Interactive Discussion Groups

Interactive Discussion Groups

Interactive roundtable discussions, each 25 mins in duration, pre-selected by attendees.

1. AI technologies to revolutionise cancer care

Artificial intelligence, and related technologies such as machine learning, have the potential to be a genuine gamechanger in cancer detection, diagnosis, care, and treatment. But as with any field dealing with human health, there needs to be an element of caution. This session will consider potential applications, look at deployments to date and what we can learn from them, and how to successfully harness the possibilities in prevention, screening, and care pathways. We will also consider what training and education resources are required for the workforce to maximise the impact and value of AI.

Moderators: Richard Lee, Consultant Respiratory Physician & Champion for Early Diagnosis, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust & Tom Jacques, Business Development Specialist, Ergea Group

2. Reimagining cancer care pathways within changing commissioning landscape to support service transformation

In 2024, some regions across England will take on full delegation of suitable specialised services, including many cancer services, with the remaining regions closely watching the impact that this will bring as they prepare for a similar transformation in 2025. This session will explore how reimagining pathway mapping can support current challenges facing NHS cancer services, and will encourage an interactive discussion with attendees on how delegated specialised cancer service pathways may need to adapt within this shifting commissioning landscape to ensure a smooth transition. Attendees will gain real-world insights into the ways in which applying this pathway mapping process is supporting a sustainable future for breast cancer services at The Christie NHS FT, Greater Manchester.

Moderators: Nicola Timms, Solution Implementation Manager & Rory Hurlin, Solution Implementation Manager, Novartis & Claire Goldrick, Pathway Manager, Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance

3. Unpicking inequities in the initial diagnosis of breast cancer in England: a state of the nation report

Wilmington Healthcare’s new state of the nation report on inequities in the initial diagnosis of breast cancer in England, developed under a sponsorship agreement with Novartis, will form the basis of this interactive and engaging session. Attendees will hear first-hand from the report’s authors on headline findings on the state of inequities in the stage at which breast cancer is first diagnosed in England, key drivers of these inequities and areas for consideration as to how NHS organisations can look to reduce inequities in their population. Attendees will be invited to share their own perspectives and examples, forming a collaborative space to discuss strategies in countering inequities in cancer care.

Moderator: Sarah Denham, Senior Principal Consultant, Wilmington Healthcare

4. Building capacity and resilience in cancer services

This interactive session will seek to explore the short and longer-term changes that are needed to build sustainable capacity into cancer services in the face of rising demand, increased survivorship, and the growing complexity of care pathways. The number of new cases of cancer in the UK is expected to rise by 32% from 384,000 each year in 2017-19 to 506,000 by 2038-40 [CRUK, Cancer in the UK: Overview 2023]. Attendees will have the chance to hear about pathway optimisation and service transformation that can support current cancer services to manage today’s demand whilst preparing for the future. Please come prepared to share and discuss examples of challenges, opportunities and solutions in your services and areas of expertise.

Moderators: Rosie Mughal, Associate Director of UK Policy (Oncology) & Martyn Beauchamp, Market Access Partner, AstraZeneca

5. The role of the ICB and Cancer Alliance working together to engage primary care in the delivery of your cancer strategy

This enlightening session will explore the relationship, roles, and accountability of the ICB & Cancer Alliances in delivering NHS England’s operational planning guidance for cancer services, with a focus working collaboratively to change the way we interact with PCNs and patients. The session will investigate how Cancer Alliances can deliver change through closer working with Primary Care that will have a positive impact on streamlining access to care and advice, providing more proactive, personalised care with support from a multidisciplinary team of professionals and helping people to stay well for longer. The ICBs were formalised in 2022 whilst Cancer Alliances have been supporting cancer services for much longer. There is a varied picture across the country and a great opportunity to connect and learn from each other. Real world examples from Cancer Alliances and ICBs will help attendees to learn and connect with colleagues from across the county and start the creation of a network committed to supporting and learning from each other.

Moderators: Anthony Cunliffe, National Lead Medical Advisor, Macmillan Cancer Support & Joint Clinical Director, South East London Cancer Alliance & Amelia Randle, GP, & Clinical Director, SWAG Cancer Alliance

6. Implementing Lynch syndrome testing and surveillance pathways

This engaging and informative session will delve into the critical aspects of implementing Lynch syndrome testing and surveillance pathways. We will explore the challenges and opportunities in establishing effective testing protocols, the importance of surveillance in early detection, and the overall impact on patient care and outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements in the field and have the chance to discuss real-world examples and strategies for successful implementation. This session is an invaluable opportunity for healthcare professionals and stakeholders to collaborate and share knowledge, with a focus on enhancing patient care for those at risk of Lynch syndrome.

Moderators: Lucy McLaughlin, Head of Cancer Commissioning, North Central London Cancer Alliance & NHS North Central London ICB & James Harris, Programme Manager, North Central London Cancer Alliance & Colette Scrace, Lead Nurse for Genomics, NHS England

7. How do you utilise different skills, knowledge, and tools in your oncology services/pathways to improve quality and efficiency?

This session will discuss the impact and value of NMP roles (Pharmacy/CNS), healthcare navigators, pharmacy technicians, eProms tools, capacity and demand models.

Moderator: Jyotika Singh, Principal Consultant, Wilmington Healthcare