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | CRUK Executive Board Meeting |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | CRUK SAB Talk |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | India-UK Challenge Advisory Panel |
| Geographic Reach | Asia |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Invited lecture as part of Medtronic Advisory Board |
| Geographic Reach | North America |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Lead for a series of workshops and Evidence Review for "Improving cancer screening in the European Union" under the auspices of the Science Advice for Policy by European Academies |
| Geographic Reach | Europe |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or Improved professional practice |
| Impact | This expert evidence review shows there are a small number of crucial opportunities available to the EU Commission and member states to optimise existing breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programmes, along with a sound scientific basis for introducing lung and prostate cancer screening programmes. Promising emerging tests and novel multi-cancer screening technologies are not yet ready for primetime, but research is moving fast. Adding all this together has the potential to make a real impact in ensuring uniformity, quality and equity in cancer screening across the EU, minimising harms and maximising the health benefits for all. This review has led to a series of policy recommendation from SAPEA which are being handed to the European commission in March 2022. |
| Description | Participated in Pre-Cancer Atlas Think Tank Meeting , NCI, Bathesda USA |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Research Board member of UEG (United European Gastroenterology) |
| Geographic Reach | Europe |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | The Research Board of UEG promotes and enhances digestive health research in Europe by advising and providing evidence to funding bodies on priority areas for research.Professor Fitzgerald is an active contributor to this board. |
| URL | https://www.ueg.eu/about-ueg/structure/boards-committees/research-board/ |
| Description | Screening Advisory Body Working Group Meeting |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Significant high level contributions throughout UEG Week ( the largest and most prestigious GI meeting in Europe which is now also a global congress about GI diseases) |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Professor Fitzgeralad contributed/participated to all of the following areas which collectively impact on the prevention and care of Digestive diseases in Europe . (1) UEG Research Board (2) UEG Equality & Diversity Taskforce meeting (3) UEG Presidential Dinner (4) Chairing session: Emerging biomarkers in GI cancer medicine (5) Hotspot in Anniversary Session: Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Reducing acid and complications (6) 'Biomarkers' Presentation in Session: Diagnostic tools for GI diseases |
| URL | https://www.ueg.eu/week/ |
| Description | policy workshop on the future of Genomic Medicine (Trinity Hall, Cambridge) The Future of Genomic Medicine Patents in Europe and the US: beyond Sequenom, Prometheus, Monsanto & FLT3 |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| URL | http://www.csap.cam.ac.uk/events/future-genomic-medicine-patents-europe-and-us/ |
| Description | ACT |
| Amount | £22,185 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | LCC/13/14 D |
| Organisation | Addenbrooke's Hospital |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2014 |
| End | 07/2015 |
| Description | Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (Massi Di Pietro) |
| Amount | £22,185 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2014 |
| End | 07/2015 |
| Description | CCC PhD Studentship-RFE |
| Amount | £160,131 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Cambridge Cancer Centre |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2012 |
| End | 10/2015 |
| Description | CRUK - CLINICAL TRAINING AWARD CYCLE 2 (A K-S) |
| Amount | £214,872 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Cancer Research UK |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2015 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | CRUK Project Grant - Cambridge-Manchester Imaging Centre |
| Amount | £210,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Cancer Research UK |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2013 |
| End | 11/2018 |
| Description | CRUK Project grant |
| Amount | £289,313 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Cancer Research UK |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2015 |
| End | 12/2017 |
| Description | Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) - Research Capability |
| Amount | £30,939 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Addenbrooke's Hospital |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2015 |
| End | 03/2016 |
| Description | Cambridge liquid biopsy and tumour profiling study for patients on experimental pilot study of immune-oncology drugs using |
| Amount | £145,750 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MEDI4736 |
| Organisation | AstraZeneca |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2018 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | Canary Joint Pump Priming Award |
| Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Cambridge Cancer Centre |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 03/2020 |
| Description | Cancer Research UK - China Study |
| Amount | £289,313 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | C14478/A18119 |
| Organisation | Cancer Research UK |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2015 |
| End | 12/2017 |
| Description | EBPOD Fellow - Sarah Killcoyne |
