RM M A G A Z I N E SUMMER 2021
GLOBAL RECRUITS How overseas nurses like Sojan play a vital role in patient care Future research: our plans in four key areas Working together to take on sarcoma
EXECUTIVE NOTES
CONTENTS 4 Bulletin What’s happening around The Royal Marsden 12 Modern methods Why lab upgrades mean a better pathology service
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. And when people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That’s why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
14 Ready for the future New frontiers for research at The Royal Marsden 17 It happened to me Hilary Rose recounts her breast cancer journey 18 A day in the life On the job with international nurse Sojan Varghese 20 Transforming our trials Boosting our research work through digital innovation 22 A focus on collaboration How our Sarcoma Unit works with centres around the world 25 Collective intelligence A new oncology research partnership takes shape 26 Fundraising News from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity 28 Foundation news Updates from our Foundation Trust and Governors 30 Puzzles and prizes Test your wits and win a prize with our crossword 31 Stay in touch Your comments on social media, plus hospital contacts
ON THE COVER Sojan Varghese, Staff Nurse in the Critical Care Unit Some photographs in this issue were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and may not reflect current social distancing and PPE guidelines
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WELCOME to the summer 2021 edition of RM, the magazine for our staff, patients, carers and Foundation Trust members. In this issue, we see how overseas nurses play a vital role in providing patient care, as we spend a day in the Critical Care Unit with Sojan Varghese (page 18). Sojan moved from Dubai to take up a role as a Staff Nurse at The Royal Marsden after reading the excellent staff and patient reviews and being drawn by the extensive training and support programme on offer. We also find out more about our exciting new research hubs, which involve multidisciplinary teams working together to drive the development of new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer (page 14). Even amid the pandemic, all our teams at The Royal Marsden are constantly striving to find ways to improve patient care. On page 12, we hear from the pathology team, who have led a major project to upgrade their laboratory facilities and create capacity for COVID-19 testing, enabling them to improve and expand their crucial services. I hope you enjoy this issue.
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden
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B U L L E T I N W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G A R O U N D T H E R O YA L M A R S D E N A WARM WELCOME The comfortable reception area at Cavendish Square
? DID YOU KNOW?
Clean work THE ROYAL MARSDEN has opened a new cellular therapy laboratory – which includes a new modular clean room (pictured) that provides a completely sterile environment for the processing of stem cells – as part of a revamp of the pathology facilities in Sutton. The improved facilities will give the lab the potential to increase capacity to support more stem cell transplants, as well as to provide storage for chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells for the increasing number of patients having CAR-T therapy, which involves reprogramming the patient’s own immune cells and using them to target the cancer. Read more about the new facilities on page 12.
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Professor Nicholas Turner, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Head of the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research and Professor of Molecular Pathology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Cavendish Square opens its doors THE ROYAL MARSDEN Private Care – which recently won the LaingBuisson Best Hospital Award – has officially opened the doors of a brand-new COVID-secure diagnostic and treatment facility set across two floors of an Edwardian listed building in Cavendish Square, central London. Alongside a state-of-the-art imaging suite and medical day unit with private treatment bays, Cavendish Square offers patients fast, direct access to world-leading diagnostic experts and researchled care in a calm, modern and reassuring environment. The centre’s consultants treat multiple tumour types – including breast, urological, gynaecological, head and neck, haematological
and skin cancers – and offer other specialties such as genetics, plastic surgery and pain management. Professor Chris Nutting, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Director of The Royal Marsden Private Care at Cavendish Square, said: “We are delighted to have expanded our Private Care presence. The clinical expertise and leading-edge equipment, technology and facilities here are second to none. “As a specialist cancer centre, this exciting development will allow our multidisciplinary teams to offer world-class standards of cancer care to even more patients, diagnosing cancers faster with a targeted and personalised approach.” RM magazine 5
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Radiographers take lead in MR Linac treatment
GUIDELINES ON BREAST IMPLANTASSOCIATED LYMPHOMA
ALL FOR ONE Dr Helen McNair praises the new radiotherapy plan
? GIVING THANKS Matt Hancock (second left) chats to staff
MATT HANCOCK, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, visited The Royal Marsden on World Cancer Day in February to meet some of our staff who have worked hard throughout the pandemic to keep cancer services going.
He heard all about our Cancer Surgical Hub, which enabled patients from throughout the region to access cancer surgery when their local hospitals were overwhelmed by COVID-19, and he met staff from the Critical Care Unit and thanked them for their work.
The visit also aimed to promote the NHS Help Us, Help You campaign, with the Health Secretary encouraging people to access the NHS during the pandemic. The message was that anyone with symptoms that could be cancer should see their GP, as treatment is available.
Staff have worked hard to keep services going
Find all our patient information in one place Patients can now find out more about diagnosis, treatment and what to expect when they come to The Royal Marsden by using our new online patient information library. The library gives patients, families and carers quick and easy access to all our leaflets, booklets and factsheets in digital format.
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There are more than 500 documents on the website, as well as patient information videos. The content is all searchable by keyword and can be browsed by stage (diagnosis, treatment, supportive care) or tumour type, ensuring users can find what they need when they need it. Users can also customise the site to suit them by using the accessibility
tool. This allows them to change the language, colour scheme and text size, as well as use magnifying tools or a screen reader.
Want to know more? Visit the patient information library at patientinfolibrary. royalmarsden.nhs.uk
Photograph: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street
Health Secretary meets our staff
DID YOU KNOW?
THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHERS at The Royal Marsden have begun treating patients on the MR Linac without a clinical oncologist present, following a training and supervision programme. The hospital’s Radiotherapy Department has been at the forefront of the revolutionary MR Linac treatments since the first UK patient was treated here in 2018. This more accurate radiotherapy enables better targeting of tumours by adapting to their daily position and shape. Treatments previously needed a clinical oncologist to contour the target area and approve the plan in the MR Linac control area. Now, therapeutic radiographers – who already lead radiotherapy delivery on standard linear accelerator
machines – have taken on this role alongside patient setup, image acquisition and registration, and treatment delivery. Dr Helen McNair, Lead Research Radiographer at The Royal Marsden and Reader at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “It is very exciting for us to have progressed to this stage. Thanks to a clinical academic grant from the National Institute for Health Research, the training has been thorough and we have been very well supported by our clinical oncology and physics colleagues. “We are evaluating treatments for prostate cancer and oligometastases before moving onto other tumour sites. This will mean improvements in efficiency and more flexible treatment times for patients.”
As part of NHS England’s pledge to phase out single-use plastics, we have replaced plastic cups with paper cone cups in our restaurants.
