The Beatson Pebble Appeal

Why we need the Beatson Translational Research Centre 
 

‘Our vision is to be in a position to treat patients in a more tailored way, with customised drugs, targeted treatments and diagnostic options that are less toxic and more effective, so that each cancer and each patient is treated individually. The Translational Research Centre will help us to achieve our vision.’

Executive Dean of Medicine 
 

With a wealth of experience in cancer research and a large population with a high incidence of the disease, Glasgow is strategically important in the fight against cancer.  The University, the NHS and Cancer Research UK) have all been working in partnership to advance care for cancer patients and ultimately to secure a cure.   
 

There are three key factors in the equation to solve cancer:

• Basic scientific research that explores the mechanisms of cancer, and seeks ways to understand, prevent and cure it
• Clinical care that enables patients to fight and survive their illness
• Translational research that bridges the chasm between the laboratory and the hospital and aims to turn knowledge into cures.

Recent huge investment in Glasgow has meant that the first two of the three are now in place:

• The Beatson Institute at Garscube in Glasgow handling scientific research
• The clinical facility at the Beatson Oncology Centre at Gartnavel where patients go for post-operative treatment.

This investment has transformed the rating and standing of cancer in Glasgow where there now exists a concentration of scientists of international standing working towards a common goal.  
 

The University, therefore, plans to develop a Translational Research Centre to convert groundbreaking scientific discoveries into real benefits for patients to eradicate this most invasive of diseases.   
 

What is Translational Research? 
 

Translational Research is the process by which doctors and researchers translate their research in the laboratory into real therapies for cancer patients. The result is that hospital treatments for cancer patients will be steered by the most up to date science.  
 

The Beatson Translational Research Centre will accelerate the process of understanding the disease, improving existing therapies, identifying new ones, and bringing them to patients.  
 
 

The site of the Beatson Translational Research Centre 
 

‘The work of the Beatson TRC will dovetail perfectly with the basic and translational research already ongoing at the Beatson Institute, and builds on the significant investment and support that the Beatson Institute has received from Cancer Research UK.  The new development will play a key role in our ambitions to bring together basic and clinical research, contributing to the creation of a coordinated cancer research centre and help us develop our discoveries into successful new treatments for cancer patients.’

Professor Karen Vousden FRS FRSE, Director, Beatson Institute 
 

The Centre will be located next to the newly constructed Beatson Institute at the University’s Garscube Estate.  It will involve a new-build facility and the refurbishment of adjacent buildings.   
 

The building will specialise in the common tumours and those that cause the most deaths in Glasgow such as:

• endocrine (breast, prostate and ovarian)
• smoking related (lung, throat, oral)
• gastro intestinal.  

The synergy fostered through the Beatson Translational Research Centre working closely with staff at the Beatson Institute, sited in the adjacent building, will ensure that communication between basic scientists and clinical researchers will be greatly improved. 
 

Glasgow: the right place

‘There is an openness of personality and a genuine interest in the application of science to medicine and an overwhelming desire to help on the part of people form the West of Scotland by participating in clinical trials and by fundraising on our behalf.

Tessa Holyoake, Professor of Cancer Science and Molecular Pathology 
 

Glasgow already has the supportive resources in place to work in connection with the Beatson Translational Research Centre, and can therefore yield greater success in the search for a cure.  These include:

• Glasgow has been identified as one of Cancer Research UK’s Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres.
• Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, with its cancer facilities serving 66% of Scotland’s population.
• With a higher than average incidence of cancer, it also has the widest range of cancers, including some relatively rare cancers.
• Glasgow has and excising power base of internationally recognised scientists and strong and established working links with Cancer Research UK.

To make significant progress, it is important to create an environment where basic and clinical scientists can work closely together. 
 

Bringing the “stars” of Cancer Research to Glasgow

The combination of world class research and the strategic importance of Glasgow’s patient base are a dynamic asset in the fight against cancer. 
 

Cancer research ‘stars’ are key to cancer cures – but the stars are attracted to places where there is the best environment, facilities and equipment for their research.  
 

Without the new facilities, translational research will be seriously hampered and existing high profile staff may leave to carry out their research elsewhere.  
 

The Centre will both attract world-class researchers to work here, and nurture the growing critical mass of Scottish trained expertise. 
 

It will foster close daily interactions between basic and clinical researchers, greatly enhancing the potential for progress, and encouraging interaction in a vibrant and exciting environment.  
 

The Centre will have positive influences on health, education, culture, and wealth creation, regionally and nationally. Most importantly, it will help to eradicate cancer throughout the world.  
 

If you would like to support the Beatson Pebble Appeal or to find out more contact Kirsty Craig or Lindsey McArthur on 0141 330 4951 or at K.craig@admin.gla.ac.uk or l.mcarthur@admin.gla.ac.uk.