HOSPITALS in Huddersfield and Calderdale are leading the way in cancer care.

A report found that the Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust – which oversees care at both our hospitals were smashing a series of targets outlined by the Department of Health.

And they are rated as the second highest recruiter in Yorkshire for Cancer Research Network port-folio trials.

In total, the trust is running 37 trials for different types of cancer, with a further seven trials in the set-up phase and around 20 under construction.

They have also played an important part in the study of Avastin – which has just been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of women with advanced ovarian cancer, in combination with chemotherapy.

Through blocking the development of blood vessels in tumours, it has been shown to halt ovarian cancer for six months longer on average than chemotherapy alone and prolong the lives of sufferers.

Trial chief Dr Barbara Crosse said: “Through running trials, we make step by step progress in cancer medicines.

“Whether the results are positive or negative they are very important.

“We are very pleased that Avastin has been approved by the EMA as it is a step forward in the right direction and we are very proud of our track record in cancer care and research.

“We are also seeking to build on it by looking for new studies and we are constantly researching new trials.

“If there are other trials running at other institutions that we are unable to offer for some reason, we will offer a referral to St James’ Hospital, Leeds, or another hospital if it is in the patient’s best interest.”

The hospitals trust has a strong reputation in dealing with ovarian cancer and the oncology team has been offering care and chemotherapy treatments for more than 10 years.