Author Archives: Claire

Successful MSCA PF 2025 Grant Award – Professor Robbie Woods & Antara Sengupta

Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre is delighted to announce the success of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellow 2025) application led by Professor Robbie Woods, with Dr. Antara Sengupta as the incoming MSCAPF.

This highly competitive European fellowship supports outstanding early‑career researchers and enables them to develop their careers through world‑class training, mobility, and collaboration. The success of this proposal highlights the growing reputation of Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre as a hub for impactful cancer research and international scientific excellence.

Dr. Sengupta’s fellowship will advance innovative research and contribute to supporting improved patient outcomes and strengthen the Centre’s translational research mission.

Professor Robbie Woods commented on the award:
“We are delighted to welcome Antara as part of our research team. Securing an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship is a major achievement, and we look forward to the important contributions her work will bring to our cancer research programme.”

This award reflects the Centre’s commitment to fostering scientific talent, building international partnerships, and driving research that makes a meaningful difference for cancer patients in Ireland and beyond.

We congratulate Dr. Antara Sengupta and Professor Robbie Woods on this significant accomplishment and look forward to supporting the next stages of this exciting research.

Celebrating Excellence: Lung Health Check Patient Partners awarded for PPI in Research

Congratulations to Dr Anne-Marie Baird and Mr Seamus Cotter for winning the Public and Patient Partnership Award at the the Irish Cancer Society‘s Research Awards last week-Thursday Feb 18th. Embedded within the Lung Health Check Steering Committee, Dr Baird and Mr Cotter served as PPI partners ensuring that the realities and concerns of people impacted by lung cancer were heard at every stage of the research development as well as leading on community engagement events.

Mr Cotter currently chairs of the Irish Lung Cancer Community (ILCC), a united voice for people impacted by lung cancer, and Dr Baird is the immediate past president of Lung Cancer Europe (2020-2025) (LuCE).

The Irish Cancer Society Research Awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by researchers, support staff, and patient partners who drive cancer research forward in Ireland. Each year, these awards showcase innovative projects that improve our understanding of cancer, advance treatment options, and strengthen partnerships with patients and the public.

The Lung Health Check pilot, led by Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and funded by the Irish Cancer Society and EU4Health SOLACE was launched last year, invites high-risk individuals from specific Centric Health GP practices in North Dublin and the North-East region to attend a lung health check at a mobile scanning unit.

These awards demonstrate the incredible progress being made in cancer research and celebrate the dedication of Ireland’s research community and cancer care.

INTERACT 100: Beaumont RSCI Cancer Centre Hosts European Interspecialty Traning Event

On 15-16 January, RCSI will host an exciting Regional Networking Event in its capacity as a Leading Cancer Centre within the INTERACT-EUROPE-100 education consortium. Building on an earlier EU-funded initiative co-chaired by RCSI past president Prof. Niall O’Higgins, the EU-co-funded INTERACT-EUROPE-100 project is a flagship initiative of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan to provide new standards in teamwork in every cancer centre in Europe.

 

Cancer patients in Europe are treated by an array of different specialties and professions: medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, cancer nurses and many others. For cancer care to be delivered optimally, close collaboration among these professionals is essential. But that requires a thorough knowledge of each other’s roles and goals in treating any patient.​ The INTERACT-EUROPE-100 project allows various professional specialties across Europe to train together, improving collaboration and patient care through the implementation of an innovative Inter-Specialty Cancer Training Programme.

 

INTERACT-EUROPE 100 has a clear and unwavering objective: improve cancer care by improving the collaboration of those providing it. The INTERACT-EUROPE vision is all about breaking down medical silos. It provides professionals from different specialties with the skills to communicate with each other more effectively for better patient care.

 

The Regional Networking Event in Dublin will bring together around 40 participants representing medical oncology, surgery, cancer nursing, radiation oncology, pathology, and health & social care professionals from cancer centres in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Ireland! Participants will reflect on how the Inter-Specialty Cancer Training Programme is being implemented in their own centres, share best practices, and take part in workshops to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration. All this with a healthy dose of RCSI hospitality and Irish culture – participants are sure to remember the ceili dance being hosted in RCSI’s new building 118 St. Stephen’s Green!

Congratulations to Dr. David O’Reilly, on his recent Young Investigator Award at ASCO

Congratulations to Dr. David O’Reilly, Star PHD candidate and medical oncology trainee on his recent Young Investigator Award at ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) on the 27th May, 2025.

Profile photo, Dr. David O'Reilly,

Dr O’Reilly is clinical research fellow in the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, with an interest in the development of novel liquid biopsy approaches in order to improve outcomes for patients with lung cancer.

 

David’s work on “Exhaled breath condensate tumour DNA analysis to predict progression on chemo-immunotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer” was selected from a prestigious group of global submissions and demonstrates a continued commitment to cancer research and progressing outcomes for patients with cancer.