The Royal Marsden’s experts in breast implantassociated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) – Dr Dima El-Sharkawi, Consultant Haematologist, Dr Bhupinder Sharma, Consultant Radiologist, and Miss Fiona MacNeill, Specialist Consultant Breast Surgeon – have helped to create the first-ever UK guidelines to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Jointly published in the British Journal of Haematology, the European Journal of Surgical Oncology and the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, the guidelines aim to raise awareness and educate UK healthcare professionals about BIA-ALCL, a new type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is thought to occur in about one in every 20,000 breast implants undertaken in the UK. The guidelines offer a structured approach to support clinicians with early diagnosis and successful treatment, with new detailed guidance on imaging and how best to investigate and treat BIA-ALCL to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
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BULLETIN
DNA MAY HOLD PROSTATE CANCER CLUES
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Shorter radiotherapy cuts bladder cancer relapse risk
FAST FACTS International Nurses’ Day
Researchers at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) are aiming to learn why men of African or Caribbean descent are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Professor Ros Eeles, Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Cancer Genetics at The Royal Marsden and Professor of Oncogenetics at the ICR, is leading the PROFILE study. She said: “The secret may lie in changes in the DNA passed on through generations and inherited by men from their parents. But the only way to find out is to do a study like this one.” Frederick Forster (above), a participant in the study, said: “My father was treated at The Royal Marsden and passed away from prostate cancer. I know my family history and ethnic background put me at higher risk of developing prostate cancer, so I want to help the researchers and doctors find out why this is and what can be done about it.” 8 RM magazine
12 May International Nurses’ Day is celebrated on Florence Nightingale’s birthday
BENCH TO BEDSIDE Dr David Taussig
MAKE WAVES The updated approach could transform care
GIVING BLADDER CANCER patients fewer but larger radiation doses reduces the risk of the disease returning and should be adopted as the new standard of care, a new study shows.
Patients could need 12 fewer trips to hospital
Researchers at The Royal Marsden, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, the University of Manchester and the Christie analysed data from two previous clinical trials to compare the radiotherapy schedules. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK and published in The Lancet Oncology, found that patients who received a shorter course of
radiotherapy for bladder cancer that had invaded the surrounding muscles had a significantly lower risk of their cancer returning than those on a longer course, and did not have an increased risk of side effects. The results could mean patients needing 12 fewer trips to hospital, without reducing the quality and impact of their bladder cancer treatment.
Resistance-busting drug enters trial A DRUG DISCOVERED at The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) has recently entered a Phase 1 clinical trial at The Royal Marsden. Provisionally called EP0042, the drug blocks the activity of two proteins that drive cancer growth at the same time. It is being trialled under a partnership with the company Ellipses Pharma. It has shown particular promise as a treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia, and has potential as
A centre of excellence for brain tumours St George’s University Hospital, The Royal Marsden and the Royal Surrey County Hospital (SGRMRS) have collectively been awarded Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence Status, which recognises outstanding neuro-oncology centres. Dame Tessa Jowell was diagnosed with
a grade 4 glioblastoma in May 2017 and died the following year. Her daughter, Jess Mills, who leads the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, said: “Mum’s mission was to tackle systemic inequality. We are thrilled to have awarded SGRMRS for its excellent ongoing work.”
“It’s challenging to develop drugs for acute myeloid leukaemia”
a future treatment for other cancers, including the childhood disease neuroblastoma. Study centres are planned in the UK, the Netherlands and Australia. Dr David Taussig, Consultant Haematologist at The Royal Marsden and Honorary Team Leader in Acute Leukaemia at the ICR, is the global co-ordinating investigator on the study. He said: “It’s challenging to develop drugs for acute myeloid leukaemia as the disease is often aggressive and prone to resistance. “EP0042 is a great example of the highly collaborative ‘benchto-bedside’ approach of The Royal Marsden and the ICR, with researchers and clinicians pioneering new and personalised treatments to improve and save the lives of cancer patients in the UK and beyond.”
1861
The year the first nurse at The Royal Marsden, Matron Miss Scrivener, was appointed
9/10
The Trust’s score for patient experience in the Care Quality Commission’s Adult Inpatient Survey, thanks to the quality of our nursing
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editions of The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures, written by our nurses and allied health professionals, have been published
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international nurses work at The Royal Marsden RM magazine 9
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IN BRIEF
The centre is being funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, thanks to the generous support of Charles Wilson and Dr Rowena Olegario, and Keith and Isabelle McDermott.
SACT certification
The Royal Marsden’s systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) service has been re-awarded ISO certification by the British Standards Institution for the next three years, demonstrating that it has patient experience and care at its core.
FIT for purpose
Results from the NICE FIT study has shown that a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), which is used in the NHS screening programme for people with no symptoms of cancer, is almost 100 per cent accurate at ruling out bowel cancer in patients with suspicious symptoms. The study was led by Croydon University Hospital and supported by RM Partners, the West London Cancer Alliance hosted by The Royal Marsden.
Pandemic survey
The COVID-NOW study, led by Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Susana Banerjee, surveyed NHS oncology staff about the impact of the COVID-19 spring 2020 wave on their work and wellbeing. The survey found that 94 per cent felt that patient management had altered as a result of the pandemic, and 42 per cent felt they were likely to be at risk of poor wellbeing.
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Q&A: RECURRENT HEAD AND NECK CANCER RESEARCH Professor Vinidh Paleri, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon and Director of the International Centre for Recurrent Head & Neck Cancer (IReC), reveals the aims of the new virtual centre Q What is recurrent head and neck cancer? A This is an umbrella term for cancers of the voice box, throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary and thyroid glands. It’s often hard to treat and aggressive and, depending on the type and site of the cancer, between a fifth and half of cases return. Q What is IReC and why has it been launched? A At The Royal Marsden, we have great expertise in
managing head and neck cancers. IReC will harness the specialist knowledge of The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London by bringing together talented clinicians and researchers to create a global centre of excellence. Through research, it will set national and international standards in the treatment, palliation and supportive care of patients with recurrent head and neck cancer.
“IReC will ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes”
Q What projects are being funded? A A national registry to develop our understanding of recurrent head and neck cancer and capture variation in how it is treated across the UK, plus a tissue biobank to help explore and validate key research findings. New research staff, including three PhD research fellows, a trial manager, a clinical trial nurse and a data manager, are also being funded. Q How will the centre benefit patients? A IReC data will form the basis for multi-centre clinical trials which, ultimately, will lead to improved patient outcomes. We aim to explore minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci Xi robots, and combining surgery with immunotherapy and other novel agents. We also hope to investigate the role of viral therapies and biomarkers in developing new treatments. Q What are your hopes for the next few years? A Through the registry, biobank and leading-edge global research projects, IReC will help define standards for the treatment of recurrent head and neck cancer in the NHS and, in future, internationally.
