Clatterbridge Cancer Centre secures grant to boost groundbreaking research and trials

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) has received a significant financial boost with the award of nearly £800,000 from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

This investment will enhance the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s (CCC) ability to deliver cutting-edge research and clinical trials.

The money was given after a successful bid facilitated by the Trust’s Research and Innovation Directorate team in the NIHR Capital Investment Call 2023/2024 competition.

The award of £786,348 runs until March 31, 2027, and was given after a bid which outlined how the money could enhance Clatterbridge’s capability and capacity to conduct innovative research, including plans for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the investment. 

The bid also had to demonstrate how the investment was suitable to enhance research at the Trust and value for money.

The funding was specifically allocated for:

• A Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) and CT system to improve precision in radiotherapy research and treatment.
• Two satellite laboratories to be built at our Wirral and Halton hubs, in order to decentralise research and reach underserved communities.
• A CAR-T therapy system to enhance our work in cellular therapies.

Clatterbridge a national leader in NHS cancer research, with more than 1,000 patients taking part in around 60 cancer-related studies, including pioneering clinical trials.

More than a dozen cancer vaccine clinical trials, led by its Director of Clinical Research Professor Christian Ottensmeier, a world authority in these ground-breaking therapies, are taking place at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool.

Clatterbridge is also involved in important research collaborations with the likes of Liverpool University Hospitals and Liverpool Heart and Chest in the Liverpool Clinical Research Facility; with the University of Liverpool in the Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre; and with national research partners, including The Royal Marsden, in a Biomedical Research Centre.

Dr Gillian Heap, Director of Research and Innovation Operations, said:

“We are delighted to be given this funding award after detailing how this investment can enhance research at Clatterbridge.

“CCC is a world-leading research centre and our research portfolio is expanding in size and prestige. This funding will help us to achieve even more in the next few years.”

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is one of 36 hospitals being given a share of £30m to combat cancer and other major diseases through the NIHR in this funding round.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the grants would “help more patients get their lives back so they can share precious moments with their loved ones”.

Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS England national director of transformation, said:

“The NHS is determined to be at the forefront of the technological revolution, and this funding for projects including trials of advanced therapies in regenerative medicine and extending AI capabilities, is another step forward.

“Cutting edge research to improve the prevention, management and treatment of diseases – including cancer, heart disease and Parkinson’s – has the potential to greatly improve patients’ lives.”

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive of the NIHR, said: 

“This significant investment will provide NHS trusts in England with the high-quality equipment, technology and facilities they need to deliver cutting edge research that benefits the public.

“The NIHR is directing this funding so that it reaches the areas and people with the greatest need, giving more communities the chance to take part in life-changing clinical trials. This will not only benefit patients directly, but also support the economic growth of the country, helping to position the UK as an attractive place for innovative companies to invest in research.”

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