Research
The North West has a long tradition of research across the region, having published historically important, clinical & scientific studies dating back to the 1980s. This has included seminal studies of the conservative management of prostate cancer, kidney obstruction secondary to benign prostate enlargement and the use of nuclear medicine techniques in obstructed kidneys.
Over the years the region has moved steadily with the global research community into the arena of molecular medicine, whilst maintaining a national stance in clinical trials. Although clinical trials are run across the whole region, molecular research is concentrated within the main cancer centres and CRUK laboratories, with grant funding in excess of £1,000,000.
The majority of our hospitals participate in NCRI studies such as STAMPEDE, BOXIT, RADICALS, HYM, CHIPP, TRAPEZE and CROP. We have also built significant collaborations with other UK and international centres. The publication record of some of our centres is internationally recognised and, in total, we have produced over 400 research articles, book chapters and other publications.
Below are listed examples of the vast amount of diverse research that is continuing in the North West:
- The mechanism for the formation of bone metastasis in prostate cancer, and identifying markers for the development of new treatments.
- The role of lipids in prostate cancer development and progression.
- The effectiveness of new chemotherapies for advanced prostate cancer.
- The identification of prostate cancer stem cells, which will aid our understanding of the disease and help us identify new markers for treatment.
- The identification of organ sparing techniques for the treatment of bladder cancer. This uses chemotherapy and radiation to treat invasive bladder cancer, reducing the need to remove the bladder.
- The identification of markers for radiotherapy success in bladder cancer.
- The use of hyperthermia and chemotherapy for the treatment of bladder cancer.
- Identifying mechanisms of action in hyperthermia.
- Quality of life effects in penile cancer patients.
- Chemotherapeutic strategies in penile cancer.
- Imaging techniques in bladder, penile cancer and prostate cancer.
- Salvage cryotherapy in prostate cancer.
- Optimising prostate biopsy regimen.
- The Manchester Cancer Research Collaboration Tissue Bank.
- Stem cell identification in renal cancer.
- The use of spectrometry for prostate cancer diagnostics.
- The use of laser technologies for treating urological conditions.
The main centres for research are:
Universities
The CRUK laboratories, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester.
The University of Manchester
The University of Liverpool
The University of Lancaster
Hospitals
The Christie Hospital, Manchester
Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Liverpool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Preston Royal Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Wirral University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Individual Research
Opportunities exist in all departments to undertake clinical research.
A minimum level of research has been set out for the North West. You will be expected to review published papers and to undertake some research during your 5 years.
Opportunities also exist for a more detailed period of study, leading to an MD or PhD. Inevitably, this requires taking time out from the programme (for 2-3 years).
North West Regional Urology Audit Group
The Manchester Deanery has had a successful regional audit group since the 1990s.
Following the reorganisation of BAUS and the merger of the Mersey & Manchester Deaneries for administrative purposes, the urology departments within the Mersey region have been accommodated within the group. There is some funding from local PCTs and, in addition, a 3-year grant from the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) to facilitate the amalgamation of the two regions.
The group has a rolling audit program and undertakes two formal audits each year, concentrating on the development of best practice guidelines in the diagnosis and management of common urological conditions. Each autumn, the audit is an oncology topic which looks at the management in Level 1 urology units together with specialised Level 2 & 3 management.
Each audit topic is led by a Consultant in the region who has a particular interest in the topic under discussion, with input from local audit group chairs and the Audit Facilitator. One Specialist Registrar is tasked with a review of the literature for the meeting itself.
Audit timetable
There are opportunities to take part in local, regional and national audits for all trainees.
| Date | Topic |
| May 2012 | Erectile dysfunction & urethral stricture |
