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Our research into surgery

Surgeon in theatre (David Neal)Surgery is one of the most effective treatments for cancer, and it helps to save more lives than radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Our scientists are finding ways to improve this cornerstone treatment through clinical trials and cutting-edge technology.

They are using keyhole surgery, robots and innovative scanning techniques to make surgery more effective and help patients recover more quickly. At the same time, our work to ensure that cancer is diagnosed earlier should mean more patients’ lives can be saved by surgery.

Below are some of the highlights of our research into surgery.

On this page

 

All cancer types

Professor Ara Darzi Professor Ara Darzi

Division of Surgery

Imperial College, London

Saving more lives through surgery

Based at Imperial College, London, Professor Ara Darzi is one of the world’s leading surgeons and a pioneer of keyhole surgery. He is investigating robotic surgery and other techniques that will improve the outlook for cancer patients in London and across the UK.

 

Bile duct cancer

Prof John Primrose Prof John Primrose

Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences

University of Southampton, Southampton

Better treatments for bile duct cancer

Professor John Primrose is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and is based at the University of Southampton. He heads up a clinical trial investigating how to improve treatment for people with cancer of the bile duct, and he is also researching treatments for bowel cancer.

 

Bladder cancer

Professor John Kelly Professor John Kelly

UCL Medical School

University College London, London

Better treatments for bladder cancer

Professor John Kelly is an expert surgeon and bladder cancer researcher based at University College London. He is investigating new and better ways to treat the disease through drugs and surgery.

 

Breast cancer

Dr Lisa Caldon Dr Lisa Caldon

Academic Surgical Oncology Unit

University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield

Factors that influence the treatment of women with breast cancer

Dr Lisa Caldon is a breast cancer surgeon working at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. She is investigating the factors that influence the treatment of breast cancer, and how women choose between the different surgical options.

 

Pancreatic cancer

Prof John Neoptolemos Prof John Neoptolemos

Division of Surgery and Oncology

University of Liverpool, Liverpool

Better treatments for pancreatic cancer

Professor John Neoptolemos is Head of the Division of Surgery and Oncology at the University of Liverpool. He combines his clinical work with lab-based research and also runs the Clinical Trials Unit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Professor Neoptolemos is an international expert in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and is researching how survival can be improved for people with this disease.

 

Prostate cancer

Professor Ara Darzi Professor Ara Darzi

Division of Surgery

Imperial College, London

Saving more lives through surgery

Based at Imperial College, London, Professor Ara Darzi is one of the world’s leading surgeons and a pioneer of keyhole surgery. He is investigating robotic surgery and other techniques that will improve the outlook for cancer patients in London and across the UK.