Seed device pinpoints breast cancer location SURGEONS AT The Royal Marsden have become the first in the UK to use and evaluate a new device to locate breast tumours easily and precisely. Sirius Pintuition consists of a magnetic seed – the size of a grain of rice – and a detector. Ahead of surgery, the seed is inserted into
the breast so surgeons, using the detector to determine the seed’s location, can remove cancerous tissue with precision. Previously, metal anchor wires were placed on the day of surgery, which can cause discomfort. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in January, Samantha Matthews was one of the first patients in the UK to be operated on using this system. She said: “Having the seed inserted ahead of surgery was quick and painless and meant that I didn’t need additional procedures on the day of my operation.”
“Having the seed inserted was quick and painless”
? DID YOU KNOW? Eamonn Sullivan, the former Chief Nurse at The Royal Marsden, has been awarded an MBE for his services to nursing. Eamonn was Chief Nurse for more than four years until May 2021, and took a lead role in setting up and running London’s Nightingale Hospital.
SMALL BUT MIGHTY Surgeons quickly got to grips with the tiny seed (above left)
Dosimetry Centre helps cancer patients UK-wide The Royal Marsden is helping to improve radioactive treatments for cancer patients outside the Trust through its expertise in molecular radiotherapy. The new Dosimetry Centre personalises treatments for patients undergoing radioactive therapies in other hospitals. Dosimetry uses a complex method to measure the precise radiation doses that should be delivered. A gamma camera takes pictures of radioactivity in the body and enables the team to adjust treatments so patients can safely receive the maximum amount of radioactive drug their body can tolerate. The Royal Marsden was one of the first hospitals in the world to use dosimetry for treating neuroblastoma with the radioactive iodine I-131 mIBG and other therapeutic procedures. Dr Glenn Flux (above), Head of Radioisotope Physics at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “We have been striving to make dosimetry accessible for all cancer patients for a long time. This centre will allow us to share our expertise so more patients can benefit.” RM magazine 11
PAT H O L O G Y
Microbiology
MODER N ME T HODS
State-of-the-art equipment and new facilities are playing a huge part in The Royal Marsden’s pathology team’s response to COVID-19 THE ROYAL MARSDEN’S pathology team plays a crucial role in diagnosing disease, planning treatments and monitoring patients’ health during their cancer pathway. This year, the team has led a major project to create capacity for COVID-19 testing and to upgrade laboratory facilities. These ensure that, even amid the pandemic, our pathologists can continually find ways to improve patient care.
Cellular therapy lab
The cellular therapy laboratory supports more than 400 donations a year to provide stem cells for around 200 transplants for cancer patients. The lab team processes cells in an ultra-clean environment to ensure that they remain sterile, preserving 12 RM magazine
their quality while they are stored for up to 10 years. A new modular clean room with a specialist design means that the facility will be able to meet the stringent regulatory requirements that govern this sector, while providing additional space to enable more transplants and a better working environment for staff. “Cellular therapies offer fantastic treatment options for many patients,” says Dr Janet Wells, the laboratory’s head. “It’s wonderful to have this new facility, which means we can improve and expand our service.” CLEAN AND COLD The new cellular therapy laboratory (above) and cryogenic cell storage (right)
The COVID-19 pandemic put huge pressure on The Royal Marsden’s microbiology services. This laboratory is responsible for screening patients for infections before they’re admitted, or if they’re unwell. Charity donations have enabled the Trust to purchase two Cepheid analysers: one in Sutton, and one in Chelsea, which was made possible thanks to a United Way Worldwide grant to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity on behalf of the generosity of The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. They can provide COVID-19 test results in as little as two hours – essential for urgent admissions. The department also moved to refurbished laboratories in the McElwain Building and benefited from a new PCR molecular testing facility. The new labs will allow bulk COVID-19 testing in-house, with the team processing around 3,500 tests a week. They’ll also be able to do more molecular testing on site. Faster turnaround and increased accuracy will potentially mean patients can be given targeted therapies more quickly. Gail Gardner, Microbiology Manager, says: “Gerry Vella and the Estates team transformed a virtually derelict building into these bright, light, superclean laboratories. We can’t praise Gerry and his team enough.” RM
Immunophenotyping
The immunophenotyping team tests patients’ blood and bone marrow samples to diagnose blood cancers and assess their response to treatment. To detect sub-microscopic levels of disease, it’s vital that equipment is up to date and reliable. The Royal Marsden now houses one of the first laboratories in the UK to have flow cytometry analysers capable of looking at up to 15 characteristics in each cell. They give more accurate results, but the vast volumes of data have also meant upgrading computers and software. This increased automation allows the team to test more patients, with scientists spending more time on analytical work. “This year, we’ve literally changed everything we do while maintaining the service,” says Alan Dunlop, Head of Immunophenotyping. “With the new system, we’re able to give clinical teams better information about how patients have responded, so it will have real benefits for patient care.”
