Patients input to research challenges in virtual Dragons’ Den

Three research groups stepped into a virtual Dragons’ Den on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 as part of the Patient Voice in Cancer Research (PVCR) initiative. Rather than investors, these dragons were patients with a lived experience of cancer. They offered advice and feedback to researchers on specific questions or challenges being faced in cancer research projects.

This public and patient involvement initiative provides cancer researchers with valuable insight that will help to improve ongoing and future cancer research projects.

The research groups taking part included those led by Dr Stephen Thorpe, UCD School of Medicine and UCD Conway Institute; Dr Ananya Gupta, School of Medicine, NUI Galway and Ross Nelson, Research Assistant in the group of Dr Antoinette Perry, UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science and UCD Conway Institute.

The Thorpe group invited feedback on developing an approach to access patient biopsy samples in pancreatic cancer. There was agreement that patients needed time to process both the clinical aspects of their illness and idea of participating in research. It is seen as vital that patients fully understand the research and have an opportunity to ask questions of a trusted individual such as a clinical research nurse or GP.

It was the second time in the Dragons’ Den for the Gupta group who are developing a device for home management of neutropenia (low white blood cell counts), a side effect of chemotherapy. Based on previous feedback, they are now developing a mobile application to support the device and its use. Patients believe that knowing the status of their neutrophils will help to save time, resources and prevent unnecessary stress.

Research is ongoing in the Perry group to develop a better way to detect aggressive prostate cancer from a simple urine test (epiCaPture). They were keen to hear from patients how the process of testing and diagnosis could be improved. It was clear that there are many areas for improvement in terms of communication. Patients want health professionals to explain the terminology they use and how it relates to a patient’s stage of cancer.

The research groups have committed to updating patient participants after six months on how their feedback has been incorporated into research projects. Professor Amanda McCann, UCD School of Medicine and UCD Conway Institute leads the PVCR initiative.

Read the Dragons' Den - Patient Input to Research Challenges (Nov 2020)