Manchester politicians don lab coats to highlight cancer research excellence

Two Manchester MPs and one North West MEP met with Cancer Research UK scientists in the city recently to learn about the world class research taking place there.

Tony Lloyd MP, Mark Hunter MP and Sajjad Karim MEP visited the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research in Withington where they witnessed the range of groundbreaking scientific research currently being carried out there.

Mark Hunter MP said: “This was a great opportunity to see some of the world class research that is being carried out here in Manchester. It highlighted just why it is so important to support the vital research which could make a significant difference to the 36,100 people diagnosed with cancer in the North West every year.”

Tony Lloyd MP added: “Without the work of the dedicated scientists and support staff, the advances made in cancer treatment and services could not be achieved.
Cancer Research UK funds research all over the UK and I’m delighted to support this life-saving work.”

The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, core funded by Cancer Research UK, is a leading cancer research institute within the University of Manchester.

Together with other local organisations, including The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Manchester, The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research is a partner in the Manchester Cancer Research Centre whose goal is to become one of the world's leading cancer research centres.

Cancer Research UK scientists based at The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research work with other researchers and medical staff to take promising discoveries from the lab and develop them into potential treatments for cancer. They are currently developing new treatments for bowel, stomach, pancreatic and lung cancer.

Professor Caroline Dive, who leads the Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group at the Paterson Institute, said: “I was really pleased to welcome the politicians to The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research to see for themselves how we take cancer treatments ‘from the laboratory bench to the bedside’.

“It was a great opportunity to show how we are working with our partners across the Manchester Cancer Research Centre to help beat cancer. Together we are leading the way in research that will help treat bowel, stomach, pancreatic and lung cancer.”

Caroline added: “Collaboration is the key to the success of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, which makes it easier for researchers to work alongside doctors treating patients on the ward. This enables patients to benefit as soon as possible from any breakthroughs in research.”

The Manchester Cancer Research Centre brings together scientists, doctors and nurses from across Greater Manchester. The Centre harnesses existing strengths in cancer research, leading to improvements in treatment that will benefit patients in the city and beyond.

Last year, Cancer Research UK spent over £16 million on research in Manchester. Much of this funding goes towards the pioneering work of the doctors and scientists at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research.

Photo from left to right: Mark Hunter MP, Sajjad Karim MEP, Professor Caroline Dive and Tony Lloyd MP at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research.