Download Chair in Early Detection Lung Cancer Research (3)

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
INSTITUTE OF CANCER SCIENCES
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title:
Chair in Early Detection Lung Cancer Research
Academic Department:
Institute of Cancer Sciences
Salary:
Consultant Salary Scale (dependent upon experience)
Responsible to:
Director of the Institute of Cancer Sciences (currently
Professor Henry Kitchener) and the appropriate Clinical
Director at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Qualifications:
PhD (or equivalent), MRCP (or equivalent), FRCPath
Tenure of post:
Permanent
Summary
This is an outstanding opportunity for a new appointment for a Chair in Early
Detection Lung Cancer Research within the Institute of Cancer Sciences at The
University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Christie
NHS Foundation Trust.
The appointment forms part of a global recruitment drive to bring some of the world’s
leading cancer experts and their teams to Manchester. Jointly funded by the
University and The Christie, this represents an exciting opportunity for Manchester to
recruit some of the best international research talent in screening and prevention,
personalised cancer therapy, radiotherapy related research, lung cancer, melanoma,
women's cancers and haematological oncology.
The University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK with an
ambition to be in the top 25 universities worldwide; The Christie is the biggest
specialised cancer treatment centre in Europe treating over 40,000 patients a year
and the first designated comprehensive centre in the UK. These combined strengths
have been harnessed through development of a common strategic vision and an
investment plan that capitalises on the enormous potential and opportunity especially
in translating research into the clinic.
The appointee will have expertise in an aspect of translational research relevant to the
early detection of lung cancer and a proven track record in his/her field. He/she will
be based in the relevant clinical department at The Christie with laboratory space in
the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) or Paterson buildings, both of which
are located on the hospital site, and will work in association with the North West Lung
Centre at the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust.
It is anticipated that the appointee will develop and co-ordinate existing and emerging
strengths to facilitate a research portfolio that encompasses clinical and translational
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aspects of early lung cancer and involves novel imaging and aspects of the basic
sciences, depending upon the specific interests of the appointee. The post holder will
be expected to collaborate with researchers in lung cancer locally and, where relevant,
nationally and internationally.
He/she will demonstrate the ability to provide scientific leadership and will be
expected to contribute to the overall research strategy for Manchester Lung Cancer
Research Group in addition to pursuing his/her individual research programme.
It is desirable, but not essential, for the post-holder to be a practising clinician. If so,
the post is suitable for a clinical academic/clinician scientist with the expectation that
clinical workload will be minimal to ensure that the majority of time is dedicated to
research activity. Clinical accreditation in either medical or clinical oncology or
pathology is preferred but other specialties will be considered such as imaging and
respiratory medicine.
The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications
from all sections of the community.
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Contents
Page
A)
Proposed Appointment ............................................................................... 3
B)
Details of Appointment .............................................................................. 3
C)
Person Specification .................................................................................. 5
D)
Job Plan and Indicative Weekly Timetable .................................................... 6
E)
Facilities related to the Appointment ........................................................... 7
F)
The University of Manchester...................................................................... 8
G)
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust ............................................................ 15
H)
University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust..................... 18
I)
Terms and Conditions of Service (NHS) ..................................................... 19
J)
Appendix 1 Medical Oncology Consultant Staff ............................................ 21
K)
Appendix 2 Clinical Oncology Consultant Staff ............................................ 22
L)
Appendix 3 The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Executive Board .................... 23
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A)
Proposed Appointment
This post will be jointly funded by The University of Manchester and The Christie NHS
Foundation Trust.
Any clinical activities will be based at The Christie site with the final job plan
dependent on the precise interests of the successful candidate. It is anticipated that
7.5 PAs of the post would be devoted to research and teaching activities. The nature
of the clinical activity would be dependent on the interests of the appointee.
The post holder will demonstrate the ability to provide scientific leadership and will be
expected to contribute to the overall research strategy for Manchester Lung Cancer
Research Group in addition to pursuing his/her individual research programme.
Applications will be welcomed from a range of specialties including Clinical and Medical
Oncologists, Pathologists, Imaging and Respiratory Medicine.
B)
Details of Appointment
Details of Appointment
The person appointed will be part of a stimulating research community that performs
to the highest international levels in research and publications and will have access to
the excellent research facilities that The University of Manchester offers.
The successful candidate will be expected to be able to undertake the following:
Research
• Conduct research of international quality commensurate with the research
priorities of the Institute of Cancer Sciences and publish it in peer-reviewed high
impact journals of national/international standing.
• Research leadership in respiratory medicine and thoracic oncology
• Develop productive research collaborations with other Groups in the Institute of
Cancer Sciences and with other Institutes, Schools and Faculties.
• Attract, supervise and support postgraduate research students at Masters and
Doctoral level in areas of research, teaching and publications.
• Establish a research group and make bids for substantial external funding.
Develop and lead a programme of scientific excellence relevant to the early
detection of lung cancer.
• Establish and exploit productive national and international research collaborations
and partnerships to further the acquisition of new knowledge.
Education
• Promote excellence in learning and teaching in the University at undergraduate
and postgraduate levels
• Play a role in postgraduate training of doctors and other professionals allied to
medicine.
• Take a leading role in the development of a fellowship programme, including
doctoral supervision, in respiratory medicine and thoracic oncology.
Management
• Assume a prominent role in the development and delivery of Cancer Research UK’s
Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence.
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C)
Take an active role (commensurate with experience and skills) in the management
of the Institute of Cancer Sciences as required.
Participate as a full member of the Institute of Cancer Sciences through Institute
activities, meetings, events etc.
