News releases
NEW CANCER RESEARCH AT NORTH WEST CANCER RESEARCH FUND INSTITUTE
02 February 2006
The award is for �53,000 for a three year project.� It is a fundamental piece of work which could potentially be of benefit across a wide range of cancers.
Genetic changes in human cells are linked to the development of cancer.��� Healthy cells are protected from such changes because lesions to the chromosomes are being efficiently repaired. When they lose their ability to do this, though, it leads to the accumulation of genetic alterations over time which can result in tumour formation.
Dr Caspari will lead a team studying a new regulator which may play a role in the ability of cells to repair chromosomal damage.� He will build on work which he completed in 2002 when he identified that the internal working of a cell - its cell cycle machinery - is crucial to achieve error-free repair.
Dr Caspari said, 'The results of this study could be of value across a number of cancers such as breast, lung, liver and bladder.� The ultimate aim is to be able to detect cancer cells at an earlier stage of development and this will improve diagnosis and treatment.� I am so grateful to the volunteers from North West Cancer Research Fund for their hard work in raising money to allow me to undertake this research.`
North West Cancer Research Fund Institute was opened in 2004 with a donation of �432,000 by the Fund.� It is a dedicated centre of research excellence in Wales with a mission to carry out world class research into the fundamental causes of tumour development.
Mr John Lewys-Lloyd, Chairman of North West Cancer Research Fund, said, 'A research award is only made if the application has satisfied strict criteria.� Each application is assessed by independent experts and a final decision is then taken by the Fund's Scientific committee which is made up of independent cancer research specialists.�� Having so recently created the Institute, it is pleasing that we have been able to fund a project of this calibre.'
North West Cancer Research Fund is an independent regional cancer research charity which has been active in Wales for over 50 years.� It has ten voluntary committees in north and mid Wales.� Every year, the Fund makes �750,000 available for research and virtually all of this money is raised through voluntary efforts and donations.� Throughout its long history, an average of nearly 90p in every � raised has consistently been spent directly on research.
The web address of North West Cancer Research Fund is:
www.cancerresearchnorthwest.co.uk
ENDS
Notes for editors
1.�������� The ten Welsh committees of North West Cancer Research Fund are in: Aberdovey, Harlech, Holywell, Llandudno, Llanfairfechan &� Aber, Machynlleth, Mold, Prestatyn, Ruthin and Tywyn.
For further information, please contact Judith Roberts, press officer, North West Cancer Research Fund, on 0151 236 6605
If you have helped to collect money for The North West Cancer Research Fund, don't forget to tell us all about how you raised the money so we can publicise your efforts.