Research

An Established Leader

Pioneering Cancer and Personalised Medicine Research: The St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre stands as a prominent leader in cancer and personalised medicine research. We explore innovative person-focused approaches, incorporating the latest interdisciplinary research from fundamental biological and medical sciences, computer science, and clinical expertise. Our extensive cancer research spans across the university’s schools, centres, and programmes, seamlessly integrated with the St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group through the Clinical Research Centre.

Clinical Research: Advancing Cancer Research

At the St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre, clinical research is at the forefront of our commitment to innovation and excellence. In collaboration with partners, academic research centres, and pharmaceutical companies, we conduct extensive studies and clinical trials. Facilitated by the Cancer Clinical Research Trust (CCRT) and the Ireland East Hospital Group - UCD Cancer Cluster, supported by the UCD Clinical Research Centre, our clinical research initiatives drive progress in cancer care.

Cancer Clinical Research Trust (CCRT): 

The Cancer Clinical Research Trust (CCRT), a registered charity, has been steadfastly supporting a dedicated cancer research programme at St Vincent’s University Hospital and University College Dublin for over two decades. Comprising a team of nine clinical trials staff and an operations manager, CCRT actively supports a clinical trials program engaged in cooperative group and pharmaceutical industry studies.

Ireland East Hospital Group – UCD Cancer Cluster:

As part of the Cancer Clinical Trials landscape in Ireland, the Ireland East Hospital Group – UCD Cancer Cluster stands as one of six groups funded by the Health Research Board. This funding is aimed at augmenting resources and expertise to conduct cancer trials in both adults and children. The Cancer Cluster, encompassing Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, St Vincent’s University Hospital, and University College Dublin, has secured funding for the period spanning 2022-2027.

Patient Participation in Clinical Trials:

  • Clinical research is made possible by the invaluable participation of patients.
  • Patient involvement in clinical trials contributes to testing new diagnostic techniques, comparing therapeutic strategies, and evaluating innovative medicines, especially for cancers without effective treatments.

Translational Research - Bridging Lab Discoveries to Patient Health

Translational research plays a pivotal role in transforming observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that enhance individual and public health. At the St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre, we prioritise translational research to understand cancer better, identify diagnostic markers, predict treatment responses, and improve patient prognosis.

Precision Oncology Ireland (POI):

Precision Oncology Ireland is a collaborative consortium comprising of five Irish universities, six Irish charities, and seven industry partners, with the objective of developing novel diagnostics and therapeutics for personalised cancer treatment. Launched officially in November 2019, this consortium receives partial funding from Science Foundation Ireland through their Strategic Partnership Programme. The coordination is overseen by Systems Biology Ireland. At the helm is Prof Walter Kolch, Director of Systems Biology Ireland in UCD, a distinguished advocate of precision medicine at the international level. Assisting him as Deputy Director is Prof William Gallagher, Professor of Cancer Biology and Director of the Conway Institute in UCD.

All-island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI):

The All-Island Cancer Research Institute is a virtual establishment designed to enhance our understanding of cancer, develop more personalised treatment options, and alleviate suffering while saving lives. Through a collaborative North/South Ireland effort, AICRI leverages the collective expertise of cancer researchers across the island to address cancer comprehensively. This collaboration extends internationally by connecting with counterparts in the US and other regions. AICRI provides a comprehensive framework for cancer research, from discovery to implementation, benefitting both cancer patients and society at large.

Patient Wellbeing and Involvement

UCD Centre in Translational Oncology:

The UCD Centre in Translational Oncology (UCTO) stands as a collaborative hub, spanning across various UCD schools and affiliated institutes, including the Conway Institute, Systems Biology Ireland, and the St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre. With representation from Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Children’s Health Ireland, these institutions collectively form three of the nine designated cancer centres of excellence in Ireland. The amalgamation of clinical and research expertise within the UCTO fosters multidisciplinary research, promising to enhance patient care across all ages and cancer types.

Patient Voice in Cancer Research:

The Patient Voice in Cancer Research initiative actively involves cancer patients, researchers, and stakeholders, including patient advocates, families, carers, and policymakers. This initiative aims to build vital connections between patients and cancer researchers, striving to:

  • Facilitate a two-way dialogue, promoting open communication.
  • Provide education and training to enhance communication, positioning cancer research as a joint venture to overcome the disease and improve the quality of life and survivorship post-treatment.
  • Improve the broader community’s understanding of cancer research through clear and concise messaging.
  • Inform policy-makers and healthcare professionals about research needs that will benefit cancer patients.
  • Offer greater clarity to patients regarding the capture, collection, management, and use of data in cancer research.

Conducting and Organising Clinical Research

Clinical Research Centre:

The UCD Clinical Research Centre (CRC) is an academic-led, multi-site, patient-focused facility for clinical and translational research, seamlessly integrated under a single governance structure. Established with the strategic objective of advancing high-quality, impactful investigator-led translational and personalised medicine research, the UCD CRC aligns with UCD’s vision of being a research-intensive university. Serving as the focal point for clinical research activities, the UCD CRC plays a pivotal role in supporting the ‘bench to bedside’ translational research continuum.