Provide academic leadership, development, mentoring and career management for
junior colleagues.
Contribute to the Institute of Cancer Sciences’ strategy documents.
Assist in enhancing the international standing and profile of the Institute of Cancer
Sciences.
Forge relations with the academic sector, the public sector, industry and the
community compatible with the University’s external affairs agenda.
Person Specification
REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Qualifications
MRCP or equivalent and/or FRCPath
Certificate of completion of subspecialty training in Medical or
Clinical Oncology or other specialty
PhD or equivalent
Training & Experience Evidence of ability to play a
leadership role in teaching,
education and mentorship
Evidence of wide experience and
training in general and oncological
medicine and research
Demonstrated interest and
experience in lung cancer research
(respiratory medicine and/or early
detection)
High impact
publications arising
from students’ work
Excellence as a
practicing physician
at NHS Consultant
level
Track record of successful
supervision of PhD students and
postdoctoral fellows
Academic/Research
achievements
Evidence of ability to provide
academic leadership
Basic, clinical or translational
research experience relevant to
main research interests and
programme
Evidence of major long term peerreviewed funding in this area
International research profile
including invitations to speak at
international conferences
Recent articles in high impact peer
reviewed publications
The ability to initiate, design and
supervise clinical research
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Evidence of ongoing
national/international
research
collaboration
Recipient of research
award or prize
Ability to communicate and
collaborate effectively with
colleagues in other disciplines
Ability to manage substantial
research projects
Personal Skills
Clinical research leadership and
people management skills, with the
ability to motivate all levels of staff
Demonstrable interpersonal skills
Evidence of excellent written and
oral communication skills
Flexible approach to work
The ability to work as part of a
multi-disciplinary team
Good time management skills, with
the ability to prioritise and handle
competing demands
Personal
Circumstances
D)
Reliable work record
Living within reasonable travelling
distance of The Christie
Job Plan and Indicative Weekly Timetable
This will be negotiated depending on the clinical interests and amount of
clinical work desired by the post holder.
ACTIVITY
Research, teaching and
University administration
PAs
7.5 PAs
Out-patient clinic and
associated clinical
administration
1.0 PA
Ward round and multidisciplinary meeting relevant
to clinical interest of
appointee and associated
clinical administration
Supporting Professional
Activity: CPD
1.0 PA
One ward
round shared
with colleagues
0.5 SPA
COLLABORATION
Wide and multidisciplinary with
University and The Christie
colleagues
Wide and multidisciplinary with
University and The Christie
colleagues
To be determined by clinical interest
of appointee
To be determined by clinical interest
of appointee
University and The Christie
colleagues
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AM
9-1
PM
1.305.30
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2
3
4
5
6
Monday
Research
(1 PA)
Tuesday
Research
(1 PA)
Wednesday
Research
(1 PA)
Research
(1 PA)
Research
(1 PA)
Research
(1 PA)
Thursday
Clinic (0.75 PA)
and associated
Clinical Admin
(0.25 PA)
Research
(0.5 PA)
Ward round
(0.5 PA)
Friday
MDT meeting
(0.5 PA)
SPA: CPD (0.5
PA)
Research
(1 PA)
The clinical component of the job comprises 1 PAs in direct clinical care
undertaken in the context of 1 clinic (0.75 PA) and associated clinical
administration (0.25 PA). There will also be an MDT meeting (0.5 PA) and a ward
round (0.5 PA). In addition, 0.5 SPAs will be undertaken in Supporting
Professional Activity: CPD.
If the job holder chooses to have a clinical activity, he/she will be expected to see
1-2 new patients and 6-8 follow-up patients per week. There may be up to 2 inpatients at any one time and their care will be supervised by the new appointee,
relevant consultant colleagues and associated junior medical staff, including
medical oncology trainees allocated to support the job holder.
The research and teaching component of the job comprises 7.5 PAs and will
involve writing protocols, grant applications and manuscripts for publication,
liaising closely with laboratory colleagues, taking part in research meetings,
teaching medical undergraduates and postgraduates and supporting relevant
university administration.
The successful applicant will have access to office space, secretarial and IT
support at The Christie.
The Christie supports the requirements for continuing medical education (CME)
and is committed to providing time and financial support for these activities.
In line with Royal College and GMC guidance, the successful candidate will have
access to mentoring. Advice with respect to identifying possible mentors will be
provided by the Medical Director at The Christie and/or the Director of the
Institute of Cancer Sciences.
E) Facilities related to the appointment
Laboratory Research
The successful applicant’s group will be located in the MCRC or Paterson building and
will have access to the core experimental facilities of the Cancer Research UK
Manchester Institute (see Section F).
The Clinical Experimental Pharmacology (CEP) group, led by Professor Caroline Dive,
is based at the CR-UK Manchester Institute. It has expanded significantly since its
establishment in 2004, reflecting the breadth of its activities - in vitro, preclinical, in
vivo and clinical. CEP staff are organised into several teams: PD biomarkers, QA, PK,
Clinical Proteomics, Biomarker discovery, in vivo pharmacology and Molecular
Pharmacology. Core research themes within CEP are the evaluation of novel therapies
that promote apoptosis and those that prevent angiogenesis (in collaboration with
Professor Gordon Jayson) and the evaluation of circulating tumour cells (in
collaboration with Dr Fiona Blackhall).
CEP has established commercial links,
including a significant biomarker alliance with AstraZeneca.
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The MCRC Biobank facility collects research samples from the major hospitals across
the Greater Manchester area, including ovarian cancer samples, which can be
accessed for research. Also located on The Christie site is the Wolfson Molecular
Imaging Centre (Imaging Facilities), which supports over 50 cancer specific imaging
research projects.
