The Cork University Hospital-based research trial will see men receive specialist nurse and dietician support weekly, as well as twice-weekly physiotherapy sessions to empower them to maintain physical activity so important for quality of life. This will be complemented by access to social work and psychological supports to ensure their practical and emotional as well as physical needs are met.
Based out of the state-of-the-art cardio rehab gym at Cork University Hospital (CUH), it will be supported by the UCC Cancer Trials Group and overseen by a team of researchers from UCC and CUH under the direction of Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Richard Bambury, and Lecturer Practitioner in Nursing Dr Brendan Noonan.
The two-year pilot initiative is the result of a €300k funding commitment awarded to UCC from the Irish Cancer Society as part of its continued efforts to address crucial survivorship issues for cancer patients, and encourage associated service improvements, as well as supporting Irish cancer research.
The initial phase of the Liam Mc Trial commencing in September will focus on men with genitourinary cancer malignancies – cancers of the urinary and reproductive system such as prostate, bladder and testicular cancer – with selected eligible patients referred by their hospital teams.