A groundbreaking €4.9 million lung cancer research programme, funded by the Irish Cancer Society, has been launched today, marking the largest single investment in lung cancer in Ireland's history.

This pioneering initiative led by the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre aims to transform lung cancer care and research, bringing state-of-the-art cancer care to the community and enhancing access to Irish Cancer Society support services.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ireland and worldwide, killing more people every year than breast, prostate and colorectal cancer combined. Early detection is crucial to improving survival rates. Recognising this, the programme will introduce the Beaumont RCSI Irish Cancer Society Lung Health Check. This clinical trial, in collaboration with specific GP practices in North Dublin and the North East region, will invite high-risk individuals to attend community-based mobile scanning units for lung health checks.

The six-year Beaumont RCSI Irish Cancer Society Lung Outreach Programme, will advance cutting-edge cancer care, focusing on early detection, advanced diagnostics, and innovative treatments. The partnership strives for better outcomes for lung cancer patients and improvements in all key areas of the disease’s management, from the first GP appointment through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

The programme focuses on four key research projects:

1. Lung Health Check: Beaumont Hospital and RCSI will run Ireland's first-ever mobile lung health check pilot, with funding from the Irish Cancer Society and support by the EU4Health SOLACE consortium. This clinical trial will target select high-risk individuals, particularly current or former smokers, in North Dublin and the North East region, inviting them for a check for early detection of conditions including lung cancer, before symptoms appear.
2. Improving primary care pathways for lung cancer: The team will work closely with GPs to improve lung cancer detection, diagnostics and survivorship pathways.
3. Rapid blood tests to determine best treatment options: A blood test (known as a liquid biopsy) will be tested to identify whether patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer may benefit from more tailored, personalised treatments. This approach could speed up their access to life-saving care.
4. Immunotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer: New research will test immunotherapies - treatments that harness the power of our immune system - to treat patients with a specific kind of lung cancer (KRAS-mutant), which is particularly challenging to treat, and common in Ireland.

Commenting on the announcement, Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, said: “This historic investment by the Irish Cancer Society marks a turning point for lung cancer in Ireland. Lung cancer kills more Irish people every year than any other cancer, mainly because it is diagnosed late when it is difficult to treat. We are confident this pilot programme will save lives by detecting cancer early. We hope that in time it will lead to a free national lung check programme for all Irish people at high risk of getting lung cancer. We are also delighted this partnership will integrate Irish Cancer Society services within the care pathways in Beaumont Hospital. This will make it easier for patients to access our free advice, counselling, peer support, hospital transport and other services, and provide a model for other hospitals to follow.”

The programme is devised and led by Professor Jarushka Naidoo, Professor of Medical Oncology at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science and Consultant Medical Oncologist at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre. She expressed her enthusiasm: “This programme represents a paradigm shift for lung cancer care and innovation in Ireland. By combining the expertise of clinicians and scientists at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre with vital support from the Irish Cancer Society, we will not only detect lung cancer earlier but also deliver more personalised and effective treatments. This funding is a critical turning point - the largest investment for lung cancer - where it is much needed, and for those at greatest risk.”

This partnership between the Irish Cancer Society and the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre brings together cancer specialists, primary care leaders, and patient advocates, united by a shared goal of advancing world-class cancer care, improving cancer outcomes and the quality of life for people affected by cancer. The Society’s services will be integrated into the patient journey for all cancer patients in Beaumont Hospital, who will receive tailored resources as well as having access to the Irish Cancer Society’s extensive patient support services.

The announcement coincides with Lung Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to improve lung cancer outcomes in Ireland. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Ireland, but this new partnership seeks to change that.

Participation in the Lung Health Check is by invite only. If you are concerned about your lung health or have any of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as described by the HSE, please contact your GP immediately.