LAB WORK The new facilities for immunophenotyping (top) and microbiology (above and below)
“This new facility means we can improve and expand our service” RM magazine 13
RESEARCH
FORCE FOR CHANGE Miss Jennifer Rusby is spearheading new surgical research
AS THE ONLY NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) dedicated to cancer, The Royal Marsden and its academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), are together uniquely placed to deliver groundbreaking translational research. Now, The Royal Marsden is setting up four new ‘hubs’ in which multidisciplinary teams with a shared focus on a particular area will work together to drive progress. These areas – early diagnosis, artificial intelligence imaging, surgical research and biotherapeutics – are key priorities for the BRC and, thanks to a new £5-million research grant from
“The Early Diagnosis Centre will be key to improving outcomes and saving lives”
R E A DY FOR T HE FU T UR E The Royal Marsden is preparing to make progress in four key areas of research. Here’s what we aim to achieve in the coming years 14 RM magazine
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, will help us accelerate new and improved ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. Early diagnosis In partnership with the ICR and working closely with RM Partners Cancer Alliance, The Royal Marsden is establishing an Early Diagnosis and Detection Centre, which aims to speed up diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients. Early-diagnosis research leads Professor Ros Eeles, Dr Richard Lee and Professor Stan Kaye are spearheading discussions to create a centre that will bring together research and expertise across multiple tumour groups, recruit for new specialist roles and set up a new clinical trials infrastructure. Dr Lee, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Champion for Early Diagnosis, whose role is funded by the Charity, says: “Establishing an Early Diagnosis Centre will be key to achieving earlier-stage
LEADING RESEARCH Dr Andrew Furness (above); Dr Richard Lee (below left)
clinical diagnoses and will ultimately help us save lives. “The centre will focus on novel liquid biopsy technologies to aid detection, AI and imaging for more accurate diagnoses, as well as advanced risk-stratification science using genetics and ‘big data’ approaches to identify high-risk groups who will benefit most from early diagnosis.” AI imaging The Artificial Intelligence Hub for Imaging will, for the first time, bring together academic and clinical teams to develop AI tools that can be applied to patient treatment and care in the clinic. It will enhance collaboration and accelerate the speed at which we use academic research to benefit patients. Dr Christina Messiou, CoDirector for the AI Imaging Hub and a Consultant Radiologist, says: “Until now, academics have worked in universities designing > RM magazine 15
RESEARCH
IT HAPPENED TO ME
A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE
amazing technologies, but without input from the NHS teams in hospitals who understand the clinical challenges. “The hub will mean academics and NHS staff can work together on technology that will benefit patients. I believe we are building a digital-ready workforce, and our new hub will resemble what an NHS radiology team will look like in 10 years.” Surgical research Royal Marsden consultants Dr Shaman Jhanji and Miss Jennifer Rusby are leading the hospital’s new Perioperative and Surgical Research Unit, which aims to create a cohesive infrastructure to foster research in these areas. The unit will facilitate projects to improve all phases of the patient’s surgical pathway, including early detection, operative procedures (including minimally invasive surgery) and impact on survivorship. It will also focus on perioperative medicine (care before, during and after surgery), such as pain management, personalised risk stratification and research into sepsis. The Charity’s grant is funding staff roles, such as a research nurse, a clinical trial co-ordinator, a data manager and a tissue collector. The funding also covers a research fellowship programme. Biotherapeutics The Cancer Biotherapeutics Research Unit will support our work in cellular therapies, immunotherapies and virotherapies. Dr Emma Nicholson
“I believe we are building a digitalready workforce” 16 RM magazine
Heather Davey, 59
THE STAFF ARE JUST BRILLIANT. THEY’RE THE REASON PEOPLE ARE EVANGELICAL ABOUT THE ROYAL MARSDEN Hilary Rose, breast cancer patient
will lead on the development of cellular therapy for haematological cancers, while Dr Andrew Furness is the lead for solid cancers. Current approaches include tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), T-cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, all of which harness the power of T cells, a key immune cell, to eliminate cancer. The new funding will help expand the team so the unit can develop more clinical studies and associated translational work. Dr Furness says: “Cellular therapy could help expand the reach of immunotherapy to more patients, including those with tumour types that fail to respond to existing immunotherapies.” RM
NEW BEGINNINGS Dr Shaman Jhanji is joint lead of the new Perioperative and Surgical Research Unit
“In January 2020, I was the first NHS patient at The Royal Marsden to be treated with CAR-T therapy for lymphoma. “I had chemotherapy at another hospital before being referred to The Royal Marsden for CAR-T therapy as a third-line treatment. “I had my T cells harvested, which means the cells were removed from my blood and then sent to the USA for modification in a laboratory. “I underwent more chemotherapy just before my T cells were reinfused into me in Chelsea. As soon as I was well enough, I was moved from the Critical Care Unit to another ward, and then transferred to one of the patient flats in Sutton. The team looking after me were amazing. “Six months after the treatment, I had a PET scan and found out I was in remission. It was so reassuring to hear. I know CAR-T is new and clinicians are still learning, but I am glad I had it, as it has saved my life.”
medicine was best left to the medics, and definitely not to an algorithm, so I never Googled anything, ever. To this day, I don’t know the details of what I had, let alone how they treated it. Why would I care? It worked. I got through that year by continuing to work. I used to tap away on my laptop while the chemo was going in, because there’s only so many times you can read Grazia. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” my surgeon warned me, as I sat hunched over my laptop, two days after the operation. He was right, of course, and I probably should have taken it easier. But the phrase ‘whatever gets you
“I reckoned medicine was best left to the medics, so I never Googled anything, ever”
YOU DON’T EXPECT to find a lump in your breast when you’re rubbing in sunscreen on holiday, but there it was. Within a few weeks, I knew what RDAC stood for (it’s Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre), who Professor Ian Smith was, and what he proposed to do about the cancerous lump in my breast. I was still in my 30s, but the small lump, which my GP said was probably nothing, was trying
to kill me. It had spread to my lymph nodes, and the advice from the Prof – as everyone seemed to call him – was clear: surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I took that advice instantly and without question. Some people cope by trying to become an expert on their own illness. I did the opposite and embraced ignorance. He was an eminent oncologist; I scraped a C in biology. I reckoned that
through’ is never more apt than when you’re being treated for cancer, and for me, it was Nairn’s oatcakes and work. The main thing that gets you through, though, is the staff. They were just brilliant. For them, of course, my nightmare was their job, but I hope they realise how good they are. They’re the reason why people are evangelical about The Royal Marsden and why people like me feel lucky to have been treated there. That fateful holiday was 11 years ago now and, touch wood, I’m still standing. So, thanks guys, you’re the best. RM
Professor Ian Smith
Consultant Medical Oncologist “Hilary’s kind words emphasise that the modern treatment of breast cancer is a team effort, and at The Royal Marsden, we are lucky to have the best. “In addition to surgery, Hilary required medical oncologists for chemotherapy and hormone-blocking drugs, the clinical oncology team for radiotherapy, and pathologists and radiologists to make the initial diagnosis. Throughout all this, she was supported by our superb team of specialist nurses. “There has been a dramatic improvement in the outlook for women with breast cancer over my career, with long-term survival rates rising from around 30 per cent to near 80 per cent. Hilary is very much part of that success story.” RM magazine 17
A D AY I N T H E L I F E
A DAY IN T HE L IF E OF
S O J A N VA R GH E S E
I had a full orientation from The Royal Marsden’s nurse educators. New international nurses shadow staff nurses on the wards until they complete the OSCE examination – a practical assessment you have to pass before registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. I was working on Burdett Coutts, the male ward, so I had contact with patients and got to know the routine. Everyone here is really friendly. If you don’t know something, they’ll always help and won’t judge you. It’s great for someone who’s learning. Every Monday, we had the OSCE ‘boot camp’ with other staff preparing for the exam, to discuss what we’d learned and practise together. I felt really well prepared when I took the exam in March, and passed with no problems.
