Now that we are a decade in existence we are channelling our expertise and experience to tackle the most important challenge yet: Developing innovative and effective strategies for the control of secondary cancer spread (metastatic disease). Our ambition is to find a cure for this key component of the disease.

We are excited that our most recent results using gene and immuno- therapy have shown great promise in getting the body's own immune system to target tumour cells and prevent secondary spread from that tumour. Our ability to detect micro-metastatic cells, even in bone marrow, means we can be more confident that we are able to track the development of secondary cancers in the body.

Our Cell Biology team have identified important mechanisms which allow cancer cells to evade death and we are at the forefront, internationally, in identifying new ways these cells can be targeted for destruction.

It is these recent developments that will most likely lead to the treatments that will greatly improve the longevity and quality of life for cancer patients. The progress and impact of Cork Cancer Research Centre has prompted individuals and companies to provide significant financial support (nearly €4 million) to our mission. The application of our research to clinical reality continues to be our primary motivation.

"Meaningful contribution to the development of novel anti-cancer treatments continues to be our ambition and it is important that the direction of our research remains applied. Thus we will not become emotionally removed from those afflicted by cancer and ensure it is the patients and families who will benefit from our research endeavours."   Prof. Gerald C. O'Sullivan, Centre Director.