CANCER RESEARCH UK’S CENTRE FOR DRUG DEVELOPMENT IS UNIQUE IN THE WORLD
Research UK, ‘is a significant milestone in Cancer Research UK’s commitment to finding better treatments for cancer patients who desperately need them. By looking at drugs which are already available, and working with the Cancer Drugs Fund, our trial has a direct route to provide long- term patient access to potentially life-saving
An evaluation report compiled by the University of Strathclyde has found that more than twelve per cent of patients cared for by one of Scotland’s three Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (RCDS) received an early cancer diagnosis.
The findings indicate that the pilot services – which are available to patients in NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Dumfries & Galloway and NHS Fife - are providing a clinically safe and effective rapid service that can either rule in or rule out cancer for patients, who are displaying or experiencing a range of non-specific symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue and nausea. The service allows people to get tests and results more quickly than previously.
drugs which weren’t previously available to patients with rare cancers.
‘Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development is unique in the world and the partnerships they have built with pharmaceutical companies will enable this critical trial.”‘
Hundreds of patients receive earlier referral
Findings across the three services include: • 962 patients were seen up to October 2022 • 12.1 per cent of patients received a cancer diagnosis
• 33.8 per cent received a diagnosis of a non- cancerous specific health issue.
• 54 per cent received no diagnosis and were provided reassurance, with the majority redirected to primary care
The report also reflects on the experience of patients and primary care clinicians that have used a Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service. High patient satisfaction ratings were given by 96% of patients and the same proportion felt diagnostic tests were carried out quickly.
Consistency in cancer treatment urged across Scotland Healthcare Improvement Scotland has urged NHS boards to strive for consistently high levels of care, and improved accessibility to services, to remove barriers to care for people with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
The Scottish Government commissioned Healthcare Improvement Scotland to review Cancer Quality Performance Indicators data to compare performance nationally.
The review shows that there were a number of inconsistencies, in particular relating to delays following positive diagnosis of malignant melanoma and the subsequent removal of the tumour. The report urges NHS boards to take action to focus on meeting future targets for this.
The report also recommends action to ensure that patients with advanced melanoma receive a detailed scan within 35 days of their pathology reports. Currently patients living in some NHS board areas have to wait longer than others to receive scans, which may delay surgical referrals.
‘We have identified that there are a number of areas where practice across Scotland is inconsistent,’ said Lynsey Cleland, Director of Quality Assurance at Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
‘We understand the ongoing impact the COVID- 19 pandemic is having on service provision. However, NHS boards and regional cancer networks should work together to explore innovative solutions and develop robust action plans. Such actions will help reduce waiting times, deliver improved patient pathways and overall improvements in outcomes for melanoma patients.’
PRACTICE ACROSS SCOTLAND IS INCONSISTENT
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