About Wessex Cancer Trust

In 2002 the Wessex Cancer Trust invested £328,000 in several cancer research projects with Southampton university. Two projects it is supporting at the moment are: DNA vaccination and Radioimmunotherapy.

Dr Ottensmeier, Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Medical Oncology researching DNA vaccination, explained in a recent article called Genes against cancer: “In Southampton, specialists are developing vaccination treatments which might eventually allow us to treat different kinds of cancers with jabs, similar to that used against tetanus or the flu."

Another area of cancer research the Trust is keen to support is antibody therapy. In a recent interview Dr Mike Bayne, a specialist in this area of research, explained: “There have been no real breakthroughs in the treatment of lymphoma in the last thirty years using chemotherapy. Radioimmunotherapy appears to offer the chance to improve results without significantly increasing toxicity. Unlike chemotherapy, antibody treatments target only the cancer cells."

WCT is determined to get the balance right between investment in research and practical help and support for today's cancer patients.

Over the last 21 years, the Trust has distributed millions of 50 different information leaflets about cancer. It has provided funds for mobile breast screening units that, to date, have screened more than 1,000,000 women in Wessex.

The Piam Brown Children's Cancer Ward at Southampton General was funded by the Trust and it has given the ward over £1,000,000 to spend on a variety of projects over the years.

Perhaps most importantly, it offers practical help where most families need it - cash. Grants are distributed to ease every day financial problems caused by cancer.