OXFORD will soon be “setting the pace” in global cancer research thanks to a new centre which opens today.

The new Oxford Cancer Research Centre is aimed at developing new treatments for a variety of cancers, including breast, skin, urological and gastrointestinal.

It marks the beginning of a partnership between scientists working for Cancer Research UK, Oxford University and the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust.

Professor Gillies McKenna, director of the Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology and head of the Department of Oncology, said work carried out at the centre would be able to guide the treatment of cancer worldwide.

He said: “There is increased recognition that greater access to this treatment is vital to improving cancer survival. Cancer Research UK has long been committed to improving radiotherapy through research, by supporting the Gray Institute in Oxford.

“The institute has the world’s largest group of clinicians and scientists working in radiation oncology, and the Oxford Cancer Research Centre will help provide the vital infrastructure to help translate these discoveries into benefits for patients.”

Experts believe the world class laboratory research being undertaken at Oxford University and the medical expertise of Oxford’s oncologists will be able to provide the best possible results for cancer patients locally and nationwide.

The centre will carry out research on the molecular basis of cancer, as well as how genetics and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of cancer.

Scientists will also work to improve cancer diagnosis, research the effects drugs have on patients and pioneer developments in radiotherapy and surgery.

Michael Kinane, from Bicester, is being treated at the Oxford Cancer Research Centre and is taking part in one of the trials developed by the Gray Institute.

The 70-year-old was diagnosed in September 2010 with bowel cancer which had spread to the liver.

He said: “Being part of the trial has been amazingly simple and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity of being given another treatment.

I hope that taking part in this trial will help more people like me in the future.

Sir Jonathan Michael, chief executive of the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is an exciting development.

“Patients will benefit from the working relationship between the trust and the university.

“We want to ensure that research is translated into treatment for patients in order to prolong and improve their quality of life.”

The Oxford Cancer Research Centre is the 16th Cancer Research UK-funded centre and will cost £2.8m in the first year alone.

Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Funding these centres of excellence is one of the charity’s priorities and will enable us to work towards the goals we have set to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients across all types of cancer.”