Overview
This exciting first of its kind Cancer Challenge is a collaboration between the SBRI Centre of Excellence in Wales and the Innovation and Market Development Unit in Northern Ireland. The challenge seeks innovations that lead to earlier, faster diagnosis, reduction in waiting times, improvements to the efficiency and efficacy of treatment and support palliative care.
Cancer is the main cause of mortality in Wales and Northern Ireland. In Wales there was a 25% increase in the number of new cancer diagnoses in 2019 compared to 2002 and this is forecast to continue until at least 2030 and in NI** the number of cancer cases diagnosed increased by 54% over the past 25 years and is projected to double by 2040.
Early detection of cancer is a key determinant of improved cancer survival, and the pandemic has had a major impact on both access to diagnosis tests and treatment for cancer patients. Recent statistics* show that less than 30% of Northern Ireland patients started their cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral and just 55% within Wales. Reducing these delays in treating patients on a cancer pathway can vastly improve the patient experience and the successful outcomes of the treatment.
*Source – StatsWales – May 2024
**Source – NI Cancer Waiting Times – Jan-Mar 2024
Suspected cancer referrals, demand for diagnostic tests and some treatments such as immunotherapy were rapidly increasing prior to the pandemic and the capacities of the healthcare systems were struggling to cope with this demand, although undoubtedly this has now been exacerbated.
Available data indicates that there is likely to be a substantial increase in Systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and radiotherapy activity over the next few years. Our analysis indicates a projected increase in activity for both types of treatment of more than 70% by 2030. This is based on expected growth in the numbers of people with cancer over that time but, more importantly, the higher than expected growth in therapy activity which has been observed over recent years. It is likely, therefore, that existing service capacity and workforce will not be sufficient to meet the likely increase in demand.
*Source – York Health Economics Report, November 2023
Wales and Northern Ireland have ambitions to improve cancer patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities. Key aims include earlier diagnosis, faster treatment and increased use of technology and innovations. Both strategies outline plans for patients who are living with cancer that cannot be cured or who are dying from cancer, to ensure that they receive an improved standard of individual and personalised end of life care.
There needs to be a relentless drive to improve the efficacy and efficiency of diagnostic tests and treatments, getting the right care for the right patient at the right time and developing a sustainable service through the adoption of new technologies, workforce innovations and treatments.
This challenge seeks to deliver emerging and near-to-market innovations with proven safety and efficacy for real-world testing that will lead to earlier, faster diagnosis, reduction in waiting times, improvements to the efficiency and efficacy of treatment and palliative care support (enabling people to live well and die well with cancer). Successful applicants, and their public sector partners, will be expected to deliver demonstration and/or scale and spread innovative projects which can evidence the potential benefits, cost effectiveness and sustainability of their solutions.
Challenge Theme
Typically, SBRI challenges commence with a Phase 1 Feasibility stage. However, for this challenge we are looking for real-world trials and therefore will not be supporting Phase 1 or 2 projects. We are seeking to identify and support the delivery of Phase 3 collaborative projects that can demonstrate the potential and scalability of emerging and near-to-market solutions.
Successful outcomes should demonstrate measurable improvements in cancer patient outcomes, reduce health inequalities and provide advancements in efficacy/efficiency in one or more of the following key areas:
- Cancer screening/earlier diagnosis
- Faster diagnosis
- Reduced waiting times
- Cancer treatments including Surgery, Radiotherapy and Systemic Therapy
- Acute Oncology Services
- Specialist Cancer Services
- Palliative Care
The key focus will be on real-world trials of emerging and near-to-market innovations within Northern Ireland and/or Wales which will demonstrate efficacy, sustainability of service, affordability and scalability of solutions that can be delivered at pace where financial viability will be key. We are not seeking research projects such as early feasibility studies or evidence generation studies aimed at developing the product/solution further.
However, we are seeking rigorous evaluations and adoption readiness reports that support the required evidence base for service development and potential scale-up across Wales and Northern Ireland, which may also be valid in other health care contexts.
If project applications are seeking to build upon previous real word trials/small-scale testing, applications must clearly articulate the next phase and how this funding will help accelerate this work, outlining any previous adoption barriers and demonstrating how these will be addressed.
- Applications are invited to include a named health, public or third sector collaborator within Wales or Northern Ireland who has committed to their involvement in the project, evidenced by a signed letter of support. However, innovations will be evaluated on merit, and we will endeavour to facilitate partnerships for those who do not have any existing relationships;
- Funding for collaborator costs should be included as a subcontractor cost in the project applications;
- Projects can include more than one subcontractor; however, the involvement and role of each organisation should be clearly specified and the commitment evidenced, ideally with named individuals stated in the application;
- Multi-sector applications will be welcomed – in particular, applications that demonstrate significant benefits for NHS & Third Sector organisations;
- Academic partners are also welcomed, particularly in relation to independent evaluation and meeting any required technical/scientific testing.
Prior to the award of contract, successful applications will be required to evidence that they have obtained relevant certification/approvals and are suitably positioned to proceed upon project commencement.
Out of Scope
We are not looking to fund projects that:
- Propose early innovations that have not yet sought regulatory approval (e.g., CE marking, MHRA, Clinical Trials, etc.).
