Vision
We are a comprehensive cancer research centre fostering capacity development through training and mentorship within a multidisciplinary collaboration between basic scientists, public health researchers and clinicians.
Mission
Our purpose is to understand the burden of gynaecological cancer in SA, to develop preventative strategies and to improve quality of care.
Our values include innovative research, patient-centred care, enhancement of health policy, resource allocation and health-systems development.
Our Key Areas
Timely diagnosis of gynaecological cancers
Holistic sexuality post gynaecological cancer treatment
Encourage teamwork among scientists and clinicians
Create a specialised biobank (collection of relevant research and data) and data-capturing system
Develop a registry (statistics source) that reflects the burden of disease
Establish the infrastructure and skills needed for real-time data-capturing (research nurses, for example)
Prevent new and advanced cervical cancer cases by using point of care diagnostic tests and similar initiatives
Develop new and experimental vaccines for the Human Papilloma Virus (a group of viruses known as ‘HPV’ which increase a patient’s chance of developing cancer)
Study therapeutic HPV vaccinations
Identify genetic markers linked to the progression and regression of gynaecological cancers
Monitor and evaluate HPV vaccination programmes
Establish effective ways to treat patients’ symptoms (pain relief) in regions with limited resources
Research the causes of late-onset cervical cancer
Promote the use of mobile technology for client follow-ups
Investigate the impact of HIV infection on recurring non-HPV related cancers
Produce publications in relevant industry journals
Collaboration
The South African Medical Research Council has appointed Professor Denny as a director of the Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre (SAMRC GCRC).
SAMRC expect this group to form a relationship between basic scientists and clinicians as well as less capacitated Universities.
In pursuit of this the GCRC has formed a partnership with the Frere Oncology Unit as well as the Oncology Unit at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha.
GCRC has developed a patient data collection database which is similar to one used at Groote Schuur Hospital to capture basic information on all women with gynaecological cancers.
This will enable GCRC to perform a thorough clinical audit to compare types, stage and survival of cancers in the different geographic locations and to inform evidence-based clinical governance.
The Centre also works with colleagues in East London to enhance its research capacity and support other SAMRC units in addressing the burden of disease.