Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Groundbreaking Research on Radiotherapy Clinical Trials
Radiotherapy, a crucial treatment for many cancer patients, is often overshadowed by its more well-known counterparts, surgery and chemotherapy. However, the significance of radiotherapy cannot be understated. In fact, half of all cancer patients require radiotherapy at some point in their cancer journey, and over 40 percent of cancer cures are attributed to this innovative treatment. To shed light on the importance of radiotherapy, Prof Sinead Brennan, a radiation oncologist at St Luke’s and St James‘s Hospitals and Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, collaborated with the Irish Cancer Society to create an educational video for patients and their families.
As a radiation oncologist, Prof Brennan’s main research interest lies in clinical trials for patients with head and neck cancer and breast cancer. Through these trials, patients actively participate in studies aimed at improving treatments and outcomes. In her role as the clinical lead for the Irish Research Radiation Oncology Group (IRROG), Prof Brennan coordinates all radiotherapy clinical trials in Ireland. This group, funded by the Health Research Board and partnered with Trinity College Dublin, works tirelessly to enhance cancer cure rates and minimize the long-term side effects of radiotherapy, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life after treatment.
One recent trial in which Ireland participated, known as the DARS trial, produced groundbreaking results. Published in the Lancet Oncology, the trial revealed that by designing radiotherapy in a certain way, swallowing problems after treatment can be prevented. Prof Brennan emphasizes the importance of this outcome, highlighting that enjoying meals with loved ones significantly contributes to our quality of life.
The efficacy of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment cannot be overstated. Prof Brennan explains that hospitals actively engaged in high-quality clinical trials yield better outcomes for patients, making it imperative for all patients to have access to these trials. Surprisingly, only approximately two in every 100 cancer patients in Ireland are currently treated as part of a clinical trial, despite the Irish National Cancer strategy stating that every patient has a right to access such trials. Prof Brennan calls for increased investment in clinical trials infrastructure in Ireland to ensure that all patients, regardless of their location, have equal opportunities to participate.
Instituting the Irish trials group, IRROG, was a significant achievement for Prof Brennan. This initiative ensures that every patient in Ireland has the chance to be involved in clinical trials. The vision of IRROG is to improve cancer outcomes by granting patients equal access to high-quality clinical trials, allowing the right patient to participate in the right trial, irrespective of their location.
Inspired by her sister, who sadly succumbed to cancer at the age of 39, Prof Brennan remains motivated to enhance treatments for cancer patients. She firmly believes that today’s clinical trials are tomorrow’s cures. Outside of her work, Prof Brennan cherishes her time with her husband, Fergal, and their three children. They enjoy idyllic holidays on Valentia Island in Kerry. Prof Brennan is also an avid runner and will be participating in the Dublin City Marathon in October to support The Friends of St Luke’s and the Cancer Fund for Children.
Through groundbreaking research and advocacy for clinical trials, Prof Sinead Brennan continues to revolutionize cancer treatment. As she spearheads efforts to improve outcomes for patients and enhance their quality of life, she remains an inspiration to all those fighting against cancer. With her determination and dedication, the future of cancer treatment is looking brighter than ever.
