Finding The Cure - A Medical Investigation

The physiological processes of the human body are complex, but a good understanding of them can help direct patient care. The Clinical Measurement section at The James Cook University Hospital delivers and develops specialist scientific services that enable physiological signals to be recorded and interpreted. We will discuss some of these techniques as well as some of the innovative work being carried out by the section.

Radiotherapy typically involves targeting high energy x-rays at a cancer in order to cure patients of their disease or relieve their symptoms. With around 50% of cancer patients receiving it as part of their treatment, radiotherapy plays a crucial role in modern healthcare. Sarah Bartram from The James Cook University Hospital will talk about the science underpinning current radiotherapy practice.

By administering pharmaceuticals labelled with a radioactive marker materials, it is possible for changes in the function of the body to be measured or for specific conditions to be directly targeted for treatment purposes. The Nuclear Medicine team at James Cook University Hospital are involved in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, working alongside the Neurology, Cardiac and Oncology teams based at the hospital. Adam Baker will talk about the science behind some of the techniques in use in this field.