In addition, the facilities associated with the wider University will be available to the
post holder. Within the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS Facilities) this includes further
facilities for imaging, biomolecular analysis and bioinformatics. The University Library
has the most extensive range of electronic resources of any UK Higher Education
Library.
Clinical Research Facilities
Clinical research and administrative support facilities (research nursing, administrative
and secretarial support) will be provided at The Christie and will be centred on the
Patient Treatment Centre/Clinical Trials Unit. Trainee support will be provided from
the existing pool of core Speciality Trainees and from supernumerary Clinical Research
Fellows. The successful applicant will be part of the Manchester Lung Group and the
Clinical Pharmacology group, depending on interest.
Secretarial and other support
The successful candidate will have access to office space, secretarial and IT support at
The Christie. Appropriate external CPD will be encouraged and reasonable expenses
will be reimbursed by the Trust.
F)
The University of Manchester
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/
Thoracic Oncology at The University of Manchester
The Manchester Lung Cancer Research Group is a multidisciplinary team of scientists
and clinicians based at The University of Manchester (including the Cancer Research
UK Manchester Institute), The Christie and University Hospital of South Manchester
(UHSM). The group is committed to improving the care of patients with lung cancer
through a multidisciplinary approach - gradually moving away from empirical
approaches towards personalised medicine. To that effect, the Group has developed a
programme of clinically-relevant basic, translational and clinical research.
Research spans early detection, molecular characterisation and the biology of lung
cancer with a focus on discovery of novel kinases, biomarkers for the prediction of
treatment outcomes, including circulating tumour cell research, and clinical trials
(phase I-III) of new agents and regimens, including radiotherapy research and
combined modality approaches.
Clinical research is facilitated by a large clinical practice within the Greater Manchester
Network (~2,200 new patients with lung cancer a year and ~600 lung patients
treated with radical radiotherapy).
At least 30% of patients treated at The Christie and UHSM are involved in research
projects. The group is a top recruiter and leader in clinical trials nationally and
internationally. At any one time, 20-30 clinical trials are either in set up, recruiting or
recently closed. Facilities also exist within the MCRC Biobank to systematically collect
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surgical and bronchoscopic samples from all stages of lung cancer - this is allied to
high quality clinical data.
Cancer Research UK has recognised the potential of lung cancer research in
Manchester and, following the successful recruitment of new Lung Cancer Chairs, will
be awarded CR-UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence status jointly with University
College London (UCL). The Manchester-UCL Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence will
combine unique and complementary strengths in clinical and translational cancer
research between the two sites to create an environment in which basic and clinical
lung cancer research of international standing will flourish.
The multidisciplinary research themes within the Manchester Lung Cancer Research
Group include:
• Radiotherapy research in lung cancer
• Translational research
• Early detection research
• Palliative and supportive care research
• Personalised medicine exploiting oncogenic drivers
Current activities in early detection research include lung-SEARCH (the only national
early detection UK trial) and SPECTRAL (optical tissue biopsies to predict lung cancer)
trials. Photodynamic therapies are being developed for early lesions (PEARL) and
ultrasound approaches for diagnosis and staging (Lung-BOOST). UCL and MCRC host
one of the largest banks of pre-invasive longitudinally collected tissues in the world
and are elucidating the genomes and epigenomes to compare progressive to
regressive lesions. The future strategy is to develop further innovative trials to detect
and treat early pre-invasive and invasive disease and will incorporate longitudinal
genomic/epigenomic/intra-tumour heterogeneity and gene expression studies into
these trials to identify determinants of progression.
The Manchester Lung Cancer Research Group is a top recruiting centre in the UK for
lung National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) trials. The group also plays a
leadership role within the EORTC lung group and the European Thoracic Oncology
Platform (ETOP). Thoracic radiation oncology clinical and translational research will be
strengthened from 2018 with the introduction of the Proton Beam Therapy Centres in
Manchester and UCL, one of the largest collaborations in Europe.
The post-holder will benefit from the research strengths present in thoracic oncology
research in Manchester. These include the following programmes:
• Dr Fiona Blackhall leads the phase I-III clinical trials programme in lung cancer
with a focus on personalised medicine and translational research to ID predictive
biomarkers for treatment selection.
• Dr Paul Lorigan leads the development of early phase clinical trials in small cell
lung cancer.
• Dr Corinne Faivre-Finn undertakes research into advanced radiotherapy techniques
and drug/radiation combinations in the treatment of lung cancer. She is leading
three randomised clinical trials in lung cancer and mesothelioma that have the
potential to impact on standard of care.
• Dr Richard Booton leads a portfolio of trials focussing on early detection in lung
cancer.
• Dr John Brognard undertakes a programme of research to identify protein kinases
involved in cancer for molecular sub classification and the development of novel
treatment strategies.
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Professor Caroline Dive has a global reputation for biomarker research. Her
research programme focuses on circulating tumour cells in lung cancer (in
collaboration with Fiona Blackhall).
Dr Daisuke Nonaka undertakes research into the molecular and histological
characterisation of novel biomarkers.
Professor Catharine West leads the translational biology research group that
exploits high throughput technologies to develop molecular profiles that predict the
response of cancer patients to radiation therapy.
Professors Kaye Williams leads the hypoxia and therapeutics group, which focuses
on tumour microenvironment.
Professor Ian Stratford has a major research focus in hypoxia and preclinical
radiotherapy.
