About the Birmingham Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre

Our aims

We work in partnership with our Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU) to drive forward the achievement of shared strategic objectives. A leading national unit, our CRCTU delivers studies at almost 400 sites, nationally and internationally. It is particularly renowned for its expertise in the design and implementation of innovative precision medicine studies drawing on cancer biology, rather than disease sites, nationally and internationally. It is particularly renowned for its expertise in the design and implementation of innovative precision medicine studies drawing on cancer biology, rather than disease sites.

Project Team

Our centre’s resourcing supports experimental cancer research across University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. We fund research nurses who open up these studies to our patients, also providing support for key services such as trials imaging and pharmacy. Within the CRCTU we promote the development and delivery of investigator-initiated studies, supporting trial management and biostatistics expertise, enabling the translation of Birmingham discovery science into the clinic.

We work in partnership with the West Midlands, Oxford and Wessex Genomic Laboratory Hub, a key facility within the Central and South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. Part of a national laboratory network, they deliver widespread genomic testing of patient blood and tissue samples. This enables our clinicians to identify novel personalised medicine studies, matched to individual patient’s genetic mutations. The testing can also assist with assessing patient prognosis, by identifying key markers.

Project Partners and Management

Our centre is managed under the umbrella of Birmingham Health Partners, which unites the University of Birmingham with regional NHS partners, including University Hospitals Birmingham and the West Midlands, Oxford and Wessex Genomic Laboratory Hub. Top-level oversight is provided by the Cancer Strategy Group, which has representation from all key partners.