Groups fighting cancer in Bradford have joined forces in an official link-up to develop new drugs and improve cancer care.

Health experts from the Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Bradford and the War On Cancer charity have teamed up to launch the University Cancer Medicine Unit to co-ordinate work in the laboratory and ward.

The new unit will aim to keep scientists developing cancer drugs in close contact with consultants and nurses working on the wards of Bradford's hospitals.

Despite more than 20 years of collaboration, a body has never been set up to ensure researchers and doctors are working towards the same aims.

David Jackson, chief executive of the Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust, which manages Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke's, said the agreement was an important milestone in Bradford's history of fighting cancer.

He said: "Ever since the development of chemotherapy in Bradford during the 1950s, the city has played an important role in searching for new ways to fight cancer. The unit builds on a long tradition of collaboration. We believe that together we are more effective than working separately and in isolation."

The idea of researchers working closely with doctors was the brainchild of pioneering cancer consultant Dr Bob Turner in the 1970s. Today university scientists are working with consultants at BRI on new cancer drugs which aim to slow down tumour growth.

Research is also underway to investigate the biology of cancer cells to help in the development of new treatments.

Close collaboration allows doctors to report back about potential side effects created by new drugs. And hospital staff are better informed about the latest treatments available for fighting the disease.

Professor John Double, a co-director of the new unit, said Bradford was unique in having such good links between the laboratory and hospital.

"This is a great opportunity for us to make a bigger name for ourselves in cancer treatment."

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