MP Praise for Oxford's radiotherapy services

OXFORD East MP, Andrew Smith, recently visited a lab to see how scientists are researching exciting new radiotherapy treatments. His tour of the Cancer Research UK–MRC Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology at the University of Oxford was part of a Cancer Research UK campaign to raise awareness about the importance of radiotherapy.

Mr Smith met Professor Gillies McKenna, Director of the Institute, who explained the groundbreaking work being done by scientists at the Institute, which is part of the Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre. His lab tour revealed the extensive range of work being carried out at the state-of-the-art Institute which brings together researchers from around the world who are working together to push the boundaries of radiotherapy research.

Mr Smith said: “I’m so proud to have a world-class radiotherapy research facility in my constituency. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Oxford scientists about the crucial link between understanding how cancer works and developing the best new radiotherapy treatments for people with the disease. I applaud Cancer Research UK’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of radiotherapy in cancer treatment. Local radiotherapy services must get the support they need to make the best use of the Institute’s cutting-edge research.

“I was concerned to learn that the UK is lagging behind America and the best in Europe in introducing more targeted forms of radiotherapy such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). I was pleased to tour the Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre as part of my visit and see how the new radiotherapy treatments available in Oxford, including IMRT, can make a real difference. These treatments should be available to all patients across the UK, regardless of where they live.”

Professor McKenna said: “I was delighted to meet Mr Smith to explain the progress we are making. “Many treatments for diseases that are now improving patients’ lives have been developed through collaboration between charities, universities and the Government. “We believe the Institute is a brilliant example of world leading research collaboration in practice.”

Top Photo: Dr Iain Tullis, ROB Advanced Technology Group; Andrew Smith, Labour MP for Oxford East; Dr Martin Christlieb, ROB Molecular Imaging Group.

Middle photo: Andrew Smith MP; Professor Gillies McKenna (Institute Director)

Bottom photo: Martin Christlieb (Institute); Andrew Smith MP; Jennifer Anderson (Institute)