ABC UK is pleased to announce the successful recipients of the 2025 ‘Improving Outcomes for Patients Programme' and ABC UK Nursing Grants

Understanding how high-risk bladder cancer develops from normal bladder tissue using single cell RNA sequencing

This research, led by Matthew Byrne and his team at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, aims to understand how treatment-resistant bladder cancer develops by comparing healthy bladder tissue to cancerous tissue. The findings could lead to earlier detection and more effective, personalised treatments for aggressive forms of the disease. 

Find out more. 

Identification of membrane protein targets for radiosensitisation in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

This research project, led by Professor Ananya Choudhury and Dr Amen Shamim at the University of Manchester, aims to tackle treatment-resistant muscle-invasive bladder cancer by identifying proteins on cancer cells that cause radioresistance. Using lab-grown resistant cell lines and advanced computer modelling, the team hopes to find existing drugs that can make radiotherapy more effective for patients.     

Find out more. 

A Novel Treatment Strategy to Enhance Bladder Cancer Immunotherapy via NK Cell Activation

This project, led by Dr Jinhui Gao at University College London and overseen by Professor Jennifer Rohn, aims to develop a new treatment for bladder cancer by boosting the immune system. By blocking a protein called BRD4, the team hopes to enhance the ability of natural killer cells to destroy cancer cells, offering a potential new option for patients who don't respond to current therapies.

Find out more. 

 ABC UK NURSING GRANT 2025

SPARC: Supporting Sexual Recovery for Women with Bladder Cancer       

The SPARC study, led by Rebecca Martin at The Royal Marsden NHS, aims to develop an educational intervention to support sexual recovery in women following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Initial qualitative interviews with patients and healthcare professionals across UK centres will explore women's experiences of sexual dysfunction and the challenges clinicians face in providing support. The findings will inform a co-designed intervention to improve personalised care and address a significant gap in post-treatment support for female bladder cancer patients.

Find out more.