The University of Manchester is Britain’s largest and most popular university, with a
distinguished history of academic achievement and an ambitious agenda for the
future. The University, with income in excess of £780M, has four Nobel Prize winners
amongst its current academic staff, and has embarked on an exciting and bold course
which aims to make us one of the top 25 universities in the world, as set out in the
University’s strategic vision for 2020: Strategic Vision 2020.
The University of Manchester was established in 1824, bringing together The Victoria
University of Manchester and UMIST to form The University of Manchester. It has an
excellent track record in research, as demonstrated by a research power exceeded
only by Oxbridge in the RAE 2008 and specifically by the award of two Nobel prizes in
physics in 2010. The University’s research strategy can be found here: UoM Research
Strategy.
The academic structure of The University of Manchester is made up of Faculties and
Schools. There are four Faculties and further information about each Faculty and its
related Schools can be found here: UoM Faculties and Schools.
In the last few years, the University has spent more than £400M transforming the
campus and building a world-class environment for outstanding scholars, teachers and
internationally acclaimed research teams. This is the largest investment ever seen in
UK higher education history. A further £250M investment by 2015 will bring the total
spend to more than £650M.
Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk
The Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences is a leading international centre for
research and education in medicine and a spectrum of health-related professions
including nursing, midwifery, social work, pharmacy, dentistry, psychology, audiology
and speech and language therapy.
A major review in 2011/12 led to a new strategy and structure intended to enhance
research and teaching performance. A key component of the new approach is the
creation of a matrix structure linking five Faculty Schools with six Faculty Institutes.
Details of the structure can be found here: FMHS Structure.
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The objective is to ensure that the Faculty achieves a major international academic
profile in each priority area within a period of five years and the strategy focuses
research efforts in six priority areas:
• Human Development including Women’s and Children’s Health
• Cardiovascular Sciences
• Cancer Sciences
• Inflammation and Repair
• Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health
• Population and Health Sciences
The Faculty has a total income of £210M, around 6,500 undergraduate students and
2,500 postgraduate students. It has strong relationships with outstanding NHS
partners, which are critical in achieving our mission.
Institute of Cancer Sciences
www.cancer.manchester.ac.uk
The Institute of Cancer Sciences is one of six Faculty Institutes within the Faculty of
Medical and Human Sciences.
It comprises five research themed Centres:
Haematological Oncology; Paediatric, Teenage and Young Adult Cancer; Personalised
Therapy; Radiotherapy Related Research and Women’s Cancer. Research interests
span from biomarker studies using clinical proteomics and microarray analyses to
clinical trials.
The present management team includes:
Professor Henry Kitchener
Institute Director
Professor Tim Illidge
Centre Lead for Radiotherapy Related Research
Professor Vaskar Saha
Centre Lead for Paediatric, Teenage and Young Adult
Cancer
Professor Paul Townsend
Centre Lead for Personalised Therapy
Professor John Radford
Centre Lead for Haematological Oncology
Dr Andrew Clamp
Centre Lead for Women’s Cancer
The post holder will be a member of the Centre for Personalised Therapy.
There are 36 substantive academic members of staff within the Institute, including 25
academic clinicians. The Institute of Cancer Sciences has a first rate publication
record in high impact medicine and cancer journals and has a significant research
income from industry, research councils and charities. The majority of Institute of
Cancer Sciences researchers have laboratory space in one of the University buildings
on The Christie site, which provides a focus for cancer research activity - combining
an international reputation for cancer research with the largest scale cancer clinical
service in the UK.
Other activity in the Institute of Cancer Sciences is based either on the University’s
Oxford Road site or in key Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC)
partner sites at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,
University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust and Salford Royal NHS
Foundation Trust. The large patient base found in Greater Manchester and links to the
research network provides major opportunities for the growth of clinical and
translational research, a key objective of the Trusts and the University. The Institute
of Cancer Sciences plays a key role in taking advantage of this opportunity to
seamlessly link basic and clinical science.
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Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute
www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk
The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is a leading cancer research institute
funded by Cancer Research UK (CR-UK), the largest independent cancer research
organisation in the world. Research spans the whole spectrum of cancer research,
from programmes investigating the molecular and cellular basis of cancer, to those
focused on translational research and the development of novel therapeutic
approaches and experimental pharmacology.
Currently the Institute contains multiple Cancer Research UK-funded basic science and
translational science research groups. The programmes span from basic science
mechanisms of cell proliferation through to the identification of new biomarkers for
novel treatments.
The CR-UK Manchester Institute is located in the Paterson building and has excellent
laboratory facilities and outstanding core services, including microarrays, confocal
microscopy, bioinformatics, histology and access to mass-spectrometry based
proteomics. There is also a biological resource unit with expertise in generating
transgenic mice as well as tumour implantation studies.
A Cancer Research UK funded Drug Discovery Unit was established at the CR-UK
Manchester Institute in 2009. Integrating medicinal, computational and synthetic
chemistry with in vitro and cellular biology, the Unit investigates novel drug discovery
targets in an attempt to provide new chemical entities for the treatment of unmet
clinical needs in cancer patients. It has established facilities to enable state-of-the-art
biological and clinical target assessment and validation, small molecule drug design
and synthesis and the biological evaluation of the resultant compounds.
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
www.mahsc.ac.uk
The University, and in particular the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, is a key
member of the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC).
Formed in 2008, MAHSC is a Federation of Equal Partners enabled by a Company
Limited by Guarantee. The partners involved in the MAHSC are: The University of
Manchester, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,
Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, Salford Primary Care Trust (NHS
Salford), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and
University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust.
