Britain's first research institute dedicated to cancer will be launched in April, the Government announced yesterday.
The National Cancer Research Institute will oversee all aspects of cancer research, including clinical trials of treatments and genetics.
All cancer research in the UK will be coordinated by the institute, including charities and pharmaceutical companies.
Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn said: "This country has some of the best laboratory and clinical scientists and epidemiologists in the world.
"We have centres of excellence funded by a combination of Government, cancer research charities and industry. It is now time to coordinate this research so that patients benefit as quickly as possible."
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