Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation was built on research – or the lack of it.
Charity founder, Professor Ray Donnelly, knew early detection was key to improving survival rates for lung cancer and so wanted to fund a research project. But no-one was interested so on Wednesday 18th April 1990, Prof. Donnelly set up the Lung Cancer Fund and started to raise money to fund the project directly.
In May 1993, the charity awarded the first research grant of its kind to study early genetic changes in lung cancer. This work has now laid the groundwork for screening high risk individuals today.
Since then, the charity has funded millions of pounds of research aiming to improve both the earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and patient experience.
Lung cancer clinical research fellowships
Since 2012, we have funded lung cancer research fellowship to help develop the next generation of lung cancer researchers.
We invite applications from clinically qualified candidates in the UK and Ireland to undertake clinical research, leading towards a PhD, MD or equivalent, aimed at improving the clinical outcomes for people at risk of lung cancer and for patients with lung cancer.
Our current applications are now closed, with interviews of potential fellows set to take place in the coming months.
Types of research
We have funded research into the early detection of lung cancer and patient experience for over 30 years.
Lung cancer is a disease which does not discriminate; it can affect anyone and so we need to continue to develop better screening tools for everyone. From blood tests to sputum swabs, these biomarkers are the long-term future of early diagnosis in lung cancer.
Our patient experience research is equally important. As the only UK lung cancer charity to support everyone affected by all forms of lung cancer, it is our aim to ensure all patients have the best quality of care throughout diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
Research projects
Improving access and recruitment to clinical trials
The purpose of the Lung I-ACT project is to develop and pilot a tool that can support lung cancer nurses to have discussions with lung cancer patients about clinical trial entry.
Lung cancer screening for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors
Despite lung cancer being a leading cause of death for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors, they don’t currently qualify for screening. We funded a trial which aims to change that…
Why do people decline potentially curative treatment?
Led by our first clinical research fellow, the DECLINE projects aimed to understand why a significant number of patients who seem suitable for treatment that may cure them of their lung cancer decide not to have this treatment.
The first lung cancer research centre
In 1994, Roy Castle embarked on the Tour of Hope, raising £1million towards the world’s first lung cancer research centre. In May 1998, The Roy Castle research centre opened its doors. The following year, the charity funded the first mobile UK lab to recruit high risk individuals into screening.
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