Breast cancer patients in Northampton could be spared 10 hospital visits in groundbreaking NHS trial
Northampton General Hospital is taking part in a major national trial that could spare women with breast cancer 10 hospital visits by dramatically reducing the length of radiotherapy treatment.
The hospital is among 39 across the UK participating in the government-funded FAST-Forward Boost trial, which is investigating whether radiotherapy can safely be shortened from three weeks to just five days.
More than 1,000 patients have already joined the research programme, which aims to improve treatment while reducing the time patients spend travelling to and from hospital.
The trial involves delivering a shorter course of radiotherapy alongside an additional targeted dose, known as a boost, designed to help prevent breast cancer returning.
If successful, the approach could significantly reduce travel costs, time away from work and disruption to family life, while freeing up NHS capacity.
The study, led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and funded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), aims to recruit 4,830 participants by 2028.
Patients will be monitored for five years, with results expected in 2033.
The announcement comes as Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, with new figures showing that 63.6% of women are accepting their first breast screening invitation – the highest proportion in a decade.
However, around four in 10 women still do not attend their first appointment.
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “This trial shows how the UK is using our world beating research capabilities to pursue huge improvements and transformations in cancer treatment for patients in our NHS.”
Professor Anna Kirby, chief investigator of the trial, said reaching 1,000 participants was an important milestone.
She said: “It reflects the commitment of patients and clinical teams across the UK to answering an important question about how we can improve breast radiotherapy for patients.”
The government is also supporting trials using artificial intelligence to analyse mammograms and working with Breast Cancer Now to improve awareness of symptoms and access to support.
The research forms part of wider efforts under the National Cancer Plan to diagnose cancer earlier and improve treatment.
Ashley Dalton MP, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, has also been appointed an adviser on delivering the plan.
Her role will help ensure patients' experiences influence improvements to cancer services across England, including care and support for those living with cancer.