MAHSC is one of only five Department of Health designated AHSCs in the UK. The
designation is a mark of excellence across research, innovation, education and patient
service, and recognition of the potential to excel in translational medicine. MAHSC’s
vision is to be a leading global centre for the delivery of innovative applied health
research and education into healthcare. As with other AHSCs, MAHSC has a dual role:
to act as a beacon of international excellence for the UK and to provide leadership and
early adoption for our local health system. This will be delivered via a tripartite
approach encompassing: research and innovation; education and training; and clinical
service.
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Manchester Cancer Research Centre
www.mcrc.manchester.ac.uk
Advances in our understanding of cancer biology together with rapid technology
developments provide a unique opportunity to transform cancer care through
treatment personalisation. To capitalise on this opportunity, the Manchester Cancer
Research Centre (MCRC) was established in January 2006 by The University of
Manchester, The Christie and Cancer Research UK - integrating cancer research efforts
across the basic, translational and clinical research spectrum. It brings together the
expertise, vision and resources of partner organisations that have formidable
individual reputations in cancer research and treatment. The partnership harnesses
Manchester’s significant strengths to maximise the enormous potential and
opportunity, ultimately leading to improvements in treatment that will benefit patients
in the city and beyond.
The MCRC forms the cancer research arm of the Manchester Academic Health Science
Centre (MAHSC). It is also an accredited Cancer Research UK Centre, part of a
national framework of 18 Centres of excellence in cancer research.
Unprecedented advances in our understanding of cancer biology, coupled with
developments in enabling technologies, have provided a unique opportunity to
implement personalised medicine for cancer patients. The MCRC is exploiting these
opportunities by implementing an integrated personalised medicine strategy - using
individual patient’s clinical, genomic and epidemiological characteristics to deliver the
most effective first-line treatments, and to modify treatment as the tumours evolve
under the selective pressure of treatment. The MCRC’s approach will transform
patient care and improve cancer outcomes, achieving sustained responses to
treatment. Going beyond the current personalised medicine paradigm, which is
largely focussed on late stage patients entering molecularly-targeted drug based
therapies, the MCRC aims to implement personalised medicine at diagnosis and all the
way through treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and drug therapy.
The MCRC is almost uniquely placed within the UK to be in the vanguard of
personalised medicine developments, with a proven track record of working together
and an impressive staff of outstanding leaders who will deliver our research
programmes. These wide ranging innovative and interconnected programmes are
supported by a comprehensive platform of facilitating infrastructure and technologies,
ensuring that exploratory translational research is taken through the regulatory steps
needed for clinical testing and robust demonstration of clinical utility. Few places
have the breadth and depth of expertise, the buy-in from all partners, the investment,
the infrastructure, and the access to a large and diverse patient population to become
internationally leading in this area.
A major achievement in 2013 was the successful bid to establish a national cancer
imaging research centre that formally links Manchester with the University of
Cambridge – the Cancer Research UK/Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge and Manchester. It combines cuttingedge translational research and clinical trials with state-of-the-art imaging, genomics
and pre-clinical research. By combining these two locations the CMCIC has access to a
large patient population and vital clinical trials infrastructure supported by Cancer
Research UK’s Experimental Cancer Research Centres.
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Cancer Research UK has recognised the potential of lung cancer research in
Manchester and, following the successful recruitment of new Lung Cancer Chairs, will
be awarded CR-UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence status jointly with University
College London (UCL). The Manchester-UCL Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence will
combine unique and complementary strengths in clinical and translational cancer
research between the two sites to create an environment in which basic and clinical
lung cancer research of international standing will flourish.
Outstanding facilities already exist within the MCRC, however, a new research building
is currently under development and will be completed in the summer of 2014. This
will allow for the expansion of vital research activities with tremendous potential for
future breakthroughs that improve treatment for cancer patients.
It will
accommodate 250 staff, including 150 scientists whose research will focus entirely on
early cancer research that aims to understand how cancer starts, develops and
progresses. Working alongside these researchers, The Christie will re-locate 100
clinical trials support staff to the second floor of the building.
Researchers in Manchester have access to the MCRC Biobank, which provides
scientists with access to a large quantity of high quality biological samples for
research purposes. The Biobank provides a centralised resource, collecting samples
from five NHS Trusts across the Greater Manchester area.
Facilities exist to
systematically collect surgical and bronchoscopic samples from all stages of lung
cancer and this is allied to high quality clinical data.
Within the MCRC, there are a number of biomarker discovery platforms:
• Metabolomics - involves the analytical measurements of small molecules within
cells and body fluids and these metabolites can act as biomarkers for diagnostics
and disease management. There are established metabolomics facilities in the
Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and Centre for Advanced Discovery
and Experimental Therapeutics (CADET). These are mass spectrometry-based
metabolomics focusing on untargeted and targeted measurements using GC-MS
and LC-MS. Manchester has a long history in metabolomics and was the first to
coin this term in 1998. Researchers have also been very active in Metabolomics
Standards Initiatives, nomenclature and in data sharing.
• Proteomics – the MCRC has established a significant reputation in proteomics. The
equipment base, trained multidisciplinary workforce and established protocols
enable biomarker discovery and validation projects. These have been applied to
lung cancer in collaboration with colleagues in the Cancer Research UK Manchester
Institute, University Hospital of South Manchester and The Christie.
