Cancer research accolade for Newcastle
The strength of cancer research and treatment in Newcastle is being recognised as it is named a centre of excellence by a charity.
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research said the city had an outstanding record of research into blood cancers.
The charity has invested more than £7m in 18 research projects at Newcastle University.
Patients have been invited to see the unveiling of a plaque at the Royal Victoria Infirmary's New Victoria Wing.
Benefits for patients
Charity chief executive Cathy Gilman said: "Newcastle has an outstanding record of research into leukaemia and stem cell transplants, with regular breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment.
"It is this translation of scientific research into real benefits for patients which truly makes it a centre of excellence."
One of the charity's research projects is the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Cytogenetics Database.
It involves samples from more than 25,000 adults and children with acute leukaemias.
It is being used to detect genetic abnormalities which can show how patients will respond to treatment.