Addenbrooke’s first in Europe to get stamp of approval for cancer care and research

The Cambridge Cancer Centre, a partnership of Cambridge University Hospitals, the University of Cambridge, and Cancer Research UK and others, will be accredited by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) as a comprehensive cancer centre.

The status recognises specialist cancer centres that can offer the combination of world-class research, a wide range of ground-breaking treatments, the highest educational standards, and a clinical service with good outcomes for patients.

Professor Patrick Maxwell, Chair of the Centre and Head of the University of Cambridge Clinical School, and  Professor Sir Bruce Ponder, Director of the Centre, will receive the certificate from the OECI president Prof Wim van Harten at a special event to showcase some of the research programmes in Cambridge which are changing the face of cancer treatment globally.

Some of the cutting-edge work undertaken by Cambridge Cancer Centre clinician scientists includes a landmark study mapping out the different types of breast cancer, an ‘early warning’ test’ for oesophageal cancer, and DNA sequencing of sub groups of prostate cancer to target treatment to the individual and therefore improve survival rates.

Professor Sir Bruce Ponder, Director of the Cambridge Cancer Centre, said: “To be awarded this status is recognition of the hard work and collaboration between the University, Cancer Research UK and Addenbrooke’s over the last six years since the centre was established. We are bringing Cambridge science to bear on the practical problems of cancer. Closer interaction between the clinic and the lab will be the foundation for our future progress and for better outcomes for patients.”

Keith McNeil, chief executive of CUH, said: “It is fantastic news that we have been recognised as one of the best cancer centres in the world. Addenbrooke’s already provides excellent outcomes for cancer patients compared to other hospitals in the UK and cancer will be one of the top priorities for us in the future. I am eagerly looking forward to forging even closer collaborations with the University and Cancer Research UK in the pursuit of cancer research that transforms the lives and futures for patients.

Harpal S Kumar, CEO of Cancer Research UK, said: “The Cambridge Cancer Centre’s accreditation by the OECI recognises Cambridge’s outstanding track record in cancer research. The city is hugely important to Cancer Research UK, receiving our largest investment in a single location, outside of London. This supports a range of exceptional research across a number of fields and a number of types of cancer, which is helping to improve survival for patients in Cambridge and across the world. It is a very exciting time for Cancer Research UK and the Cambridge Cancer Centre and there is great potential as we continue to work closely together to make a significant impact on cancer outcomes.”

This accreditation means the Cambridge Cancer Centre joins world-leading cancer centres such as the Karolinska in Stockholm, as well as centres in Manchester, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
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