Personal profile

Interests

I am an academic clinical oncologist with a passion for the treatment of patients with Prostate cancer. I am driven by a desire to improve outcomes from all aspects of this disease and to develop new treatments in particular in the fields of External Beam Radiation Therapy, and Bone-seeking radionuclide therapy (also known as Molecular Radiotherapy).

I believe that by leading a clinical trial programme in prostate cancer that I can fulfill these ambitions. In my time in Belfast I have lead the development of a team of dediciated researchers who are all committed to excellence in patient care. Through over 30 clinical trials in the past 17 years I believe that I have helped a significant number of patients and their families cope with this often devastating illness. 

 

In collaboration with 2 other QUB academic oncologists, Professor Suneil Jain and Dr. Aidan Cole, and supported by our NHS colleague Dr. Darren Mitchell we run an academic prostate cancer service embedded in the NHS at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast. This service oversees the treatment and follow-up of thousands of Northern Ireland men diagnosed with prostate cancer with a clinical trial focus. We are supported by an amzing team of research radiographers, physicists, and nurses. In 2016 we were awarded the accoloade of Movember Centre of Excellence for Prostate Cancer Research through our FASTMAN programme of researc hin copllaboration with the University of Manchseter.

In 2014 I was honoured to appointed as Clinical Director of Oncology at the Belfast Trust, a role I proudly served for 3 years. I have also been a Trustee of the Friends of teh Cancer Centre, a local charity helping cancer patienst and their families.

Particulars

As well as academic leadership, I believe clinical academics have a major contribution to make to the health service. During the past 14 years I have been appointed to a number of key leadership positions within the NHS Trust in Belfast. These roles have allowed me to advocate for the research and quality agenda and I have maintained a focus on excellence iin patient care.

I was clinical lead for radiotherapy from 2008 to 2014 during which time I led the introduction of a number of new treatment techniques and modalities including Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Image Guided radiotherapy using gold fiducial markers (IGRT), bone-seeking radionuclide therapy, and radiotherapy imaging protocols. I have encouraged the other members of the multi-professional team to think in innovative and progressive ways and this has resulted in a change in culture which is gradually evolving in Belfast.

From 2014-2017, I was Clinical Director of Oncology at Belfast Trust. Through this role I endevoured to increse the profile of clincal research in the cancer service.

Research Statement

I lead the radiation oncology and prostate cancer clinical research groups at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast, and am currently principal investigator on more than 10 clinical trials. I trained in radiation oncology at St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin and subsequently completed a research fellowship at the Academic Urology Unit of The Royal Marsden Hospital. My research interests include bone-seeking radionuclide therapy, image guided radiotherapy, Irradiation of the retina for Macular Degeneration and translational research in radiation and prostate cancer and have published widely in these areas. I collaborate closely with scientists at the CCRCB in particular Prof Kevin Prise and clinical colleagues, in particular Professor Suneil Jain, as well as international colleagues. 

I am one of the 4 co-Directors of the  Movember Centre of Excellence in Prostate cancer programme grant. The programme is a collaboration with the Christie Hospital Manchester. Known as FASTMAN, the programme is focussed on enhancing the role of radiation in prostate cancer. 

Teaching

My main teaching focus is with the 4th year medicine oncology module.

 

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics where Joe O'Sullivan is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
  • 1 Similar Profiles

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or