| Amount | £113,281 (GBP) |
| Organisation | EMBL European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL - EBI) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2016 |
| End | 12/2019 |
| Description | IMPROVING OESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA OUTCOMES THROUGH UNDERSTANDING GENOMICS AND TREATMENT TOXICITY |
| Amount | $999,293 (AUD) |
| Funding ID | APP 1147117 |
| Organisation | National Health and Medical Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Australia |
| Start | 01/2018 |
| End | 12/2020 |
| Description | Mutogtaphs of cancer: Discoveringthe causes of cancer through mutational signatures |
| Amount | $80,000 (USD) |
| Funding ID | GEP/18/14 |
| Organisation | International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | France |
| Start | 06/2018 |
| End | 05/2019 |
| Description | Queen Mary University Project Grant |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 13/WA/0151 |
| Organisation | Queen Mary University of London |
| Department | Clinical Research Facilities |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2013 |
| End | 02/2014 |
| Description | THE ORAL MICROBIOME FOR THE DETECTION OF BARRETT?S ESOPHAGUS |
| Amount | $106,825 (USD) |
| Funding ID | 2(GG012885-01 |
| Organisation | National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 06/2019 |
| End | 05/2024 |
| Description | UEG Prize |
| Amount | € 200,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | United European Gastroenterology |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Austria |
| Start | 10/2014 |
| End | 10/2017 |
| Description | Univ N Carolina - Stratifying Risk in Barretts Esophagus |
| Amount | £77,640 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 09/2012 |
| End | 08/2015 |
| Description | Univ North Carolina - Diagnosis and Monitoring |
| Amount | £9,091 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 07/2014 |
| End | 06/2015 |
| Description | Univ North Carolina - Non-endoscopic surveillance for Barretts Esophagus |
| Amount | £6,548 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 09/2013 |
| End | 08/2016 |
| Description | Univ North Carolina-non endoscopic surveillence-Barretts Esophagus |
| Amount | £14,448 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 09/2014 |
| End | 08/2016 |
| Title | Mutational Signature Detection by Restriction Anzyme-Associated DNA Sequencing (mutREAD) |
| Description | Mutational processes acting on cancer genomes can be traced by investigating mutational signatures. Because high sequencing costs limit current studies to small numbers of goodquality samples, we propose a robust, cost- and time-effective method, called mutREAD, to detect mutational signatures from small quantities of DNA, including degraded samples. We show that mutREAD recapitulates mutational signatures identified by whole genome sequencing, and will ultimately allow the study of mutational signatures in larger cohorts and, by compatibility with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, in clinical settings. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | mutREAD is a cost effective and scalable method for the detection of mutational signatures in DNA samples. mutREAD produces reproducible and highly specific reduced representation libraries and the derived mutational signatures mirror the WGS-derived signatures high cosine similarity. Importantly, this also holds true even when used with highly degraded DNA samples. Our method will ultimately allow the study of mutational signatures in much larger cohorts and in clinical settings where FFPE-derived DNA samples are routinely collected. Applied to tumor samples from EAC patients, we showed that mutREAD outperforms the previously proposed methods WES and 10× sWGS. EAC is characterized by abundant somatic mutations, which are most prevalent in intergenic and intronic regions. The choice of library preparation methods to study mutational signatures in other cancer types will depend on the overall mutation rate and the genomic distribution of the somatic mutations. In terms of scalability and cost mutREAD outperforms other methods. In our hands, the cost associated with mutREAD libraries synthesis is 80% lower than for 10× sWGS and 96% lower than for WES libraries. Sequencing costs on the Illumina HiSeq 4000 are comparable for WES and mutREAD libraries, while sequencing 10× WGS libraries is at least three times more expensive. Further, due to its high multiplexing capabilities for sequencing and for library preparation mutREAD is highly scalable for studying larger cohorts. Given its ease of use and low cost, we envision a wide range of applications for mutREAD to study mutational signatures in basic research and translational settings. For example, clinical trials using mutational signature-based patient stratification to assign optimal therapies become feasible. mutREAD could further improve the mutational signature-based prediction of homologous recombination deficiency in clinical samples14,26. Together with computational tools for coarse-grained copy alteration detection, mutREAD could provide a detailed view of the role of mutational processes in cancer progression and evolution from archived material. Finally, correlative analyses of mutational signatures with endogenous and environmental parameters to understand the source of so far unknown mutational signatures will shed light on the etiology of cancers. |
| URL | https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16974-3 |
| Description | Participating in Don Listwin visit (Founder, Chairman, CEO, Canary Foundation) |
