Anneliese Dodds MP visited the Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre on the 26th November 2021 to tour the labs and buildings where cutting-edge cancer research is being undertaken to drive patient-focused solutions to cancer challenges.
The visit formed part of a Cancer Research UK campaign to engage MPs in the important and impactful cancer research happening in cancer centres across the UK.
During Anneliese’s visit, she viewed demonstrations from across a range of scientific disciplines, beginning with a talk from the CRUK Oxford Centre’s Early Detection theme. She met with OxCODE researcher Dr Chunxiao Song (Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research) at the Target Discovery Institute, whose TAPS technology is a major advancement in the field of early detection through blood-based testing.
Anneliese went on to meet with theme leaders in Cancer Big Data at the Big Data Institute. Professor Eva Morris (Nuffield Department of Population Health) discussed the important work happening through the use of electronic health records to identify and address health inequalities and improve the healthcare system. This was followed by a demonstration of the work by Professor Jens Rittscher (Department of Engineering and Nuffield Department of Medicine) and colleagues using AI to detect cancer in novel way, such as its applications in identifying oesophageal cancer through endoscopy videos.
It was fantastic to see the diversity of disciplines here in Oxford that are contributing to ongoing improvements in cancer patient care. There are some cutting-edge projects happening that will ultimately benefit many through cancer early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
This tour has underlined that Oxford and the wider UK can be a science superpower. To do this the UK Government must invest in the thriving life sciences sector, in order to deliver on its commitments to those affected by cancer. - Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East & Chair of the Labour Party
This article is modified from the full story about her tour on the Oxford Cancer webpage.
Image credit: Oxford Cancer