UK Oncology Forum highlights innovation in cancer care in north east London

In the picturesque town of Harrogate on a bright summer’s morning in June, oncologists and partners from across the cancer community gathered for this year’s UK Oncology Forum.

The forum featured a packed agenda with an impressive array of specialist cancer presentations and workshops, including a keynote address from Professor Charlie Swanton – a clinician scientist renowned for his work on the challenges of managing metastatic cancer, particularly its drug-resistant and incurable nature.

North East London Cancer Alliance took an active role at the forum, participating in sessions, exhibiting, launching a new video, and recording podcasts.

Wayne Douglas, Ellen Quinney, Rosie O’Dea, Jenni McGivney, and Paul Thomas represented the cancer alliance, making valuable new connections and progressing conversations with existing partners.

“Networking with industry leaders and the top clinical experts in the country is crucial to the work we do as an alliance,” said Wayne Douglas, Diagnosis and Treatment Programme Lead, North East London Cancer Alliance. “Our focus is on innovation and transformation to improve local cancer services, so it’s vital we connect with technology partners, research specialists, and thought leaders in cancer.

“The UK Oncology Forum is also a fantastic opportunity to inspire and be inspired; showcasing the work being done in north east London – work I’m incredibly proud of. Sharing best practice adds value on a national scale and helps us make an even greater positive impact on patient care.”

Meeting of Cancer Alliances

A key element of the forum was a dedicated meeting for cancer alliances from across the UK. Wayne Douglas co-chaired the session, which builds on an initiative launched at last year’s forum in Brighton. This year’s gathering saw at least double the number of alliances in attendance.

The meeting facilitated rich discussions on innovation in cancer care and explored how alliances can collaborate more effectively to support patients nationwide.

Video launch: Showcasing local innovation

North East London Cancer Alliance launched its new diagnosis and treatment video, which highlights the breadth of innovative projects taking place across the region to improve cancer care.

The video features members of the alliance’s diagnosis and treatment team and demonstrates innovations ranging from the use of Artificial Intelligence to the creation of patient-friendly animated videos that support better understanding of treatment pathways.

Podcast Series: Taking Control of Cancer

At the forum, the alliance recorded two new episodes for its podcast series, Taking Control of Cancer.

The first episode featured Wayne Douglas and Rosie O'Dea from North East London Cancer Alliance, alongside Molly Pipping from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and the Greater Manchester Cancer Academy. They explored how introducing new technology, made possible by cancer alliances, is having a huge impact on cancer diagnosis and treatment.

In the second episode, host Steve Bland and Wayne Douglas were joined by Dr Francesca Jackson-Spence from Barts Health NHS Trust and Dr Angel A. Rodriguez from Natera. They discussed a ground-breaking blood test innovation that could significantly reduce the need for unnecessary chemotherapy. A pilot programme at Barts Health NHS Trust is scheduled to launch soon and could represent a major step forward in cancer treatment.

Featured on one of the world’s leading oncology podcasts

Wayne Douglas, Ellen Quinney, and Paul Thomas were honoured to be featured guests on Rad Chat – the world’s first therapeutic radiographer-led oncology podcast and a multi-award-winning series hosted by Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara.

In the episode, they shared insights into cancer care innovation across north east London and reflected on the collaborative energy among cancer alliances at this year’s forum.

For more information

Watch the diagnosis and treatment video: https://youtu.be/urpQ6-AnExc

Visit the Diagnosis and Treatment Programme webpage: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/diagnosis-and-treatment-programme

Listen to our two podcasts from the event: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/taking-control-cancer