Royal spotlight on cancer research: Duke of Gloucester visits University of Surrey
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester toured the University of Surrey's state-of-the-art oncology research labs.
Hosted by Surrey's Oncology research team and Topic of Cancer, The Duke discussed the University's immunotherapy research. His Royal Highness took a particular interest in the use of exercise to improve anti-tumour responses in oesophageal cancer. He also explored disparities in prostate cancer, the role of the microbiome in bladder cancer, the biological factors influencing long-term survival in pancreatic cancer, and the development of a prostate cancer vaccine.
Surrey's research team focuses on immunotherapy, a treatment that helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. Currently, they are tackling cancers such as pancreatic, oesophageal, prostate, bladder, malignant melanoma, and ovarian. This work is supported by their close collaboration with clinicians at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, allowing for seamless integration of research and patient care.
There are different types of immunotherapies. These include monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and vaccines. Some types of immunotherapies are also called targeted treatments or biological therapies.
Notes to editors
Topic of Cancer helps fund immunotherapy research at the University of Surrey. The charity also works with the research team to share their findings with the public through meetings and runs workshops for local sixth-form students. Additionally, Topic of Cancer supports cancer patients, their families, and carers with a choir and tailored exercise classes. As a volunteer-run charity, it has a very low overhead of just 2%, meaning nearly all donations go directly to support their work. For more information, visit: www.topicofcancer.org.uk
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