S TA FF NURSE, CRI T ICA L CA RE UNI T
I STARTED WORKING at The Royal Marsden in January. I was based in Dubai before, although I’m originally from India. When I completed my IELTS Englishlanguage qualification, I applied for jobs in the UK. I was attracted by the good career prospects, the respect and recognition you get for the job here, and the UK’s values and living conditions. I chose to come to The Royal Marsden because it had some of the highest ratings from patients and staff on review websites. In Dubai, ON SHIFT Sojan joined The Royal Marsden after working in India and Dubai, and is now a key member of the Critical Care Unit nursing team
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I worked in the medical and surgical unit, but The Royal Marsden offered me the chance to work in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), with full induction and training. Support to move The HR team made it very easy for me to come over. They picked me up from the airport and arranged my accommodation. I had to quarantine for two weeks because of COVID-19, but they provided me with groceries and a SIM card so I could call my family. They were always checking to see if I needed anything, and were really helpful and caring.
“Everyone is really friendly and will always help someone who’s learning”
One-to-one care I’m now working in the CCU. We do long shifts, from 8am to 8:30pm. There is one nurse for every patient, who may be very sick or recovering from surgery. When I get in, I’ll take a handover, then introduce myself to the patient and check if they need anything immediately. If not, we’ll go through observations. My main responsibility is monitoring the patients 24/7, checking for any fluctuations in their vital signs. Patients might be under anaesthesia, or could be confused. I make sure their needs are met and that they’re getting medications, fluids and food. During the pandemic, the standard of care didn’t change, but we did introduce COVID-19 swabs for patients and stopped visits to keep people safe. Patients can become anxious or depressed, so we offer psychological support and help them keep in touch with their families. Patients here try to do everything for themselves, and when they can’t they apologise for asking you to help them. But I don’t feel as though I’m working for them – I’m always glad to help. RM RM magazine 19
D I G I TA L P R OJ E C T S
AS PART OF a digital transformation drive to improve the way we work, The Royal Marsden is running two projects that aim to revolutionise how we manage clinical trials. By improving data management and reducing paperwork and setup times to make trial designs more efficient, both projects will give staff rapid access to the data and the tools they need to allow radical new approaches in cancer research, which could benefit the lives of thousands of patients. Lisa Emery, Chief Information Officer, says: “As a specialist provider, The Royal Marsden has a responsibility to innovate and ensure that it can act as a test bed of best practice for the NHS. “The Trust has a history of trialling new digital solutions. We are proud that, as a large research institution, we can also implement innovative technology for research data management that others in the NHS can take forward.”
T R A NSFOR MING OUR T RI A L S The Royal Marsden is working on innovative digital projects that aim to improve the way we carry out clinical research 20 RM magazine
NEW SOLUTIONS Chief Information Officer Lisa Emery (left); Lisa speaks to her team on a video call (above right)
Paper-free research In one project, our researchers have worked with content services provider Hyland on a digital solution to paperwork-heavy clinical trial management for The Royal Marsden and other NHS providers. The project has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed difficulties for researchers who needed to access trial information that is currently kept as paper copies. The solution, which builds on the OnBase system already used across the NHS, will enable pharmaceutical companies to remotely check the governance of the trials they sponsor. It will also free up the physical space used to store huge volumes of paper. For example, The Royal Marsden’s Oak Cancer Centre, a new treatment and research facility
that is being funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, will house more than 400 researchers alongside patients. Using paperless trial management, we can make the most of our research space. Lisa says: “Producing a paperless solution while also investing in an enhanced system to improve how staff and stakeholders interact with data and analytics will help us to continue delivering high standards of patient care.” Data in the cloud In a second project, we are working with Agilisys, a public-sector technology provider, to set up a cloud-based service that provides a modern and future-proofed system for storing, organising and analysing patient and clinical data. The aim is to use this system to provide insights, facilitate discoveries and help inform important decisions. The Royal Marsden has an active portfolio of more than 450 research trials and recruits over 4,000 patients to them each year. This upgrade will allow teams to rapidly identify patients who will benefit from specific trials, supporting data-driven research
“The Royal Marsden has a responsibility to innovate on best practice for the NHS” by providing access to a bank of up-to-date information. Steven Francis, Director of Performance and Information, says: “This new data environment in the cloud means we can redefine how our stakeholders interact with data, whether on their mobile phone, tablet or laptop. They will have the right information, at the right time, to make the right decisions. “Our clinical and operational data is such a rich and valuable asset, and this will ensure it can be securely and appropriately used by clinicians, staff and our academic partners. It also lays the foundations for new ways of working – including using artificial intelligence technologies in imaging and clinical decisionmaking – and will have a radical impact on patient care.” RM RM magazine 21
SARCOMA UNIT
A FOCUS ON COLL ABOR ATION The Royal Marsden’s Sarcoma Unit is working with specialist centres around the world to improve the treatment of these rare cancers COLLABORATION IS VITAL when it comes to treating sarcomas. Because they affect connective tissue, sarcomas can appear in any part of the body so are often difficult to diagnose, and their rarity – making up just one per cent of all adult cancers – means developing new treatments can be challenging. The Royal Marsden’s Sarcoma Unit works with international centres to improve the care and treatment of these diseases. The unit is one of the largest in Europe, registering around 1,000 new patients each year, and is recognised worldwide for its strength in sarcoma research – supported by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – and in diagnosing and treating soft-tissue sarcomas.
WORKING IN ALL AREAS Clockwise, from top left: radiologist Dr Christina Messiou; histopathologist Dr Khin Thway; surgeons operate on a sarcoma patient
22 RM magazine
Researching new treatments “Securing approval for new drugs to treat rare cancers like sarcomas is difficult as there often won’t be enough patients for a clinical trial within a single country, so recruiting with other centres is vital,” says Professor Robin Jones, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Head of the Sarcoma Unit. Last year, Professor Jones worked with researchers from 22 centres in countries
“Recruiting sarcoma trial patients with other centres is vital”
such as Italy, Taiwan and the USA to recruit patients with advanced epithelioid sarcoma (which comprises less than one per cent of all sarcomas) to a clinical trial for tazemetostat, an experimental drug that targets molecular abnormalities, and secured FDA approval as a result. The unit is also developing treatments for rare subtypes of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), sarcomas that appear in the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers are working with teams from the USA and Europe on the Navigator trial to explore the benefits of avapritinib, a drug that targets the PDGFRA D842V gene mutation, for a molecular subgroup of GISTs. “This trial has shown promising results in this treatment-resistant subgroup of GISTs,” says Professor Jones. “Both treatments exemplify personalised medicine, as only a handful of patients develop these types of sarcoma each year.” Surgical innovation As sarcomas can develop in any part of the body and grow to large sizes, surgery can be challenging. So The Royal Marsden works with international research bodies to innovate in this area. Mr Dirk Strauss, Consultant Surgeon, is the UK’s Principal Investigator for the STRASS2 trial, working with specialist units across Europe, North America and Australasia to optimise the benefits of surgery for retroperitoneal (the area at the back of the abdomen) sarcomas. >
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS Dr Silvia Stacchiotti, Medical Oncologist at the National Cancer Institute of Milan, regularly works with The Royal Marsden, including recently recruiting for the tazemetostat trial and applying for the Accelerator grant. She says: “It’s impossible to work in sarcoma research without making international connections. From sharing expertise and information to trial recruitment and applications for funding, collaboration means we are able to achieve so much more.”
