CRUK November Research Update: New guidance for researchers relating to the second wave and the nine new challenges revealed

HOW FUNDERS CAN TACKLE RACIAL BIAS IN CANCER RESEARCH

As part of our commitment to help create a more inclusive research environment, we co-hosted a virtual discussion with The Francis Crick Institute’s PRISM Race Equity Network to hear from four Black cancer researchers. Dr Furaha Asani, Dr Lynn Asante-Asare, Prof Dean Fennell and Dr Faith Uwadiae shared their experience in academia and summarised priority actions funders should take to tackle bias in cancer research. These actions include highlighting the value of data to understand and break down systemic racism, creating a culture of accountability, and building support networks and safe spaces for Black and ethnic minority researchers.

As we implement initiatives to bring about positive change and a more inclusive culture, we’ll continue to engage with our Black and other ethnic minority researchers in ways that recognise the identities and perspectives of different ethnic groups as distinct.

THE THRILLS AND SKILLS OF BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR

Five scientists talk frankly about their experiences of entrepreneurship in a recent researcher voices article. Debora Lucarelli, Monika Gullerova, Jason Mellad, Myriam Ouberai and Anna Perdrix Rosell share how they started and what qualities they think are most important to be an entrepreneur.

Sharing advice to researchers considering entrepreneurship, Myriam said: “It’s easy to overthink and doubt yourself but if you have a good idea that you believe will have an impact, then you should go for it. I recommend reaching out to as many people as you can and to seek advice from people who have done it before. It’s what I did, and it worked."

NEW DRUG FOR HIGH-RISK CHILDREN'S CANCER IS TRIAL READY

A new drug that has passed safety tests in adults is likely to be effective against the aggressive childhood cancer, neuroblastoma. CRUK-funded researchers found that fadraciclib can target N-Myc, publishing their results in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Amplification of N-Myc is strongly associated with more severe forms of neuroblastoma but the “undruggable” nature of its protein structure means targeting oncogenic Myc is a challenge. Lab results show fadraciclib can stop N-Myc production and slow tumour growth.

As children with high-risk neuroblastoma currently receive very intense treatment, fadriaciclib could be an alternative option and expand the use of precision medicines in children’s cancers. Clinical trials will open by the end of the year and will be carried out as part of the international E-SMART clinical trial.

UK HEALTH INEQUALITIES: SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION

Our recent health inequalities report reveals that there are around 20,000 extra cancer cases each year in more deprived areas in the UK. With differences seen across prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment, the sobering reality is that people in more deprived areas have worse cancer survival. While the report focuses on socio-economic factors, it has become clear that tackling health inequalities must be a priority in the Government’s upcoming spending review if we are to improve cancer survival in every part of the country.