Professor Peter Barrett-Lee

Overview

I have a leading role for breast cancer academic scientific research at Velindre (Cancer Centre) University NHS Trust, and Cardiff University. The Velindre Cancer Centre based in North Cardiff provides specialist cancer services including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy to over 1.5 million people living in South East Wales.

My own clinical practice includes clinical trials research and I am a past member of the UK NCRI Breast Group (elected 2004), where I also helped develop & present national guidelines for the monitoring & management of cardiac effects from the use of adjuvant trastuzumab (Herceptin) therapy. I was elected Chair of the UK Breast Cancer Intergroup (2009-12) charged by the NCRI with developing the next generation of clinical trials in the UK. I have been Co-Principal Investigator on three large UK trials with nearly 10,000 patients randomised (TACT, TACT2, ZICE).  I am member & Past Secretary of the British Breast Group, a national multidisciplinary society running scientific meetings twice annually & whose membership includes many of the scientific & clinical leaders in the field. In 2012, I became Professor of Breast Cancer Studies (2 sessions) at Cardiff University.

I was Medical Director of Velindre NHS Trust until 2017 having had responsibilities for both our Divisions - Velindre Cancer Centre and The Welsh Blood Service including being the Responsible Officer since 2010. I also treated the first patient ever in the UK with Proton Beam Therapy for Breast Cancer at the Rutherford Cancer Centre, Newport.  I have also been intimately involved with Clinical Innovation at Velindre, and am part of the team leading on our IBM/Watson Chatbot called RITA. 

My other research has focussed on endocrine resitance in breast cancer and also on new treatments for so called "Triple-negative" breast cancer where I have been fortunate to work with high calibre Cardiff University scientists such as Dr Julia Gee and Professor Richard Clarkson.