In one of The King's first official visits since his own cancer diagnosis, Their Majesties visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre. The centre provides some of the most advanced cancer care in the country through its clinical trials programme, offering patients access to the newest treatments.
Their Majesties met clinical staff who treat patients at the centre, as well as clinician researchers at the forefront of cancer research. They included Professor Charles Swanton and Professor Mariam Jamal-Hanjani (both UCL Cancer Institute), who shared their work on transforming the understanding of cancer through translational research.
Professor Swanton is also chief clinician of Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and leads TRACERx, a major CRUK-funded collaboration between experts from a wide range of disciplines working together to develop targeted new cancer therapies. His Majesty was also announced as the new patron of CRUK today.
Incoming UCLH director of research, consultant haematologist and UCL Cancer Institute Professor Karl Peggs, spoke about the development of clinical trials incorporating cell therapies at UCLH, including CAR-T and Achilles which explore cellular therapies and cancer neo-antigens.
The King and Queen met several patients receiving chemotherapy or other drug infusions for a wide range of cancers.
He spoke to Eileen Rapley, a lung cancer patient at UCLH who has participated in the TRACERx trial, who said: "I was really pleased to have the opportunity to meet Their Majesties and explain how taking part in research has given me a sense of purpose since my cancer diagnosis. I hope that my contribution will make a difference to future generations and help improve survival rates."
UCLH chief executive David Probert said: "We are touched by this visit from Their Majesties and their concern and interest in the experience of our patients and staff.
"The development of innovative treatment combined with compassionate care is at the heart of what we do at our cancer centre. Huge thanks to our skilled and dedicated teams who consistently strive to provide the very best care possible for our patients."