| Organisation | Canary Foundation |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Professor Fitzgerald met Don Listwin (Founder, Chairman, CEO, Canary Foundation) on behalf of the Cambridge Cancer Centre (CCC) to showcase research and to discuss prospects of joint ventures and funding opportunities for the Early Detection Programme of the CCC. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Don Listwin seeks to establish a collaborative framework trhough which commom research goals can be funded and realised |
| Impact | The collaboration is still in the inception stages so no outcomes to report yet. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Title | NHS England & NHS Scotland have started a Cytosponge implementation project |
| Description | The Cytosponge(TM) is being implemented in the clinic by NHS England and NHS Scotland. This follows on from the BEST3 trial, which was published in the Lancet in 2020 (DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31099-0). |
| Type | Diagnostic Tool - Non-Imaging |
| Current Stage Of Development | Wide-scale adoption |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2020 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Clinical Trial? | Yes |
| Impact | Implementation of the Cytosponge in primary care should diagnose Barrett's Oesophagus and early stage Oesophageal adenocarcinoma and allow treatment of these conditions before they progress further. This should have an overall effect on severity of illness experienced by the patients. |
| Description | 18 March - 2019 Cambridge Gravity networking event. Attendance at this event in honour of Sir Gregory Winter and his many achievements. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The event was in honour of Noble laureate Sir Gregory Winter and his many achievements. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | 31 October - Prime Minister briefing at Addenbrookes, |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, about the Cytosponge and other early detection devices during a visit to the National Institute for Health Research at the Cambridge Clinical Research Facility, in Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge In October 2019. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.alamy.com/prime-minister-boris-johnson-speaks-with-professor-rebecca-fitzgerald-who-help... |
| Description | ACED launch Press Briefing (October 2019) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The ACED Alliance, which unites five world-leading centres for early detection, is a science-led, collaborative investment that will support early detection of cancer research. Representing up to £40 million of investment, this initiative aims to foster collaboration, infrastructure development and training across these outstanding UK and US Centres within the Alliance and for the wider early detection research community. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-50088180 |
| Description | Boots WebMD news story |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | News coverage in Boots WebMD; a online leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information. Improved awareness of risks associated with oesophageal cancer and of uses of the Cytosponge device. Increased public awareness of the Cytosponge device for detection of early changes associated with oesophageal cancer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.webmd.boots.com/cancer/news/20150721/sponge-diagnoses-cancer |
| Description | Cam Uni press release |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Cambridge University press release on research discovery Increased awareness of research and its impact, as release was picked up several national and international outlets |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/oesophageal-cancer-gene-identified |
| Description | Cambridge News news story |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | News coverage in Cambridge News. Improved awareness of risks associated with oesophageal cancer and of the uses of the Cytosponge device. Increased public awareness of the Cytosponge device for detection of early changes associated with oesophageal cancer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/New-Cambridge-throat-cancer-diagnosis-swallowed/story-27448851-detai... |
| Description | Cambridge Science Festival 2014 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Researchers discussed their work and coordinated activities for the public such as DNA extraction. Increased awareness of cancer research and its importance |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Cambridge Science Festival Talk: Does a pill on a string hold the answer for earlier diagnosis of oesophageal cancer? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This talk was given as part of the Cambridge Science Festival 2016. Through her talk, 'Does a pill on a string hold the answer for earlier diagnosis of oesophageal cancer?' Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, described the 10-year journey to develop the Cytosponge test and what it takes to get such a simple idea into the clinic. Her talk highlighted and sparked interest about one of the biggest problems faced by patients and practitioners in cancer cure- late diagnosis. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/news/insights-finding-cure-cancer |
| Description | Channel 4 television |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Cytosponge device appeared on C4's Embarrassing Bodies bodies, along with information on risks of heartburn and cancer Increased awareness of risk associated with heartburn and of new diagnostic device |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Cytosponge webinar for oesphageal patient charity ECAN |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | This was a webinar for patients and carers, organised by the US charity Esophageal Cancer Action Network. Results from BEST3 were presented. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Daily Mail news story |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Publication in Daily Mail Online. Increased awareness of early diagnosis/prevention of oesophageal cancer. Informed public of new research and the Cytosponge device for detecting early changes associated with oesophageal cancer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3168433/Swallowing-sponge-string-diagnose-throat-cancer-Ti... |
