New initiative links Guernsey cancer patients with UK research

Thursday, 2 July 2026 08:40

Guernsey cancer patients will be able to join UK clinical research without travelling off-island thanks to a new university partnership.

Business Beats Cancer Guernsey, a fundraising group linked to Cancer Research UK's Guernsey branch, has partnered with the Universities of Southampton and Sussex on a new research initiative.

The project, called Island and Institutes, gives blood cancer patients in Guernsey the option of donating excess blood and tissue samples collected during their treatment for use in UK clinical research.

By using samples already taken as part of routine care, patients can contribute to research without travelling off-island.

The findings will be shared with Guernsey's oncology team, with the aim of improving access to more targeted cancer treatments.

Lead Medical Oncologist at Bulstrode Oncology Unit, Peter Gomes, called the collaboration a 'positive move'.

"We are a busy cancer unit providing on-island treatments to a broad range of patients with malignancies ranging from solid tumours such as lung and breast cancer to many blood cancers including lymphomas and leukaemias.

"We have been very fortunate in having access to cutting-edge technologies, targeting cancers more precisely and improving outcomes.

"On-island treatments now include chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy and antibody-drug combinations targeting highly specific cancer cell targets.

"These exciting developments can only come through dedicated research carried out by centres of excellence such as Southampton and Brighton hospitals.

"It will be a very positive move forward to see Guernsey patients able to directly contribute to active cutting-edge research that will further improve cancer treatments for all, including local patients."