• Genomics - the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine (MCGM) is one of the
largest comprehensive integrated clinical and academic centres providing in
Europe. With a staff of over 270, it provides a portfolio of services for families with
chromosomal and genetic disorders. It has a large programme of clinical and basic
cancer genetics studies with major focus on breast and colorectal cancer at
present. The PROCAS study of 60,000 women undergoing national breast cancer
screening is such an example of the translational research. The MCGM hosts
nationally commissioned services for neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, which
supports a stellar research program on schwannoma and meningioma
pathogenesis. The clinical laboratory provides molecular testing for a range of
somatic mutations including EGFR, ALK translocations KRAS and BRAF. It uses a
range of platforms including mutation panel testing by sequenom and next
generation sequencing. The MCGM hosts the European Quality assurance Network
providing QA to over 1,300 labs worldwide.
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G)
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
www.christie.nhs.uk
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust was established in 1901 by charitable donations,
as a specialist hospital caring for cancer patients and developing new treatments. It
became a Foundation Trust in April 2007, has 30,000 members and a turnover of
£183M. It has a green governance rating and a financial risk rating of 4 (good) from
Monitor and was rated one of the top 5 hospitals in England by the 2011 staff and
inpatient survey.
The Christie is the sole provider of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to the 3.2 million
people in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire cancer network, which is the largest in
England. It also provides highly specialist surgical cancer services to patients across
the north west and nationally. In addition, it delivers radiotherapy services from two
satellite centres that it runs at the Royal Oldham and Salford Royal hospital sites.
Consultants from The Christie visit 8 other hospitals in the network, delivering
outpatient services and some chemotherapy treatments.
The Christie brings together basic and translational research with NHS service on a
single site to deliver new cancer treatments. It is one of the largest cancer centres in
Europe, treating more than 40,000 cancer patients a year, and has been elected to
the board of the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), the umbrella
organisation for all the major cancer centres in the EU.
The Christie is organised in four clinical management divisions: Networked Services
Division includes the Departments of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology, Palliative
Care, Endocrinology, and Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology. Cancer Centre Services
includes Surgery, Anaesthetics, HDU, Haematology, Radiology, Pathology, Pharmacy
and Supportive care. In addition, the divisions of Christie Medical Physics and
Engineering and Research and Education deliver important components of the
comprehensive cancer centre.
The Departments of Medical and Clinical Oncology have international reputations for
their clinical work. All consultants are site specialised and common treatment policies
are developed through the multi-disciplinary Disease Groups (DGs). Links to the
cancer units are maintained through a number of peripheral and outreach clinics
across the network.
The Patient Treatment Centre opened in November 2010 and is a purpose built facility
encompassing a dedicated Clinical Trials Unit, an outpatient chemotherapy treatment
facility and a private patient facility. Two satellite radiotherapy centres, at Oldham
and Salford, enabling increased capacity for treatment and local delivery of treatment,
opened in August 2010 and July 2011 respectively. There are plans for The Christie to
develop satellite centres in the Pennine Trust and in Salford so that ambulatory care
can be delivered locally.
The Christie is committed to cancer research. The Research Division has strong links
with The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and the Manchester Cancer
Research Centre.
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Department of Medical Oncology
The Christie Department of Medical Oncology is one of the largest departments of
cancer medicine in the NHS with over 20 consultants (see Appendix 1).
The major remit of the department is to develop improved methods for cancer patient
management. There are both clinical and laboratory scientific research components
that are closely integrated with clinical research and service work. The Department
has links with Preston Oncology Centre and with the Department of Medical Oncology
at Lancaster Royal Infirmary.
A good liaison exists between the divisions of Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology.
Many of the clinical protocols are run jointly between the two departments and there
are excellent opportunities at Specialist Registrar level to participate in joint teaching
programmes.
Department of Clinical Oncology
The Christie Department of Clinical Oncology provides the largest radiotherapy service
in the country with 34 consultants (see Appendix 2), state-of-the-art radiotherapy
equipment along with a major research centre - The Wade Centre. The Department
provides a service to Greater Manchester and East Cheshire through clinics (mainly
weekly) staffed by its consultants in every main town in the area. The department
treats around 8,000 patients a year, delivering over 100,000 fractions of radiotherapy.
The department was the first in the UK to deliver IMRT (1999) and also the first to use
cone beam imaging in clinical practice (2003).
Patient Treatment Centre and Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit
The dedicated early phase Clinical Trials Unit was established on The Christie site in
2003. The subsequent development of the Clinical Experimental Pharmacology group,
GCLP compliant laboratories, the Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre and the MCRC
Biobank have complemented this clinical infrastructure and, over the last 8 years, the
Unit has flourished, doubling its research activity to more than 10,000 patient visits
annually. It presently supports over 100 clinical trials, recruits over 700 patients per
annum to early phase studies and collects over 18,000 biological research samples. A
successful Clinical Research Infrastructure bid has allowed a major programme of
expansion for clinical trials at The Christie and this has enabled Manchester to become
one of the largest centres for early phase clinical trials worldwide. This infrastructure
forms part of the Patient Treatment Centre, a £35M development that includes
enlarged facilities for clinical and translational research, an outpatient chemotherapy
treatment facility, a pharmacy and a private patient facility. The opening of the
Patient Treatment Centre in November 2010 reinforced Manchester as one of the
premier sites for conducting early phase clinical research world-wide.
Associated Departments
Haematological Oncology
Currently 18 bedded specialist unit for the treatment of haematological malignancies
and bone marrow failure. There is a large autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic
transplantation programme, performing over 100 procedures annually. Dedicated
out-patient and day case facilities include on-site photopheresis access.
In March 2014, the department will expand into a new purpose built combined
oncology unit. This 31 bedded unit will have increased capacity for the performance
16
of allogeneic transplants and dedicated facilities for the care of teenagers and young
adults.