- Are purely focussed on feasibility – we are seeking real-world practical demonstration (not academic/research papers).
- Cannot evidence engagement with potential future customers to understand needs.
- Fail to address how any potentially negative outcomes would be managed.
- Cannot evidence how a proposal will generate positive economic or societal impact.
- Fail to consider affordability & practicality of widespread implementation including capital, infrastructure and future operating costs.
Integration to any national systems during this SBRI trial will need to be compatible with Health Board systems for any future procurement (post SBRI).
Desirable Exit Points
The aim of the funding is to generate real-world evidence to support rapid local or regional roll out of the innovation. Awarded proposals are expected to demonstrate some of the following exit points upon project completion:
- Implementation effectiveness demonstrated and a defined implementation guide produced where appropriate.
- Evidence of health and financial impact: health economics analysis (i.e., cost benefit analysis, budget impact model).
- Innovation independently evaluated to demonstrate its impact in real-world settings.
- Environmental and sustainability assessment and impact.
- Equality and Health Inequalities impact assessment.
- Partnership developed for implementation in multiple sites.
- NHS Business case (e.g., procurement business cases to support transition into business-as-usual via standard commissioning routes, inclusion on procurement frameworks, etc).
- Defined commissioning or procurement approach.
- Other relevant evidence to ensure local adoption following project completion, and plans for further spread and adoption (e.g., scaling-up plan and strategic plan towards adoption and spread, marketing tools development).
- Company scaling plan (e.g., staff, money, supply, etc).
Funding Allocation & Project Details
This challenge is open to applications that deliver a Phase 3 project. Current funding of £1,000,000 is available to a portfolio of projects – which may be subject to change, dependent upon the number/quality of submissions received. We are seeking a broad range of projects, from rapid or low-cost demonstrations to large scale demonstrators. All costs must be clearly justified and value for money demonstrated with willingness for appropriate contributions from the provider to help deliver the project. We reserve the right to consider an increased budget for exceptional applications if the scale of the delivery across Wales or Northern Ireland warrants it.
Projects will be selected on a portfolio approach to ensure activity and evidence is gathered on a broad demographic basis across Wales and/or Northern Ireland.
We are looking for bidders to put forward applications that demonstrate a high level of commitment and willingness to work in partnership with our health and care organisations and key stakeholders as we identify potentially scalable innovations for the benefit of citizens in Wales and Northern Ireland. In return, the project team will receive support on a regular basis from a dedicated Stakeholder Group working closely over the project time period to understand the key barriers and enablers, embedded in activities relating to innovation adoption at national level, and support provided for outlining the implications for national scale up. The final outputs and learning will be presented to senior leaders in health and care in both countries and government officials.
Phase 3: Spread and Scale – Supporting broader demonstration projects of successful emerging and near-to-market solutions across a variety of locations/demographics, providing evidence of the potential for spread and scale across Wales and Northern Ireland on a place-based approach, considering local assets, existing services and local un-met needs.
Project costs can be claimed for the innovation solution provider and for staffing resource requirements of the health, third or public sector collaborator. This should be specified within the challenge application with clear roles stated – ideally with named individuals for each role. Timescales may be subject to change, but this will be considered on a project basis, and funding allocation will remain the same – for example, if four-season data is required in support of your solution, please highlight this in the application for consideration.
Your application must:
- Demonstrate a clear plan for commercialisation and a route to market for affordable, developed solutions;
- Explain the potential positive contribution to the goals of A Cancer Improvement Plan for NHS Wales and A Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland;
- Deliver against the aims set out in A Healthier Wales Plan;
- Consider, and address where necessary, equality, diversity and inclusion aspects across your project, your sector(s) and society;
- Address how any potentially negative outcomes would be managed;
- Ensure personal safety is paramount and any risks clearly articulated with robust mitigation in place;
- Include a full independent evaluation following project completion – this should include a benefits, social and economic analysis; and
- Demonstrate evidence to support a NHS Business case (e.g., procurement business cases to support transition into business-as-usual via standard commissioning routes, inclusion for national commissioning initiatives, inclusion on procurement frameworks, etc.).
Please note any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition could be subject of a separate, possibly competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the long term purchase of any solution, although we may choose to extend this project by investigating and exploring innovative procurement routes as part of this challenge.
The total funding available for the competition can change and the funders reserve the right to adjust the provisional funding allocations, I.e., should additional funding become available.
The funder also reserves the right to apply a ‘portfolio’ approach to ensure funds are allocated across a broad range of strategic and geographic areas. This may mean that a proposal that scores less than yours may be successful. The portfolio can be spread across a range of:
- Scope areas
- Project durations
- Project costs, including demonstrating value for money
- Locations
Briefing Event
To register for the virtual Briefing Event, to be held on Tuesday 10th September 2024 at 13:00 (BST), please follow this link.
KEY DATES
Appendix 1 – Policy Context
Cancer Improvement Plan for NHS Wales 2023-2026 Value Based Procurement – Value in Health (nhs.wales)
Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015: the essentials [HTML] | GOV.WALES
Wales innovates, creating a stronger, fairer, greener wales: delivery plan [HTML] | GOV.WALES
A Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032
Further Information
For any enquiries about this competition e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk
