UCL Cancer Institute in Channel 4 ’Curing Cancer’ documentary

The 'Curing Cancer' documentary broadcast on Channel 4 on the 15 October follows four UCLH patients taking part in trials of advanced cancer treatments, from the labs of the UCL Cancer Institute to the wards of UCLH. Dennis, Debra, Jeffery and Pete were all facing the future with trepidation, but agreed to take part in groundbreaking trials aimed at improving the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. Made by BAFTA winning director Brian Woods, the film looks at the race to find a successful treatment for cancer before the disease spreads. The film witnesses first-hand how science is being harnessed in the ever more successful fight against cancer. In a snapshot of where the UK is in the fight, the leading doctors in their field give a fascinating insight into how the trial process works and how new treatments come on line. Debra was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma which has now spread to her lungs. Difficult to treat with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, consultant Rowland Illing offers her a treatment called microwave ablation, a cutting edge procedure which can destroy tumours without the need for invasive surgery.