Press releases

17/10/2005

World leaders in Cancer Research to meet in Liverpool

International experts in lung cancer research will meet in Liverpool this week (October 27th to October 29th) to discuss the development of early detection systems for the fatal disease.

Lung Cancer is responsible for 22 per cent of cancer deaths but attracts just four per cent of British research funds. Smoking is the leading risk factor for the disease, causing eight out of 10 of the 34,000 UK lung cancer deaths each year.

Experts from around the world will meet at the Roy Castle Building, home of Liverpool University’s Cancer Research Centre, to discuss lung cancer detection methods, treatments and new findings.

A recent breakthrough in cancer research involved the Roy Castle Lung Cancer research team working in partnership with SEQUENOM in the USA, in developing a technology that identifies molecular markers in early lung cancer. The new technology uses a DNA analysis technique (methylation profiling) to detect cells in the lung that are likely to be become cancerous.

Professor John Field, Director of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Research Programme, said: “Speakers at the workshop will focus on the major issues in lung cancer which affect both the USA and Europe, with the objective of developing a strategy for lung cancer early diagnosis and intervention approaches.

“Two leaders in patient support from the USA and UK will discuss strategies for using political lobbying and mass media to raise public awareness of the disease and the urgent need for more research funding.”

Scientists at the workshop will also assess the current status of spiral CT imaging trials.
Spiral CT scanners have the ability to scan the thorax very quickly and studies show that they can detect small nodules in the lung that are otherwise poorly visible on chest X-rays. In order to detect lung cancer at its most curable stage, research suggests that CT scans should be undertaken on individuals who are at a very high risk of contracting the disease. Currently there are large US and European randomised controlled clinical trials being undertaken to demonstrate that these screening methods should be introduced into the health care system, the UK needs to be part of these trials.

Professor Field added: “Liverpool is internationally recognised in early lung cancer detection research and so it is important that we continue to collaborate and meet with other experts to recommend new and developing strategies for lung cancer early diagnostics.”

The workshop is accredited by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and sponsored by the American Cancer Society, AstraZeneca, Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, Siemens and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The Fourth International Lung Cancer Molecular Biomarkers and Intervention Workshop will be held in the Roy Castle Building, University of Liverpool Cancer Research Centre, 200 London Road, Liverpool from Thursday, 27th October to Saturday, 29th October.

Members of the media are invited to attend the workshop on Thursday, 27th October at 12.00 – 1.30 and Friday, 28th October at 12.00 – 1.30. If you plan to attend the event please contact Samantha Martin on the number below.

Samantha Martin
Assistant Press Officer
+44 (0) 151 794 2248