RM magazine 23
SARCOMA UNIT
UNITED FRONT O-TRC Chair Professor Stan Kaye
MEETING THE CHALLENGE Professor Robin Jones (top, left); Mr Dirk Strauss (above)
“This trial is examining if chemotherapy before surgery can reduce the risk of the cancer coming back,” says Mr Strauss. “We also collaborate with international oncologists in the Transatlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group, which is helping to standardise and improve care for patients.” Collecting data The unit recently worked with The Institute of Cancer Research, London and other international collaborators to secure a £2.5-million Cancer Research
“Compared with common cancers, very little is known about sarcomas” 24 RM magazine
UK Accelerator Award to develop the world’s largest digital hub of sarcoma clinical and research data. Using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse the data, researchers will predict and test patient response to drugs for high-risk sarcomas. “AI requires ‘big data’, and you can’t gather extensive data on sarcomas without collaboration,” says Dr Christina Messiou, Consultant Radiologist. “With this project, the global sarcoma research community is assembling a wide variety of information, including imaging, pathology and genetics, which will feed into developing new treatments for patients with metastatic sarcomas, who currently have poor outcomes.” Categorising sarcoma Sarcoma is a complex disease with more than 100 known types and many subtypes. Dr Khin Thway, Consultant Histopathologist, plays a central role in diagnosing patients and has worked with other international pathologists to develop the World Health Organization’s classification of sarcomas. “The classification of sarcomas is always evolving and, compared with more common cancers like breast and lung, very little is known,” she says. “International collaboration is really important as The Royal Marsden may only see three to four cases of a certain type each year. Working together, we can build a picture of how each tumour type behaves so clinicians can tailor treatment to manage the disease more effectively.” RM
A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE Jason Hutchinson, 46 “I was originally diagnosed with a GIST in 2013 after finding a lump on my stomach and experiencing a lot of pain. My local hospital referred me to The Royal Marsden, where I was treated with oral chemotherapy and surgery. “After finishing treatment, my wife and I moved from London to Norwich for a quieter life. Unfortunately, the GIST came back in 2018 and, this time, was metastatic. I was absolutely devastated. “I was able to join The Royal Marsden’s Navigator trial and I’ve been on avapritinib ever since. The trial feels like a miracle as it’s given me extra time that I didn’t think I’d have. Without it, I probably wouldn’t be here today. “Over the years, the care and treatment I’ve received from The Royal Marsden’s Sarcoma Unit has been second to none. They’re absolutely brilliant.”
COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE A new oncology research collaboration between BRCs will help close the gap between scientific discoveries and their real-life applications LED BY THE NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, the NIHR Oncology Translational Research Collaboration (O-TRC) is a new partnership between BRCs that aims to turn scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for cancer patients at a scale not possible at individual centres. Researchers from BRCs across the UK will share expertise and
best practice, spot gaps in research and areas of unmet need, and identify opportunities to work with industry and charity partners. The other BRCs joining the O-TRC are Bristol, Cambridge, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Imperial, Manchester, Oxford, Southampton and University College London Hospitals. The network is focusing on four areas – early diagnosis, immunotherapy, radiotherapy
and surgery – that have the greatest potential for collaboration to make a difference to translational research. For example, the O-TRC will tap into the network of Rapid Diagnostic Centres being set up across the country to establish better methods for identifying those at greatest risk of cancer and diagnose more people earlier, when treatment is more likely to be effective. Immunotherapy is becoming a treatment option for an increasing number of cancer types but can cause serious side effects. So the O-TRC will look into who might be at risk of severe effects to understand which patients will or will not benefit most from this therapy. In radiotherapy, the O-TRC will support the Hamlet-rt study, which aims to develop a computer tool to predict the individual’s risk of developing severe side effects, with the aim of modifying treatment to prevent them. Finally, the O-TRC will develop a network of surgeons who will collaborate to ensure best practice in precision surgery. “Progress in cancer research demands collaboration, and I am delighted that the NIHR’s leading BRCs are uniting through the O-TRC,” says Professor Stan Kaye, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden and Chair of the collaboration. “Our programme of work aims to complement research undertaken by other cancer research networks. I’m confident it will make a significant contribution to improving cancer treatment and care in the next few years.” RM
What is the Biomedical Research Centre?
The National Institute for Health Research-funded Biomedical Research Centre for cancer is a partnership between The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London. It supports the rapid translation of leading-edge cancer research from the laboratory into a clinical setting. Find out more at cancerbrc.org RM magazine 25
T H E R O YA L M A R S D E N C A N C E R C H A R I T Y
Crunch time!
Gifts in Wills boost for nursing
OAK CANCER CENTRE TAKES SHAPE THE OAK CANCER CENTRE, the new treatment and research facility that is being funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, is under construction and on track to open in 2022. The building in Sutton has now reached the height of the second floor, which will be home to some of the 400 researchers due to be based in the Kuok Group Foundation Research Centre. The Oak Cancer Centre will bring together researchers working across all cancer types in order to speed up the development of worldleading research into breakthroughs in treatment and care.
The building has reached the height of the second floor 26 RM magazine
NEW FOUNDATIONS Construction is under way on the Oak Cancer Centre building site
The Charity has also benefited from generous pledges towards the construction of the Oak Cancer Centre. Recently, partners at Goldman Sachs raised over £2 million for the Goldman Sachs Gives Centre for Urgent Care, where patients who become unwell due to cancer symptoms or side effects of treatment can be treated, while the Wolfson Foundation has given £2 million to fund a Research Wing in the Research Centre.
Want to know more? We’re calling on supporters to help raise the last £5 million we need to make the Oak Cancer Centre a reality. Visit royalmarsden.org/ appeal to help us build hope, brick by brick
The Royal Marsden’s Haemato-oncology Unit is able to improve patient access to clinical trials and cellular therapy, thanks to gifts in Wills to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Legacy gifts have helped to fund a number of new staff, who will focus on educating nurses to look after patients with blood cancers who are going through clinical trials and cellular therapy. Sam Wigfall, Lead Nurse for Haematology (above), said: “The generous Charity funding will mean our nursing team can continue to receive the specialist training required for delivering innovative new treatments.” The Charity funding has also paid for the refurbishment of the Ambulatory Inpatient Unit, where day patients can receive chemotherapy.
