Medical Research Council

BIG 2-04 MRC SUPREMO trial results show no significant difference in 10-year overall survival for intermediate-risk breast cancer patients whether or not they received chest wall irradiation post-mastectomy. Chest wall irradiation reduced chest wall recurrence risk but by less than 2%, deemed clinically insignificant. The findings suggest chest wall irradiation may not be necessary for some patients, impacting shared decision-making.

BIG 2-04 MRC SUPREMO trial results show no significant difference in 10-year overall survival between patients with intermediate-risk breast cancer who received chest wall irradiation (CWI) post-mastectomy and those who did not. CWI reduced chest wall recurrence risk but had a clinically insignificant impact on survival, suggesting CWI may not be necessary for some patients.

African populations are underrepresented in genomic research, hindering precision medicine development. Despite challenges like funding and infrastructure, progress is being made in countries like South Africa and Uganda. Initiatives like H3Africa aim to improve genomic diversity and capacity in Africa, but significant barriers remain, including brain drain and lack of government support. Efforts to build infrastructure and knowledge are ongoing, with the hope of expanding access to precision medicine across the continent.

A new gene therapy research centre, jointly funded by the MRC and BHF, aims to develop therapies for heart repair and regeneration in heart attack and heart failure patients. Led by researchers at UK universities, the centre seeks to reawaken regenerative processes in damaged human hearts, potentially transforming heart disease treatment.

Uganda recognized for clinical trial capability, attracting global pharma investment. Trials like Gilead's lenacapavir for HIV prevention show 100% efficacy. Uganda, along with South Africa, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, leads in African medicine development. Access to Medicine Foundation urges more inclusive pharma business models for low-income countries.

The Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, launched in 2022 with £95 million and later increased to £120 million, aims to accelerate dementia treatment development. Co-Chaired by Hilary Evans-Newton and Nadeem Sarwar, it includes initiatives like the Neurodegeneration Initiative and a Clinical Trials Delivery Accelerator. Key appointments include Scott Mitchell as People’s Champion and Ruth McKernan as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board. Funding supports innovations in biomarkers and clinical trials, with additional £20 million announced in 2023 for the CTDA.

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. announces key progress and upcoming studies for breast and pancreatic cancer treatments, preparing for FDA accelerated approval. The company's lead intravenously administered immunotherapy, pelareorep, shows promising efficacy in ongoing trials, with plans to initiate a clinical trial to support accelerated FDA approval in 2025.

Wes Streeting MP and Peter Kyle MP unveiled a new total-body PET scanner at St Thomas’ Hospital, which is 5 times more sensitive and 2-4 times faster, aiding quicker diagnoses and detailed whole-body readings. Managed by King’s and Imperial College London, it feeds into the National PET Imaging Platform, improving disease understanding and medicine development. The scanner benefits patients like Sarah Corfield, who found it less claustrophobic and quicker. Both secretaries praised the scanner for its potential to save lives through earlier detection and faster diagnoses.

A new total-body PET scanner, 40 times more sensitive and 10 times faster, unveiled at St Thomas’ Hospital. It supports the National PET Imaging Platform, aiding faster diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer. Patient Sarah Corfield praised the scanner's comfort and speed. The scanner will feed into NPIP, building a UK-wide bank of medical research findings.

Researchers identified genetic markers in JIA patients indicating higher uveitis risk, potentially leading to a blood/saliva test for early intervention, reducing unnecessary medication/screening.