Research Nurse
Project update 2 - May 2025
UCARE's support funding helps provide research support for many important trials, such as the PART study which aims to test whether treating only the part of the prostate containing the prostate cancer is as effective in curing prostate cancer as treating the whole prostate gland, and has fewer side effects. Treatment of the whole prostate gland (known as ‘radical’ treatment) includes surgical removal, radiotherapy, or brachytherapy.
The exciting thing about this trial is the impact it will have on patients equity of access to focal therapies such as Nano knife and HIFU. The PART trial has allowed us to begin to deliver focal therapy to areas across the UK that previously did not have access to these therapies, Western General in Edinburgh for example has delivered the first Nano Knife procedure in Scotland as a result of being in the PART trial.
The ProMOTE trial, running at Oxford, is an evaluation study of molecular imaging techniques in intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer patients using deep red/near-infrared fluorescence imaging with a fluorescent imaging molecule during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to define extra-capsular and nodal involvement and optimise the extent of surgical resection.
This trial uses an in-house developed imaging device and a investigative medicinal product that in lay terms attaches itself to cancer cells, which then fluoresce in real time in surgery.
This technique will potentially improve visibility of lesions in surgery and increase the rate of complete excision of cancerous tissue and negative margins.
These examples highlight how the received funding allows the Surgical Research Team to continue to support the important work being done here in Oxford.
The funding will allow us going forward to support the many projects that are coming through the QUANTUM biobank as it gathers momentum.
Project Update - July 2024
We are very pleased we have been able to make this first year grant commitment for the post of Research Nurse dealing with urology trials.
Our very grateful thanks to Huntercombe Golf Captains Rebecca and Peter for choosing us as their charity of the year in 2023.
Grateful thanks to the family and friends who donated £2000 in memory of Dr Patrick Baird.
Also thanks to the Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group (OPCSG) for £6000 over two years towards the nurse position
To support the urology research trials we are fundraising for a Research Nurse at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.
This role will play a vital role in delivering clinical research, and ultimately improving patient care and treatment pathways.
Research nurses provide a huge amount of additional support to the patient and their family at a very difficult time and help them to understand their treatment options.
Research is essential
It is the only evidence-based method of deciding whether a new approach to treatment or care is better than the current standard, and is essential to diagnose, treat, prevent, and cure disease.
A Research Nurse provides care and treatment for patients involved in medical studies. They are responsible for monitoring the health and safety of patients under strict conditions of regulatory oversight, and for collecting and interpreting data for research purposes.
Some of the trials currently supported by research nurses in Oxford include: the TRANSLATE, PART, PROMOTE & FINESSE Trials as well as the QUANTUM Biobank. Each of these Oxford-led endeavours involve collaborators from around the UK and seek to deliver high-level evidence on surgical cancer care to the international community