Home is where the March is for our loyal supporters SUPPORTERS OF The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity braved the wind and rain to complete The Banham Marsden March at Home in May, raising more than £1.2 million for the Oak Cancer Centre appeal. After the in-person event was cancelled due to social distancing restrictions, thousands of walkers set off to walk five or 15 miles on routes close to their homes, instead of The Banham Marsden March’s usual route between the hospitals in Chelsea and Sutton. Antonia Dalmahoy, Managing Director of the Charity, said: “We’re thrilled
that The Banham Marsden March at Home brought everyone together in spirit for one day to do something extraordinary for cancer patients worldwide. “We are so grateful to our supporters for braving the not-so-sunny weather to help us raise vital funds for the Oak Cancer Centre.” The Charity is proud to be working with Banham as title sponsor of the event for the sixth year. Charles Hallatt, the company’s Executive Chairman, said: “Banham has proudly supported The Banham Marsden March since 2015, with more than
360 members of our staff taking part to date, raising over £130,000. “We thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this year’s special virtual event, with almost 80 members of Team Banham walking in their local areas. After the challenging circumstances we have all faced over the past year, this year’s event has perhaps been the most important of all.”
Want to know more? We’re already looking forward to next year, so visit royalmarsden.org/march to sign up for early-bird alerts about the 2022 event
Contact The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity Telephone 020 7808 2233 Email charity@royalmarsden.org Visit royalmarsden.org Registered Charity No. 1095197
Almost 9,000 people signed up to complete the challenge of 3,000 sit-ups in March, raising an incredible £317,000 to support groundbreaking research at The Royal Marsden. Participants all joined a Facebook group to advise, motivate and inspire one another. It became a likeminded community of supporters who were eager to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and get fit in the process. Sit-up challenger Emma Godwin said: “Taking part in the 3,000-sit-up challenge for the Charity has been great fun. I’ve been able to easily fit it around my degree, which has been mostly virtual. “After 300 sit-ups every three or four days, it felt great to smash the target while raising money for such an important cause.”
Marsden Marathon returns this year Last year’s inaugural Marsden Marathon – The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s first-ever virtual running event – was so popular that we’re doing it all again this year. The event last autumn saw hundreds of people take to the streets, running machines and local parks to run 26.2 miles across 26 days. Sign up, start fundraising and then run your 26 miles at your own pace any time in September.
Want to know more? Visit royalmarsden.org/ marsden-marathon RM magazine 27
F O U N DAT I O N N E W S
A FOND FAREWELL IN APRIL, Dr Ann Smith stepped down as Public Governor. She joined the Council of Governors in April 2018, three years after retiring as a Consultant Clinical Scientist at The Royal Marsden. Ann immersed herself in the role of Governor, joining the Nominations Committee and the Membership and Communications Group. She has also played a vital role in recruiting young members, using her academic links to reach students at the University of Surrey and University of West London. She said: “I have really enjoyed being one of the team of Governors. The Trust means a great deal to me and I am pleased and honoured to
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
“Members are an important part of The Royal Marsden, and it’s so easy to sign up” 28 RM magazine
To help achieve this, the Trust’s Council of Governors has a Membership and Communications Group, which consists of Patient, Public and Staff Governors. The group’s main responsibilities are to look at ways in which the Trust can raise awareness and promote its membership, review the effectiveness of recruitment methods and develop mechanisms to communicate with members. Maggie Harkness, Patient Governor and Co-Chair of the group, said: “Members are such an important part of The Royal Marsden. It has been a difficult year with COVID-19 and the restrictions put in place to control it, which has impacted our recruitment campaigns, like the annual Governor-led Members’ Week. “It’s really easy to sign up online and
Board of Directors meeting 6 July Council of Governors meeting 14 July Board of Directors meeting 28 September DEDICATED SERVANTS Dr Ann Smith (left) and Simon Spevack (below)
become a member. As the pandemic restrictions are slowly eased, we look forward to inviting members to events in the future.” Our aim is to not only increase our membership, but ensure it is representative of the communities we serve, spread across different age groups, ethnicities and socio-economic categories. We would also like to thank our existing members for your continuing support of the Trust.
Want to know more? If you or anyone you know would like to become a member, simply complete a form online at royalmarsden.nhs.uk/membership. You can also send ideas or comments to us at governors@rmh.nhs.uk
have been able to give something back over the last three years. “I would definitely recommend that Trust members consider applying to become a Governor, as it is inspiring to be part of such an excellent team.” Also, our longest-serving Patient Governor, Simon Spevack, reached the end of his three terms in May. He said: “I’ve been connected with The Royal Marsden since I was a patient over 46 years ago. The fact that I have survived is testament in itself, but also, through research, the hospital has improved treatments for cancers during that time and saved countless lives. “As I retire from the Council of Governors, I must say thank you to the Trust for all it has done for me and my family over the years.” The Trust would like to thank Ann and Simon for their commitment and contributions during their time as Governors.
Annual General Meeting 28 September For details of these meetings, please call 020 7808 2844 or email corporate governance@ rmh.nhs.uk
“I’d definitely recommend applying to become a Governor”
If you are interested in the work of the Foundation Trust, why not join as a member? FOUNDATION TRUST MEMBERSHIP is a great way to show support for the work that we do at The Royal Marsden. It’s free – and in return, you will find out about the important work that we do, via our Members Matters bulletin, invitations to members’ events and an electronic copy of RM magazine. As well as providing information, membership also gives the Trust a way to better understand the views and needs of its service users and the wider community.
Dates for your diary
Keep in touch Call 020 7808 2844 or email trust. foundation@ rmh.nhs.uk. Contact your Governor by email at governors@ rmh.nhs.uk
The results are in! Following the recent elections in May 2021, we welcomed two new Governors to The Royal Marsden. Congratulations to: Dr David Aggett Patient Governor, Elsewhere in England Dr Banan Osman Public Governor, Elsewhere in England
Thanks to all the candidates who stood for election and to the members who voted. We look forward to working with the new Governors to ensure that the views of patients and the public continue to be represented at the highest level in the Trust. Learn about our Governors at royalmarsden.nhs.uk/aboutroyal-marsden/how-we-runourselves/council-governors
Become a member To sign up and become a member, visit royalmarsden. nhs.uk/ membership or call 020 7808 2844 to request a membership form
RM magazine 29
PUZZLES & PRIZES
PRIZE CROSSWORD
Spring 2021 crossword solution Across 2 Retriever 6 Ass 7 Avocado 8 Drakes 9 Fete 11 Acts 12 Caruso 16 Uniform 17 Doe 18 Trumpeter Down 1 Beard 2 Restart 3 Tease 4 Icon 5 Rhone 10 Ecuador 11 Adult 13 Admit 14 Omega 15 Soap Congratulations to Mrs Betty Jones, the winner of the spring 2021 issue’s crossword prize. 2
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THE TEAM
Try the fiendishly tricky numbers puzzle – it’s just for fun
FOR THE ROYAL MARSDEN
4 7 8
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Send your crossword with your name and contact details to RM, PR and Communications Team, The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6JJ. The entry closing date is Wednesday 18 August 2021. See below for prize draw rules.
