A new suite that uses state-of-the-art endoscopy equipment to research into conditions such as cancer and other diseases is opening at the Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation.

The Research Endoscopy Suite, which is a joint venture between Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Addenbrooke's Hospital), the Medical Research Council and GlaxoSmithKline, will be officially opened by Dr Tachi Yamada, Chairman, Research & Development for GlaxoSmithKline, on Tuesday 28 February 2006.

The suite is one of the first dedicated research endoscopy facilities in the UK, and will lead the way in finding new methods of diagnosing and treating cancer, infection and inflammation affecting the lungs, colon, oesophagus and stomach - all with the help of patient volunteers.

Researchers using the suite have already had success in developing a simple test for oesophageal cancer, which should eventually lead to earlier diagnosis of the disease.

It is hoped that the facilities will make more research like this possible, helping patients such as Graham Harrison, 52, whose oesophageal cancer was detected after regular endoscopies. Mr Harrison, who underwent surgery in October 2004 and is now regaining his fitness, will be present on the day to celebrate the opening of the suite.

Speaking about the new facilities, Dr Rebecca Fitzgerald, MRC Group Leader and Honorary Consultant Gastroenterologist, said: "This endoscopy unit will open up fantastic opportunities for clinical and laboratory research in Cambridge which will make a real difference to patients."

PRESS
You are invited to attend the official opening at 1000 hrs on Tuesday 28 February 2006 in the Clinical Investigation Ward, ACCI (Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation) Level 3, Addenbrooke's Hospital. Please telephone Ruth Murphy in the Addenbrooke's PR & Communications office on 01223 274433 before 28 February if you would like to attend. You will be able to interview and photograph/film staff and a patient, Graham Harrison, referred to in the press release.

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For further information about Addenbrooke's Hospital, please contact Emma Oram, Press Officer, PR & Communications, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ
Tel: 01223 274433 Email: emma.oram@addenbrookes.nhs.uk

For further information about the Medical Research Council, please contact Adrian Penrose, Regional Communications Manager, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Fulbourn Road, Cambridge CB1 9NL
Tel: 01223 748179 Email: adrian.penrose@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk

For further information about GlaxoSmithKline, please contact Katie Manchee, Email: Katie.M.Manchee@gsk.com

Last updated: 23 February 2006