This approach, known as neoadjuvant treatment, has shown promise as a treatment approach for some people with rectal cancer, but at the moment it’s hard for doctors to identify who will benefit most. By tackling this uncertainty, the initiative aims to deliver more personalised care, reduce unnecessary operations and improve quality of life for people with rectal cancer.
The project is funded thanks to a philanthropic donation from Bjorn Saven CBE and Inger Saven, who are long-standing supporters of both Cancer Research UK and the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
“This initiative reflects the kind of excellence and innovation that can truly change outcomes for cancer patients,” says Bjorn.
“We’re proud to support this research that’s not only ambitious but is rooted in real-world impact. It’s about improving lives through smarter, more personalised treatment.”
Currently, one of the biggest hurdles is the lack of reliable tools to predict who can be treated effectively with non-surgical approaches.