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SUDOKU 8
The lucky winner of our prize crossword will receive a £50 John Lewis & Partners gift card.
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S TAY I N T O U C H
3 9
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8 9 1 6 3 5 4 8 1 7 9 1 7 3 3 9 1 8 6 4 4 1 3
CROSSWORD CLUES Across 2 Left permanently (9) 6 The conscious mind (3) 7 Fish (7) 8 Place to keep birds (6) 9 Beers (4) 11 Boy’s name (4) 12 Nocturnal animal (6) 16 Support in a mine (3,4) 17 Tree (3) 18 Items of jewellery (9)
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Down 1 Place to hold sport or entertainment (5) 2 Ban; get rid of (7) 3 Hate (5) 4 Extinct bird (4) 5 Peers (5) 10 Bodies of water (7) 11 Country (5) 13 Savoury jelly (5) 14 Garden tools (5) 15 River running between Europe and Asia (4)
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SUMMER 2021 PRIZE CROSSWORD ENTRY FORM Fill in your details below when sending in your crossword competition entry. See above for details of our address. NAME ADDRESS
POST CODE TELEPHONE
30 RM magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @royalmarsden and @royalmarsdenNHS Facebook @royalmarsden, @royalmarsdenchelsea and @royalmarsdensutton Instagram @royalmarsden
Rachael Reeve Director of Marketing and Communications Abby Samuel Head of PR and Communications Morwenna Darby Senior PR and Communications Manager Catherine O’Mara Senior PR and Communications Officer Francesca Vitale Senior PR and Communications Officer Georgia Tilley Senior PR and Communications Officer Emma Dowse Senior Case Studies Officer Orla Anandarajah PR and Communications Assistant
FOR SUNDAY Marc Grainger Editor Eva Peaty Group Chief Sub-Editor Kirtey Verma Sub-Editor Robert Hearn Senior Designer Gill Tait Account Director Richard Robinson Content Director Sam Walker Creative Director Toby Smeeton Managing Director
PRIZE DRAW TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RM magazine is published by The Royal Marsden in partnership with Sunday: wearesunday.com
1. The Prize Draw is open to all readers of RM except employees of the Press Office at The Royal Marsden and Sunday, who produce RM magazine. 2. The closing date for receipt of all entries is Wednesday 18 August 2021. Only one entry per person per draw. 3. Responsibility cannot be accepted for entries that are incomplete, illegible or not received. Proof of posting is not proof of receipt. No cash alternative is available and prizes are not transferable. Value of prize is correct at time of going to press. 4. Winners will be notified by post within 14 days of closing date.
© The Royal Marsden 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor. The Royal Marsden and Sunday accept no responsibility for the views expressed by contributors to the magazine. Repro by F1 Colour. Printed by Geoff Neal Group.
5. The Promoter’s decision on any aspect of the promotions is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into. 6. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should circumstances make this necessary. 7. Entry implies acceptance of rules. 8. The winner of the crossword prize of a £50 John Lewis & Partners gift card will be the first correct entry drawn out of the bag. 9. The Promoter is The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ.
COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE Twitter
Facebook Anne-marie Clark A big shout out to all the wonderful Nurses in Smithers Ward, and ALL the Nurses throughout Royal Marsden hospital, but not forgetting Nurses everywhere
Shiona Ramage @shomelanoma The Shomelanoma Skipathon Challenge has entered week 2... the team are all in one piece but the calves are definitely hurting. All worth it raising funds for #melanomaresearch at @royalmarsden [right] Remembering Ruby @KindlyLoudly Ruby was looked after by so many amazing nurses during her cancer treatment; all highly skilled professionals who provided not only expert care but shedloads of love & compassion. So grateful #InternationalNursesDay2021
Larry Lamb @larrylamb47 The Magnificent Marsden!! Thank you all for every advance you make... for all of us!! Matt Tutton @MattTutton3 So happy to have taken part in the #MarsdenMarch2021 We have raised over £1500... Now for a nice cold beer!
Nick Nenadich Fantastic and a massive thank you from all of us who are looked after so well by the incredible Marsden crew! Emma Wyatt You are awesome... thank you! Julie Bruzon The best hospital and staff
Instagram A Space Between @aspacebetween.co.uk More ASB Creative Care boxes and books being assembled for The Royal Marsden Hospital . A place close to heart with our co-founder Tianna currently being treated by the Marsden’s extraordinary team [above].
CONTACT US CALL THE ROYAL MARSDEN, CHELSEA
020 7352 8171
CONTACT THE ROYAL MARSDEN HELP CENTRE For confidential chat, support and information, call
STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE ROYAL MARSDEN CANCER CHARITY
CONTACT THE FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL MARSDEN, CHELSEA
CALL THE ROYAL MARSDEN, SUTTON
0800 783 7176
020 7808 2233
CALL US
CALL US
VISIT US ONLINE royalmarsden.nhs.uk
or visit royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ your-care/royal-marsdenhelp-centre
EMAIL US charity@royalmarsden.org
EMAIL US friendsroyalmarsden @gmail.com
020 8642 6011
WANT TO WORK AT THE ROYAL MARSDEN? Visit jobs.royalmarsden.nhs.uk READ RM MAGAZINE ONLINE royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ rm-magazine
For general feedback, compliments, concerns or complaints, send us a message royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ contact-us/get-in-touch
VISIT US ONLINE royalmarsden.org Registered Charity No. 1095197
020 7352 3875
VISIT US ONLINE formc.uk Registered Charity No. 222613
Look out for the autumn 2021 issue of RM – coming September 2021 RM magazine 31
Within the walls of the Oak Cancer Centre, over 400 world-leading researchers will join forces to develop new life-saving treatments. But first, we need to build those walls.
Help us build hope, brick by brick, at royalmarsden.org/appeal Registered Charity No. 1095197