 

This research is follows-on from research conducted as part of his PhD. During his PhD, the investigator led the ‘BRAND’ study, which investigated using exhaled breath samples to predict clinical benefit from treatment. The aim of his ASCO YIA award is specifically to investigate if exhaled breath liquid biopsy can be used to predict early progression on chemo-immunotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

 

The Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award (YIA) aims to encourage and promote quality research in clinical oncology. Applicants are reviewed and evaluated by an independent selection committee. David is the only recipient of the award outside of North America this year.

 

Prof. Jarushka Naidoo, Professor of Medical Oncology here in Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, and research mentor to Dr. O’Reilly had this to say “Dr O’Reilly has received a very prestigious award from our foremost oncology society (ASCO- American society of clinical oncology), it’s Conquer Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award. This is excellent news for Dr. O’Reilly and this is a real example of successful team science”.

 

 

 

2022 Cancer Conference and Accreditation Event

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As Ireland’s newly accredited European Cancer Centre, the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, will hold its first conference in Dublin on Thursday, 22 September 2022.

The conference is the first of its kind to be held by the Centre, which is an innovative collaboration between Beaumont Hospital, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network.

The Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre has recently been accredited by the OECI, Europe’s accreditation body for standards in cancer research, education and clinical care.

The inaugural cancer conference will bring together healthcare professionals, academics and key stakeholders to celebrate the accreditation and present the Cancer Centre’s vision for comprehensive cancer care in Ireland.

International key note speakers include Professor Alastair Thompson, Breast Cancer Surgeon and Professor and Chief, Section of Breast Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine and Dr Jean-Benoît Burrion, Chair of the OECI Accreditation and Designation Programme.

The Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre is a partnership between Ireland’s leading healthcare professionals, academics, biologists, epidemiologists and statisticians across the disciplines of medicine, radiation, surgery and palliative care. The Centre specialises in the treatment of a wide range of cancers including breast, colorectal, lung, endocrine, head & neck, neuro oncology, urology, skin, haematology and upper gastro intestinal.

Commenting on the significance of the event, Professor Patrick Morris, Medical Director of the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre said: “The establishment of the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre formalises the alliance and commitment to cancer care that has long existed between the three partners involved, combining our expertise to create a centre of excellence with the scale and breadth to drive improvements nationally and through our international networks.”

Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director of the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, said: “A key goal of Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre is to integrate world-class research and clinical education into the treatment of patients across all types of cancer. This conference is an important part of this strategy and will be of interest to the vast number of people who have been affected by cancer and their families as well as everyone in involved in the research and treatment of all forms of cancer in Ireland and worldwide.’

For further information on how to register and submit abstracts visit the conference webpage

 

Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre awarded OECI Cancer Centre status

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The Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre has been accredited for the quality and standards of cancer care and research by the OECI, a European organisation who set comprehensive standards for cancer centres and networks.

In January 2021 we at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre elected to participate in the OECI Accreditation and Designation Programme, a quality assessment programme focused on multidisciplinary integrated cancer care and research. The Cancer Centre was independently evaluated by a team of experts from centres across Europe in October 2021 and assessed across a number of domains including governance; research; multidisciplinary working; patient involvement and empowerment; organisational quality; prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The Cancer Centre has received official accreditation by the OECI, which recognised it as a ‘patient centred organisation’ with ‘well-coordinated research structures’ and ‘a dynamic education system’.

Responding to the designation, Ian Carter, CEO of Beaumont Hospital, said: “We are very proud to be accredited as a Cancer Centre by the OECI; it is high recognition of our commitment to delivering high standards of quality care to patients with cancer and to accelerating developments in  cancer research.”

The establishment of the Centre formalises the alliance and commitment to cancer care that has long existed between the three partners, combining their expertise to create a centre of excellence with the scale and breadth to drive improvements nationally and through its international networks.

Through its collaborative approach, the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre aims to further develop the clinical treatment pathways for patients to improve their experience and outcomes and also extend into local communities to support health and well-being programmes aimed at prevention.

Professor Patrick Morris, Medical Director, Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, explained: “Statistics from the WHO tell us that cancer represents the second most reported cause of death and morbidity in Europe. In Ireland, there are approximately 40,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed each year and over 3500 of these patients are treated in Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre. Cases of cancer are expected to double in Ireland by 2040.

“The only way to tackle this disease is through research and collaboration. This Centre brings together some of Ireland’s most informed and experienced cancer experts to provide an innovative approach to cancer research that will inform the treatment of cancer and improve patient care into the future, not only in Ireland, but worldwide. The OECI accreditation and designation is a significant milestone for the Cancer Centre and represents our commitment to delivering the highest standards of patient care informed by innovative research.”

Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director, Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, added: “The accreditation from the OECI is testament to the international significance of the work performed at the Centre and our focus on delivering the highest international standards in cancer research, that will bring maximum benefit to cancer patients and ensure that Ireland is at the forefront of excellent patient care now and in the future.”

The Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre brings together Ireland’s leading healthcare professionals, academics, biologists, epidemiologists and statisticians across the disciplines of medicine, radiation, surgery and palliative care. The Centre specialises in the treatment of a wide range of cancers including breast, colorectal, lung, endocrine, head and neck, neuro oncology, urology, skin, haematology and upper gastro intestinal.

Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor and CEO / Registrar, RCSI, said: “Collaboration between academic research and practice is vital in the fight against cancer. RCSI is proud to be involved with this internationally accredited cancer centre at Beaumont Hospital. Together with our partners at Beaumont Hospital and St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network we are combining scientific research with patient treatment that in the long-term will contribute to the improvement of cancer treatment for patients throughout the world.”

Professor Clare Faul, Netwoek Director of St Lukes Radiation Oncology Network acknowledged the importance of this partnership: “Having the three pillars of cancer treatment collaborating on the Beaumont Hospital campus and working in partnership with the RCSI to achieve OECI accreditation ensures we are reaching the highest standards for patients with cancer at every point of their pathway.”

Cancer research at the Centre focuses on a wide variety of strategies to identify new ways to improve outcomes for cancer patients through prevention, diagnosis and therapy. It is involved in large-scale collaborative cancer research programmes and clinical trials involving partners from industry, academia and clinical organisations.

The Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre is aligned with the strategic priorities of the National Cancer Strategy (2017-2026), EU Cancer Mission and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The Centre is one of nine designated cancer centres nationwide and is the second only OECI accredited cancer centre in the country.

To mark its accreditation and commitment to public engagement, experts from the Centre are hosting a special online webinar today. The RCSI MyHealth Series discussion, ‘Navigating cancer – prevention, treatment and support’, features Prof. Patrick Morris, Prof. Leonie Young and Dr Maeve Mullooly (Research Fellow, Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI). In this discussion the speakers address some of the most commonly asked questions about risk factors and prevention measures, treatments options and preparing for treatment, as well as the latest in cancer research.

Part of RCSI’s free series of public lectures, this MyHealth discussion aims to educate people about cancer prevention, lifestyle choices, risks and treatments which characterise the full patient-support journey provided by the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre.

Watch the Navigating cancer – prevention, treatment and support webinar here

Photographed above from left to right: Mr Ian Carter CEO Beaumont Hospital, Professor Clare Faul Network Director St Lukes Radiation Oncology Network; Professor Cathal Kelly Vice Chancellor and CEO / Registrar, RCSI

Supporting Daffodil Day at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre

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March 25th is the day we “take back cancer” and today staff across Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre including our Medical Oncologists  showed full support for the Irish Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day. The Irish Cancer Society make a difference to thousands of people affected by cancer across Ireland through advocacy, support and research. The Daffodil Centre at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre is a hub of information and support for staff, patients and visitors from prevention of cancer through to enhancing survivorship. Cancer Nurse Phil Harford from the daffodil centre works closely with our highly skill nursing teams across the Cancer Centre.

Pictured above: Medical Oncologists from Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital and RCSI gathered outside the hospital to show their support for today’s event. From left, Professor Liam Grogan, Dr Adrian Murphy, Dr Jarushka Naidoo, Dr Oscar Breathnach and Prof Patrick Morris. Pic: Ray Lohan/RCSI

Pictured below: Nurses and care staff from out day cancer services.

To find out more about our Daffodil Centre click here

To find out more about Daffodil Day or to make a donation click here

 

Clinical Research Updates from the Cancer Centre

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The M11 089 study was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre contributed to the 970 patients that were randomised to receive platinum-based chemotherapy with veliparib or placebo. The study concluded that there was no therapeutic benefit of adding veliparib to first-line chemotherapy for patients with squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The researchers did however find a signature in archival tissue samples that may identify a sub group of patients likely to derive benefit from veliparib in combination with chemotherapy.

J Clin Oncol. 2021 Nov 10;39(32):3633-3644. doi: 10.1200/JCO.20.03318. Epub 2021 Aug 26. PMID: 34436928; PMCID: PMC8577684

The final results of the long running phase III SOLE study (Study of Letrozole Extension) were recently published in the Annals of Oncology.  Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre contributed to the 4851 patients that were randomised globally. The study concluded that extended adjuvant endocrine therapy by intermittent administration of letrozole did not improve disease free survival (DFS) compared with continuous use. However, the similar DFS coupled with previously reported quality-of-life advantages suggest intermittent extended treatment is a valid option for patients who require or prefer a treatment interruption.

Ann Oncol. 2021 Oct;32(10):1256-1266. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.07.017. Epub 2021 Aug 10. PMID: 34384882

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

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February 11th 2021 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Despite the significant contributions made by women in the fields of science and research a significant gender gap persists. At Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre we are proud to have women who are leading innovation in science and research and support full and equal access for women and girls to science, technology and innovation.

“On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I call on everyone to create an environment where women can realize their true potential and today’s girls become tomorrow’s leading scientists and innovators, shaping a fair and sustainable future for all.”  António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations

Find out more @ https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day/