| Description | Dinner event at Pembroke College in honour of Roy Quek (Executive Chairman of Thomson Medical Centre Ltd) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Professor Fitzgerald attended this networking event as a representative oft he Clinical School by invitation of the Regius Professor of Physic and Head of the School of Clinical Medicine of the University of Cambridge. The event was instrumental in scouting for opportunities and initiating funding and research collaboration related plans between both organisations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Expert panellist in the first ever cancer-related event to form part of the Cambridge University Festival of Ideas: |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | On 24th October a packed audience gathered at the McCrum lecture theatre in the heart of Cambridge to attend the Festival of Ideas event "Is earlier necessarily better?" This was the first ever cancer-themed event to feature in the Festival of Ideas, which generally focuses more on the arts and social sciences. The premise of the event was to explore the wider, societal issues surrounding cancer screening (psychological, social, economic, philosophical). This is an under-researched area currently being explored by the Early Detection Programme. The event itself featured a panel of seven experts from across the academic disciplines including law, history and philosophy of science, radiology, cancer genetics and surgery. Chaired by cancer geneticist Prof Sir Bruce Ponder, the panel and audience were inspired to discussion using clips from the BBC Horizon programme episode entitled 'Are health tests really a good idea'? The audience engagement was informed and thought provoking, resulting in a very stimulating cross-disciplinary exchange of views and ideas. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk/events/earlier-necessarily-better |
| Description | HCUK East Anglia Virtual Event: Caring for Heartburn & Cancer Patients |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | A virtual event was organised in conjunction with the charity, Heartburn Cancer UK, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the management of reflux and precancerous/cancerous conditions. There were three speakers from Rebecca Fitzgerald's team. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | HCUK meetings (meeting with Trustees in March and patients in September) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Public engagement with patients and trustees |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Annual Meeting for patients and families, |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | The meeting held on 6 June was for patients and families, public engagement. This event brought together approximately 100 patients and families living with HDGC to update them on recent advances in clinical care and research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | International Womens Day interview to the Guardian newspaper |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was an interview that highlighted the contributions and role of women in science in the field of cancer |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Interview with BBC Look East Science Correspondent for BBC Look East news |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Sarah Bohndiek, Dr Massimiliano di Pietro and Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald from the Early Detection Programme appeared on BBC Look East on Friday 2nd March to mark the start of a new clinical trial in patients with Barrett's oesophagus. The coverage describes a multidisciplinary research project that has developed the novel application of a multispectral imaging camera for use in endoscopy to detect early pre-cancerous changes in the oesophageal lining. This project is funded by Cancer Research UK and Stand Up to Cancer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=Xng3spuTl-4 |
| Description | Interview with BBC Radio Cambridgeshire |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Informed public of new research and increase awareness of risks associated with heartburn. Increased awareness of Cytosponge device for Barretts oesophagus. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Interview with local ITV News |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Informed public of new research and increased awareness of risks associated with heartburn. Informed public of the Cytosponge device for Barrett's oesophagus. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Launch of Breathalyser Trial. Covered in a wide selection of TV and newspaper articles |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | On the 3rd Jan the Breathalyser Trial clinical trial was launched to develop a breath test, analysing molecules that could indicate the presence of cancer at an early stage. This is the first test of its kind to investigate multiple cancer types. To mark the launch of Breathalyser Trial there was widespread coverage across Radio 4 Today Programme, BBC Breakfast TV show, ITV 6pm News interview and segment, BBC 6pm News interview and segment, BBC Look East studio interview. Also covered in large number of news outlets online (CNN, Sky, Guardian etc) plus in print copy of Sun Newspaper. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.earlydetectioncambridge.org.uk/news-events/news/clinical-trial-launched-to-develop-breat... |