Outpatient facilities
Routine Medical Oncology clinics are held daily at The Christie for new patients and
follow up. There are specialised cancer site-related collaborative clinics and routine
outpatient clinics.
Specialist nurse facilities
Teams of specialist chemotherapy and research nurses work alongside the clinicians.
These nurses have special expertise and training in the administration of
chemotherapy. Specialist nurses are also trained to insert i.v. long lines, carry out
bone marrow aspiration/trephine procedures, operate the cell separators for
leukapheresis and provide psychological support and counselling.
Other Departments
The Department of Histopathology provides a regional cancer service.
The Department of Diagnostic Radiology currently has 14 consultants and has two
whole body spiral CAT scanners and two MR scanners, in addition to standard
radiological and radionucleide imaging facilities. This department provides the
regional PET service, is currently undergoing major refurbishment, and by 2015 will
have an additional 3T MR scanner plus a second SPECT CT scanner. Further MR and
spectral CT will be commissioned for the opening of Proton Therapy Centre by the end
of 2018.
The Department of Psychological Medicine is involved in collaborative research
projects concerning psychological assessment and counselling in the context of clinical
trials and is responsible for staff training in aspects of psychological support.
Clinical and Laboratory Scientific Research
A wide range of clinical research studies are in progress. The breast, lung, lymphoma
and GI research groups are major contributors to national and international trials of
new treatments. These include Phase I/II and III chemotherapy studies, combined
surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy studies and patient evaluation studies
(staging procedures, psychological assessment etc), strong collaborations with the
NCRN clinical subgroups and many pharmaceutical companies.
Excellent computer facilities are available within the Medical and Clinical Oncology
Division and there is a close association with the Department of Medical Statistics.
Data managers are in post to help handle clinical and laboratory research data.
Training is given in this important aspect of clinical research.
MAHSC Trials Co-ordination Unit (MAHSC CTU)
The primary purpose of the MAHSC Trials Co-ordination Unit is to undertake the
management and coordination of investigator led clinical trials. The unit provides a
wide range of services including; study design protocol development, cost estimates
for grant funding applications, study setup, study quality management, study
randomisation service, data management and statistical analysis.
In November 2007, the MAHSC-CTU achieved full UK CRC trial unit registration; a prerequisite to enable DH/NIHR grant funding opportunities.
It is the only such
registered unit in the Greater Manchester region.
17
Currently the MAHSC-CTU has a portfolio of 15 managed trials, including major
national and international multi centre trials covering over 120 clinical research sites
investigating treatment for patients with a range of cancers.
The unit has been awarded funds from the HTA, Cancer Research UK and
Breakthrough Breast Cancer, totalling over 2.5 million pounds. In 2010, additional
pump priming infrastructure funding was awarded by the Christie Charity to facilitate
future expansion.
H) University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
The Christie and University Hospital of South Manchester (UHSM) are located within 5
miles of each other and together host regional services for the diagnosis, staging and
treatment of thoracic malignancy. At UHSM, the North West Lung Centre (NWLC)
offers a rapid access clinic responsible for approximately 300 lung cancer and
mesothelioma cases each year. It provides diagnostic and staging investigations for
lung cancer patients of the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Network, one of the
largest in England with ~2,500 cases annually, and has facilities for diagnostic and
advanced bronchoscopy including autofluorescence, narrow band imaging,
endobronchial ultrasound (linear & radial), pleural ultrasound, medical thoracoscopy,
physician stenting, intraluminal brachytherapy and photodynamic therapy.
The NWLC will complete the development of a dedicated 3-room bronchoscopy unit in
February 2014. It has excellent working relationships with the departments of
thoracic pathology and thoracic surgery, which perform approximately 380 lung
cancer resections per year. In addition to the Lung Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team
(MDT), UHSM also runs the Specialist Pleural MDT, Network Airway Management MDT
and High Risk Surgical MDT. Furthermore the NWLC offers a wide range of systemic
therapies for advanced thoracic malignancy including malignant pleural mesothelioma,
and adjuvant therapy of surgically resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).
The current multidisciplinary thoracic oncology team at UHSM runs a collaborative
programme of research, working closely with colleagues at The Christie and The
University of Manchester to comprise the MCRC Lung Cancer Research Group.
Respiratory Medicine
Respiratory medicine at UHSM includes a thoracic oncology group, which focuses on
early lung cancer detection and the genomics of preneoplasia, early invasive disease
and disease recurrence. There is also a programme of research exploring circulating
biomarkers in surgically resected NSCLC. It performs a number of Comprehensive
Local Research Network (CLRN) funded studies and has a large research bronchoscopy
practice, recruiting over 200 patients a year to clinical trials.
In addition, the NWLC has subspecialty clinical and research interests that may
facilitate the research ambitions of the post holder in airways disease, cystic fibrosis
and non-CF bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, lung transplantation, sleep and
ventilation, severe asthma, allergy and pulmonary infection.
Thoracic Surgery
The department is fully committed to an integrated academic/clinical service and
instrumental in the success of lung cancer tissue banking. It is supported by 5
Consultant Thoracic Surgeons.
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Thoracic Medical Oncology
The department has 3 Consultant Medical Oncologists specialising in adjuvant therapy
for NSCLC, systemic treatment of advanced lung cancer and malignant pleural
mesothelioma. They are responsible for a large portfolio of clinical trials and are
nationally leading in clinical trial recruitment.
Thoracic Pathology
The NWLC is supported by the regional department of thoracic pathology. The
department is supportive of a broad range of research studies, from tissue banking to
trial specific procedures.
Specialist Thoracic Radiology
This is currently provided by 3 Consultants.
