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Research

UCARE's aim is to fund the best quality research by bringing together the knowledge and opinions of researchers, clinicians, and allied health professionals to support research and education in urological cancer.

All applications for grants are reviewed by our Scientific Advisory Committee and may be subject to external review to help the charity make decisions about funding in line with its objectives. With your support we will fund future research, provide research equipment and provide practical help, education and information for patients, families and the community.

An example of two projects we are currently funding are listed below. However, to see a more detailed current listing of our project grants please go to our projects.

Developing new anti-cancer treatments

Dr Macaulay (Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology) leads a research team at the internationally renowned Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine. The team studies the function of a cellular protein which is vital to the survival of cancer cells in the prostate, bladder and kidney.

Dr Macaulay and the team are now testing the potential therapeutic benefits of inhibiting the “cancer creating” function of this protein. In response to this and other research findings some major pharmaceutical companies have created drugs to do just this and Dr Macaulay wants to begin clinical trials in Oxford to test the efficacy of these drugs. This research project is designed to discover a treatment for prostate, kidney and bladder cancers that have not responded to traditional surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

UCARE also supports the Oxford Urology Department which has been developing the use of HIFU as a treatment for kidney cancers and related conditions. The team collaborates closely with Professor Gail ter Haar, one of the leading HIFU physicians in the world, who has been awarded “The Health Care Scientist of the Year” award for 2007.

HIFU Unit

HIFU is a great example of cutting edge technology which has huge potential for the future. Mr David Cranston, Consultant Urologist, talks about and demonstrates this innovative cancer treatment.

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Research grants

If you have a project for consideration, please see our research strategy and research grants sections.

“I was so delighted when I heard that UCARE would fund a senior scientist for my research team. This post is or critical importance as we use the scientific research in the lab to develop new drugs to improve the treatment options for patients.”
Dr Val Macaulay, Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology