Major funding boost for radiotherapy research

Scientists and clinicians at the University of Leeds exploring new radiotherapy treatments and technologies have been given a major cash boost from Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

Over the next five years the CRUK Leeds Radiation Research Centre of Excellence (RadNet Leeds) will receive £2.94 million from the charity.

Combined with a further £5.6 million leveraged funding from the University, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and local charity and industry partners, it will allow the Centre to continue its world-class research and innovation in radiotherapy and ultimately help save lives.

Led by Leeds’ Professor David Sebag-Montefiore, a multidisciplinary team from the University and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will use the outstanding cancer biology, pathology and artificial intelligence expertise and facilities at the University to improve the understanding of how radiation affects cancer cells.

This will enable scientists to more accurately predict which tumours will respond to radiotherapy, and which will be resistant - helping to deliver smarter and kinder radiotherapy treatments that are personalised to the patient and their tumour.