Which area of research are you focusing on, and what is the aim of your Cancer Research Wales project?
I work for the NHS carrying out genetic tests which tell us which treatment options are best for cancer patients. My main research goal is to investigate different ways to carry out this testing so that it is more efficient for patients and so that resources are used better within the healthcare service.
For my Cancer Research Wales funded project, I am working with blood samples from patients with lung cancer. These blood samples contain very small amounts of tumour DNA, and I’m testing two new technologies to see if they can carry out the same genetic tests we already do with this sample type, but faster and with more information!
Have there been any key achievements so far during the project?
The project is still within its infancy and we’ve just started to gather the data on these new technologies. So far it has required a large number of people to come together in order to carry out research in a healthcare setting.
This includes researchers from Cardiff University, individuals from the Research Governance team who are responsible for ensuring that the research is carried out legally and ethically, and important administrative roles including ordering and finance. Therefore, it is an achievement within itself that we have successfully coordinated all individuals involved to get this project off of the ground!
How would you explain your project to a nine-year-old?
Cancer happens when the cells in your body become faulty and start growing uncontrollably. There are lots of different ways that a cell can become faulty, and working this out tells us what kind of medicine will work best for that cancer.
I’m working to find out new ways of testing for what is making the cell faulty so that cancer patients can start taking medicine sooner, or even start taking new medicines.
How might your research make a difference to cancer patients in Wales?
Clinical trials are already underway exploring the use of blood samples for earlier and less invasive genetic testing in lung cancer patients in Wales.
My research will work towards ways of getting these results to patients even faster, and potentially open up the testing to include more treatment options.
Why and how did you become a Cancer Research Wales researcher?
I applied for and was successful in getting a Cancer Research Wales Innovation Grant in 2024, officially starting my working relationship with Cancer Research Wales.
This was a perfect funding scheme for my research, which focuses on the benefits of technological advancements for cancer patients in Wales.
Do you have any personal connection to cancer?
Through my role in the NHS, I see the impact that cancer has on individuals and their families and friends daily, as well as the burden that genetic testing can have on our resources. This really motivates me to improve the experiences of these patients in Wales by making this process more efficient
When you’re not researching, what do you do in your downtime?
I’m a Mum to a young son, who keeps me pretty busy! When I can, I like to participate in long distance running. This year I completed the Cardiff Half Marathon for the sixth time, and I’m looking forward to my running taking me to new places across South Wales!
Is there anything you’d like to say to our supporters?
Thank you so much for supporting the work of Cancer Research Wales researchers like myself. Your contributions and support are vital for ground-breaking work to happen all over Wales. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you!