| Description | Lecture to Clinical School students on Introduction to Early Detection of Cancer |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Lecture to Clinical School students on Introduction to Early Detection of Cancer |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | NCRI Cancer Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Gave a presentation on Early Detection and Prevention and was a table host on Clinical Scientist Careers in the Women in Science workshop |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://conference.ncri.org.uk/ |
| Description | News coverage in Cambridge News to coincide with World Cancer Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A news article featured in Cambridge News to coincide with World Cancer Day. The article describes the support networks, new equipment and facilities that are now available to patients presenting to Addenbrookes Hospital with cancer. It also describes the Early Detection Programme, the research projects around this, the Cytosponge, and other ways in which researchers are looking to detect cancer at its earliest stages (at the MRC Cancer Unit). This article raised awareness of the facilities, services and ongoing research in cancer at Addenbrookes Hospital and the MRC Cancer Unit. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/World-Cancer-Day-state-cancer-care-Cambridge/story-28666014-detail/s... |
| Description | News coverage of BEST3 trial in Cambridge News |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A news article was published in Cambridge News, which raised awareness of funding awarded to the MRC Cancer Unit (Fitzgerald group) for a new trial of 4,000 patients in GP practices to see if a new test (Cytosponge) can detect the earliest stages of cancer. This article raised awareness of the dangers associated with persistent heartburn and communicated information on this trial to prospective patients. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Doctors-warn-persistent-heartburn-Cambridge/story-28363767-detail/st... |
| Description | News coverage of Nature publication and Cytosponge device in BBC News Online. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Online coverage of Nature publication and Cytosponge device by BBC news. Improved awareness of risks associated with oesophageal cancer and of the uses of the Cytosponge device. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29877701 |
| Description | News coverage of Nature publication and Cytosponge device in Newsweek. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | News coverage in a Newsweek magazine. Improved awareness of risks associated with oesophageal cancer and of the uses of the Cytosponge device. Increased public awareness of the Cytosponge device for detection of early changes associated with oesophageal cancer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://europe.newsweek.com/pill-string-could-save-thousands-lives-early-cancer-diagnosis-330559 |
| Description | News coverage of the Early Detection Programme (and funding awarded to support this) in Cambridge News |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A news article was published in Cambridge News to communicate the Early Detection Programme at CRUK-CI and Addenbrookes/Rosie Hospital, as well as funding that has been received from CRUK to support this programme. This raised awareness of the importance of early detection of cancer as well as the research that is being undertaken by Prof Rebecca Fitzgerald in this field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/New-research-programme-Cambridge-help-detect/story-28580097-detail/s... |
| Description | News story in Gizmag |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | News coverage in Gizmag online publication. Improved awareness of risks associated with oesophageal cancer and of the uses of the Cytosponge device. Increased public awareness of the Cytosponge device for detection of early changes associated with oesophageal cancer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.gizmag.com/pill-string-cancer-stomach/38547/ |
| Description | Panellist for CRUK webinar 'Rising to the challenge of early detection' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | CRUk-organised webinar titled 'Rising to the Challenge: why cancer early detection can't wait'. WEBINAR SERIES BACKGROUND INFO Rising to the Challenge: A webinar series with the leading voices in biomedical research The Rising to the Challenge webinar series was launched in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its aim was to keep CRUK's philanthropic supporters stimulated and engaged throughout the crisis by inviting them to listen to, learn from and question a number of world leaders in science and medicine. The series crosses geographical, disciplinary and topical boundaries and offers the opportunity to get close to the greatest scientific and clinical challenges of our time by engaging personally with those who are rising to them every day. The first few webinars of the series focussed on CRUK's response to COVID-19, however we are now moving on and refocussing our messaging around our core purpose, cancer. THIS WEBINAR: Rising to the Challenge: Why cancer early detection research can't wait We know that detecting and diagnosing cancer earlier can save more lives than anything else we can do. Which is why, even during the coronavirus pandemic, the vital work we fund to improve the early detection of cancer must continue. It cannot fall by the wayside. At this Rising to the Challenge webinar, our supporters will meet some of our leading lights in this field and hear how we're nurturing a pipeline of talent and establishing global collaborations to futureproof an area of cancer research that could have the biggest impact on improving survival. