Meet our featured researcher
In Autumn 2022 Professor Shonit Punwani and team from University College London Hospital got in touch to let us know about the upcoming publication of results from their research investigating the use of a new technique for conducting MRI scans called VERDICT. This email sparked the idea for a supporter appeal focusing on the research and led to huge fundraising totals.
Read on to find out more about this exciting work and how we can support you to raise the profile of your research.
The research
Prostate biopsies are a crucial part of the diagnostic pathway, but they can be unpleasant and may generate side effects. It’s important to reduce uncertainty as far as possible before men are offered a biopsy so only those who need it most will get one.
Professor Punwani’s research shows that using VERDICT to conduct MRI scans could allow men to know with even greater confidence if they have prostate cancer and whether they need a biopsy.
This technique does not require any new equipment – it can be done on MRI scanners already in use and should be possible on all standard scanners. This means it would be relatively easy to roll out into clinical practice across the UK. By reducing the number of men who need a biopsy, this approach has the added benefit of reducing costs and saving NHS resources.
The next step is to use VERDICT MRI in an even bigger clinical trial across multiple hospital sites. If successful, the trial should provide the evidence needed to change practice in the NHS.
What happened next?
As well as featuring in our seasonal appeal Professor Punwani has gone on to support our work in a range of ways.
In the media
After the results of this research were published in Radiology, showing as many as 90% of men could be spared unnecessary biopsy, our media team got to work spreading the word. Thanks to Professor Punwani and team getting in touch early we were well prepared and able to help this story get the attention it deserved. The work featured across local and national radio and appeared in online news stories.
Speaking at events
Our supporters are at the heart of everything we do at Prostate Cancer UK but we also think it's really important our staff get to hear from researchers about their work. This year we organised our first Impact Week where staff had the opportunity to learn more about how their tireless efforts are changing the lives of men. Several supporters and researchers agreed to speak to our teams including Professor Punwani who left a great impression on colleagues across the organisation.
Impact case study
With such amazing results from the study and really exciting developments on the horizon we wanted to make sure supporters could continue to find out about Professor Punwani's research when the seasonal appeal ended. To help us achieve this, the work now features on its own impact case study page.
And the results?
At latest count the appeal has raised £544,000!
This staggering total beat our target and is especially remarkable given the ongoing cost of living crisis. The funds raised with this appeal will support more innovative research projects.
It's been great to work with Prostate Cancer UK to promote my work to supporters and I'm really pleased with the incredible fundraising total. I'd encourage other researchers to get in touch with Prostate Cancer UK to discuss how their work can be shared too.
Feeling inspired?
If you’re interested in having your work feature in appeals or other types of communication for our supporters, get in touch. You can reach us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you and work on ways we can share your research with the supporters who make it possible.
