Research

AWARENESS – RESEARCH – SUPPORT – EDUCATION

Bowel Cancer West is committed to contributing to vital research around bowel cancer which can help to make a difference to people living with the condition through the David Darke Research Grant.

Some donors ask us how a charity can make any difference in the greater scheme of cancer research. Whilst millions of pounds are invested every year by the leading research Institutes, Bowel Cancer West is confident it is also making its mark and flying the flag for the South West. Bowel Cancer West has selected the neglected areas of research, and these have a direct and tangible impact on cancer treatment outcomes.

Achieved with a minimal financial investment, the nationally recognised expertise available in our region means the West Country is the perfect place for Bowel Cancer West to make an impact.

With your support through donations and fundraising, these are some of the projects we have funded in recent years:

Patient Fitness for Surgery

This is a long-term study that was undertaken by Gary Minto, a consultant anaesthetist based at Derriford Hospital, to identify the links between patient fitness and clinical outcomes after surgery. The research compared and combined a simple exercise bike test with a CT scan of the heart (eliminating other lengthy procedures) in patients being assessed for major surgery. Early results were very positive, and the work has already had a direct impact on several patients.

Web-focused Methods of Coping with Bowel Cancer

A new website designed by Genetics Counsellor Selina Goodman (www.familyweb.org.uk) assists families living with a high risk of bowel cancer. This pioneering new project allows relatives to share information about their diagnosis with each other securely via the website, thus nurturing a supportive network or ‘web’ of contacts between family members. This can be vital in enabling relatives to get the screening they need to protect themselves. The website also provides accessible information about genetic forms of bowel cancer and what action people can take to reduce their risk of getting cancer. Getting the correct information to relatives can make a huge difference and potentially saves lives.

Patient Safety

Charlotte Hitchins’ work focuses on the impact of non-technical skills training on optimising patient safety. Her particular area of specialisation is endoscopy. This is a key element of the colorectal cancer diagnosis process and is a high turnover environment where errors and accidents can potentially occur.

Genetic Research

Laura Thomas is based at Cardiff University and investigated genetic mechanisms in polyposis of the bowel.

Cancer is caused by genetic mutation, so understanding cell behaviour at the genetic level is key to identifying techniques to fight it. The work done here will have immediate impact on patients throughout the UK. Identification of the causes of polyposis of the bowel in this group of patients allows for more accurate genetic diagnosis and improvements to the diagnostic techniques used.
More importantly, it allows for more appropriate management of polyposis of the bowel and genetic counselling for patients and their relatives who are at risk.

Outcome:
Bowel Cancer West pinpointed genetic research as a priority to stopping bowel cancer and set its sights on raising approximately £20,000. That goal became a reality and thanks to the support of its donors and fundraisers Bowel Cancer West hope to make a big impact on three significant projects:

Project 1

This project brings together scientists from the University of Exeter and surgeons from the Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Hospital Trust, to identify the mechanisms that cause normal cells to mutate into malignant cells to form bowel cancers. By understanding the DNA changes that occur in patients with bowel cancer, it is hoped to identify unique signals that will help with screening, choosing best treatments, developing new treatments and helping guide prognosis. This research can significantly improve outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer. Bowel Cancer West committed £5,712 to support this project.

Project 2

To create a model from patient intestinal tissue (patients with MAP or FAP) to demonstrate colorectal cancer development. This model will enable researchers to determine molecular dysfunction that occurs during the formation of a tumour in the colon, rectum and intestine. Understanding how this occurs can be crucial to preventing the development of cancer. Bowel Cancer West committed £9,549.49 to this project, to ensure this research went ahead.

Project 3

Mutations in the AXIN2 gene have been reported to have a role in causing colorectal effects. This project aimed to further explore such mutations, with the aim of genetically characterising the tumours which occur in the individuals who carry them. Once there is a better understanding of this gene, the care of patients and their families who are affected by such mutations will be optimised, to help prevent cancer from developing. Bowel Cancer West committed £5,000 to support this project.