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Participation in Cambridge University Science Festival (2015-16) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Cambridge Science Festival aims to reach out to the general public and communicate about the different aspects of science and research being undertaken at the University. It is a free event, over two weeks, with an excess of 270 events and more than 30000 attendees. As part of this, the MRC CU along with the CRUK CI organised a set of talks and activities that were attended by over 100 people from all walks of life - from young children and young adults to parents/carers and professionals. The Fitzgerald lab was part of the MRC CU team at this event. The event generated a lot of interest in cancer research, helped raise awareness about the importance of 'early' in cancer which is the mission of the MRC CU and also led to a lot of interest being generated in the MRC Festival of Science which followed on later in the year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/events?search_api_views_fulltext=cancer |
| Description | Participation in MRC Festival of Science Open Day 2016 at MRC CU |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 60 sixth-form students from across 8 schools in Cambridge visited the MRC Cancer Unit on the afternoon of the 22nd of June, 2016 for an Open Day. All students, accompanied by their teachers, were given a tour of the enitre building with an opportunity for engaging with researchers about the state of the art in cancer research and gaining hands-on experience with setting up experiments. Talks about career opportunities and challenges associated with pursuing cancer research were also available to all attendees. The event sparked a great deal of interest and enthusiasm in students and teachers alike and we have had a request for this event to be continued. We will be pursuing a similar format of activities for the MRC Science Festival in 2017, but reach out to more number of schools, including those outside of Cambridge city perimeters. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://mrccancerunit.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-cancer-researchers-t... |
| Description | Presentation to Addenbrooke's Hospital Cancer Patient Partnership Group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Talk on the importance of early detection of cancer |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Presentation to Astra Zeneca on 'Early Detection in Cancer' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Invited to present to Astra Zeneca on Early Detection of Cancer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Public Engagement talk for MacMillan, |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | public engagement talk to spreads awarness and showcase innovation in early detection research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Radio Interview - Women Making Waves |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Prof Fitzgerald spoke about the Cytosponge and more recent applications such as a breath test as a way of diagnosing cancer. She talks to Linda Ness about her work. The platform would allow wide dissemination of information about early detection. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://womenmakingwaves.co.uk/episode-21 |
| Description | Science plenary talk for Institute of Continuing Education |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Gave an educational talk on cancer research for school teachers to a large audience |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Speaker at Cambridge University Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Professor Fitzgerald gave a talk at this event to a mixed audience as part of the University Science festival. The format of the event was similar to the previously screened BBC Horizon programme to stimulate panel and audience discussion. her talk was entitled Are health tests really a good idea? |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Telegraph News Story |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | News coverage in Daily Telegraph. Improved awareness of risks associated with oesophageal cancer and of the uses of the Cytosponge device. Increased public awareness of the Cytosponge device for detection of early changes associated with oesophageal cancer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11751447/Pill-on-a-string-can-detect-cancer-without-need... |
| Description | Visit to Local Secondary School STEM Club to generate interest in Year 10-11 students fr STEM subjects |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Professor Fitzgerald and Dr Jamie Blundell visited the STEM club at a local secondary school, Sawston Village College, Cambridgeshire, to deliver a session about some aspects of their research. The program was tailored to include hands on activities that would be interesting for the target audience (Year 10-11 students mostly) and would inspire them to take up careers in STEM and research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
| Description | interview with BBC Look East Science Correspondent for BBC Look East news programme |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Professor Fitzgerald did an interview that provided an overview on the need for early detection research and the potential to apply innovations from a range of disciplines to tackle some of the challenges in detecting and treating cancer early. The coverage describes a multidisciplinary research project that has developed the novel application of a multispectral imaging camera for use in endoscopy to detect early pre-cancerous changes in the oesophageal lining. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.earlydetectioncambridge.org.uk/news-events/news/early-oesophageal-cancer-holographic-end... |