I)
Terms and Conditions of Service (NHS)
Pay
The salary details for this post are based on the New NHS Consultant Contract Terms
and Conditions. The post holder will have an honorary contract with The Christie
subject to appropriate verification of qualifications.
The post is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check. The post
holder must be in possession of Full Registration with the General Medical Council and
be on the Specialist Register.
Confidentiality
The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff
and other health service business.
Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health &
Safety at Work Act (1974) and ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried
out to maintain a safe environment for employees.
Risk Management
All staff have a responsibility to report all clinical and non-clinical accidents or
incidents promptly and when requested to co-operate with any investigation
undertaken.
Equal Opportunities
The Christie has adopted an equal opportunities policy and it is the duty of every
employee to comply with the detail and spirit of the policy.
Conflict of Interest
The Christie is responsible for the service for the patients in its care to ensure it meets
the highest standards. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse
their official position to gain or to benefit their family or friends.
The Christie’s standing orders require any officer to declare any interest, direct or
indirect, with contracts involving the Trust. Staff are not allowed to further their
private interest in the course of their NHS duties.
No Smoking
19
The Trust operates a no smoking policy.
Medical Examination
All appointments with The Christie are subject to pre-employment health screening.
20
J)
APPENDIX 1 - Medical Oncology Consultant Staff
NAME
Professor Robert Hawkins
Professor Tony Howell
Professor Gordon Jayson
Professor John Radford
Professor Malcolm
Ranson
Dr Paul Lorigan
Dr Fiona Blackhall
Dr Fiona Thistlethwaite
Dr Juan Valle
Dr Andrew Wardley
Dr Greg Wilson
Dr Jurjees Hassan
Dr Michael Leahy
Dr Was Mansoor
Dr Saifee Mullamitha
Dr Anne Armstrong
Dr Paul Taylor
Dr Yvonne Summers
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Mike Braun
Andrew Clamp
Kim Linton
Raffael Callifano
Sacha Howell
Richard Hubner
Emma Dean
Claire Mitchell
PRINCIPAL INTEREST(S)
Renal, Gastric and Immunotherapy Phase I Trials
Breast cancer prevention
Ovarian Cancer and Anti-Angiogenesis Phase I Trials
Lymphoma
Clinical Pharmacology, Phase I trials
Melanoma and Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer
Upper GI
Hepatobiliary and Neuroendocrine
Breast Cancer
Breast and Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal and Ovarian
Sarcoma and Teratoma
Oesophago-Gastric/NET, Education
Colorectal Cancer – link with Pennine Trust
Breast cancer – linking with Crewe
Lung -linking with University Hospital of South Manchester
NHS Foundation Trust
Lung- Linking with University Hospital of South Manchester
NHS Foundation Trust
Colorectal
Gynaecologic Cancer
Lymphoma
Lung Cancer
Breast
Gastrointestinal
Clinical Pharmacology
Gynaecological Cancer
21
K)
APPENDIX 2 - Clinical Oncology Consultant Staff
NAME
Clinical Director
- Dr J Logue
Professor RA
Cowan
Professor NJ Slevin
Dr PA Burt
Dr A Chittalia
Dr C Coyle
Dr A Choudhury
Dr SE Davidson
Dr T Elliott
Dr C Faivre-Finn
Dr HR
Gattamaneni
Dr M Harris
Dr L Barraclough
Professor T Illidge
Dr L Bhatt
Dr L Lee
Dr JE Livsey
Dr J Loncaster
Dr B Magee
Dr V Misra
Dr C McBain
Dr J Coote
Dr H Lander
Dr M Saunders
Dr H Sheikh
Dr E Smith
Dr L Pemberton
Dr A Sykes
Dr R S Welch
Dr J Wylie
Dr B Yap
Dr E Allan (part
time)
Dr N Alam
Dr A Tran
Dr C Arthur
PERIPHERAL CLINIC SERVICE
Stockport
PRINCIPAL INTEREST(S)
Genito-Urinary
Wigan
Lymphoma
Crewe/MRI
Stockport
Stockport
Oldham
Salford MDT
Bolton/Salford
Salford/Children’s Hospital
Tameside
Macclesfield
Tameside
Bury/NMGH
Oldham/St Marys
NMGH
Salford
Oldham
Macclesfield/Salford
Oldham
Oldham
Salford/Wythenshawe
Salford/Macclesfield
North Manchester Children’s
Hospital
Oldham
Tameside
Bolton/Salford Royal
Crewe/South Manchester
Head & Neck
Lung
Breast/Lung
GU/Sarcoma
GU
Gynaecology
Urology
Lung
CNS/Paeds
Lung/Lymphoma
Breast/Gynaecology
Lymphoma
Breast/Oesophagus
Head & Neck/Lung
Gynaecology/Urology
Breast
Breast
Breast/Colorectal
Colorectal/CNS
Breast/Lung
Breast
Gastrointestinal
Lung/Oesophagus
Lymphoma/Paediatric/Young
Adult
Lung
Head & Neck/Melanoma
Ovarian/Testicular/Breast
GU/Sarcoma
Thyroid/Head & Neck
PDT for Skin Cancer
Bolton/Salford/Stockport/Pennine Gastrointestinal/GU
Acute
Salford
CNS/GU
Salford
Colorectal / Thyroid
22
L)
APPENDIX 3 - The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Executive Board
NAME
Caroline Shaw
Joanne Fitzpatrick
Tony Blower
Jackie Bird
Roger Spencer
ROLE
Chief Executive
Director of Finance & Business Planning
Medical Director
Director of Nursing and Quality
Chief Operating Officer
23