Cambridge Paediatric ECMC – Leading the Future of Paediatric Oncology
The Cambridge Paediatric Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) is at the heart of paediatric oncology research and cancer treatment in the East of England. Based at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, our centre benefits from being part of a globally renowned hub of cutting‐edge research, exceptional patient care and world‐class teaching. The campus continues to expand, with construction underway for the Cambridge Children’s Hospital, where our team will relocate once it opens, further strengthening our ability to provide state‐of‐the‐art care.
Excellence in Paediatric Oncology & Haematology
As East of England’s Principal Treatment Centre for paediatric oncology and haematology, we provide expert care to children and young people with cancer and blood disorders. Our 19-bed inpatient unit and our dedicated oncology/haematology day unit serve children from 0–16 years. In addition, we have a Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) unit, catering for patients aged 14–24 years, supported by a specialist TYA research nurse. Each year, we diagnose and treat approximately 150 children with malignant conditions and a further 170 with non-malignant haematology disorders.
Our team
CUH is home to a team of leading specialists in paediatric oncology and haematology, many of whom are at the forefront of national and international clinical trials. Our consultant team includes:
- 5 paediatric oncology consultants
- 2 academic paediatric oncology consultants
- 4 paediatric haematology consultants
- 2 paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant consultants
Our research team integrates seamlessly with clinical care, comprising 2 whole-time equivalent (WTE) research nurses (0.6 WTE ECMC funded), 3 data managers and a senior trials coordinator. Working in close collaboration with our multidisciplinary colleagues, we ensure the highest standards in clinical research, with a strong emphasis on innovation, and pride ourselves on being at the forefront of translational medicine, bringing science to the patients.
Our trials
Pioneering Clinical Trials & Research
Our research portfolio is extensive and rapidly growing. We currently manage over 30 active clinical trials, with several more in development, including pioneering early-phase trials. We are the national lead site for a number of academic trials, with a particular focus on genomics and molecular diagnostics, receiving national referrals so that patients have equitable access to these studies.
Our close collaborations with academia and industry partners have allowed us to design and deliver numerous translational clinical trials, including early-phase academic and commercial studies. There are a number of studies that Cambridge has academically driven, or for which we have been competitively selected as a national site.
We endeavour to offer biobanking for all patients, whether they are enrolled in a study or not.
We also have significant engagement from patients and families, with regular public engagement events and our trials being largely driven by patient input.
Shaping the Future of Paediatric Cancer Treatment
As a leading centre within Cambridge University Hospitals, our commitment to research-driven, patient-centred care positions us at the forefront of paediatric oncology. We are dedicated to advancing treatment options, improving survival rates and ultimately transforming the future of paediatric cancer care for generations to come.
