Research

NIHR Leeds CRF Lead Nurse Co-Authors Ground-Breaking Stroke Study

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Linetty Makawa

We are delighted to share that Linetty Makawa, Lead Nurse at the NIHR Leeds Clinical Research Facility (CRF), has co-authored a pioneering stroke research paper recently published in the Biomolecules journal.

The study, titled “Rapid Detection of Specific Biomarkers for Differentiation of Stroke Patients from Mimics,” introduces an innovative approach to enhancing the speed and accuracy of stroke diagnosis. Strengthening the partnership between Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) and the Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine at the University of Leeds (UoL), this research highlights the impact of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing translational stroke care.

Stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical, as treatments are most effective within the first few hours after symptom onset. Yet, distinguishing a true stroke from a “stroke mimic” — a condition with similar symptoms but a different cause — can be difficult, even with advanced imaging and clinical assessments.

In this study, blood samples were analysed from patients with confirmed stroke and from individuals whose symptoms resembled a stroke but were later attributed to other conditions. Researchers identified key blood proteins (biomarkers) associated with brain injury that were present at significantly different levels in stroke patients compared to the mimic group.

The real breakthrough came when researchers combined three of these biomarkers with an existing clinical stroke assessment score. This combination significantly improved the ability to differentiate a genuine stroke from a mimic — paving the way for a rapid, point-of-care blood test that could transform how strokes are diagnosed.

Linetty Makawa, Lead Nurse for the NIHR Leeds CRF, said: “This study brings us closer to using real-time blood tests to support rapid and accurate stroke diagnosis. By integrating key biomarkers with established clinical tools, we can improve the speed and accuracy of assessments and ensure patients receive the right treatment as quickly as possible. Timely diagnosis is crucial—interventions delivered within the first six hours offer the greatest benefit to patients.”

A heartfelt thank you to the lead investigators, Professor Sikha Saha and Professor Kirti Kain (Academic Supervisors, UoL), and to Dr Ahamad Hassan (Clinical Supervisor, LTHT), along with the dedicated team of co-authors: Dr Pragati Kakkar, Dr Meaad Almusined, Dr Tarun Kakkar, and Dr Theresa Munyombwe.

This outstanding achievement not only exemplifies the cutting-edge research taking place here in Leeds but also highlights the leadership, expertise, and innovation within our Clinical Research Delivery. We are incredibly proud of Linetty and the entire team for their contribution to improving stroke diagnosis and care — research that has the potential to make a lasting global impact.

First patient in Europe joins new breast cancer trial in Leeds

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Stock image

The first participant in Europe to take part in a new breast cancer trial has been recruited in Leeds.

The study supported by the NIHR Research Delivery Network, is testing a new drug called BNT327 (also known as PM8002) to see if it’s safe and works well for people with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

TNBC does not have the three common “receptors” found in most breast cancers, the oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Because of this, it has been more difficult to treat because it doesn’t respond to hormone therapies or drugs that target HER2, making it harder to treat. As a result, TNBC is more likely to come back and spread than other breast cancers and patient outcomes are less good.

BNT327 is a special kind of medicine called a “bi-specific antibody”. That means it’s designed to target two specific proteins in and around cancers including TNBC: PD-L1 and VEGF-A.

PD-L1 helps cancer hide from the immune system, and VEGF-A helps tumours grow by creating new blood vessels; BNT327 works by blocking both proteins. BNT327, given with chemotherapy, aims to helps the immune system find and attack the cancer, slows tumours growth by cutting off its blood supply, treating TNBC.

Professor Chris Twelves, University of Leeds, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Director NIHR Leeds Clinical Research Facility CRF) at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is conducting the study with the CRF team at St James’s University Hospital

Professor Chris Twelves, Director of the NIHR Leeds Clinical Research Facility and Trial Lead said :  “There is a particular need for new treatments for people with TNBC so we are especially pleased to be able to offer them this innovative, novel another treatment through this trial” .

The study participant said: “I’m incredibly grateful to the wonderful team running the Leeds trial. Having an additional treatment option has given me renewed hope, and the close monitoring and support of the team have been very reassuring.

NIHR Leeds CRF colleagues featured in Leeds Hospitals Charity exhibition of early career researchers

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An image of Dr Ella Dzora on the left and Dr Rachael Jablonski on the right with medical equipment.

We are pleased to share that our research colleagues are showcased in the Our Research Story exhibition, launched last week by Leeds Hospitals Charity.

Featured by BBC News, the exhibition highlights the impact of patient-focused research at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, showcasing its role as a leading research centre with support from the charity.

Among those featured is Dr Rachael Jablonski, who is an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry based at the Leeds School of Dentistry and Leeds Dental Institute.

An image of Dr Rachael Jablonski standing next to a dentist chair with some dental equipment.
Dr Rachael Jablonski

Rachael’s clinical academic training centres on oral and dental rehabilitation for patients affected by head and neck cancer, developmental conditions, or facial trauma.

The research examined the use of digital manufacturing to create facial prostheses, custom-made removable silicone devices designed to replace facial features such as an eye or nose, considering patient, clinical, and broader healthcare perspectives.

Rachel also recently made news with her work for the I’m Still Me exhibition of patients’ portraits who wear facial prostheses after treatment for head and neck cancer to illustrate the physical and psychological impact of living with a facial difference.

Also included is Dr Ella Dzora, who is a paediatric trainee. Ella completed her fellowship in September 2024, gaining experience across various clinical teams, including Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Critical Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Orthopaedics, and A&E. Her work focused on supporting early-phase drug trials and Randomised Controlled Trials aimed at enhancing inpatient care.

An image of Dr Ella Dzora standing with some medical equipment next to a patient bed with a balloon mural on the wall with the number five on it. She is wearing clinical scrubs and a stethoscope.
Dr Ella Dzora

Her role was funded to provide education and support to ward teams, creating opportunities for research activities that busy clinicians may not have the time or capacity to undertake in a demanding ward setting.

The exhibition was launched on Thursday, 13 February, bringing together guests from partner organisations, as well as patients and their families. It currently is in the Bexley Wing of St James’s Hospital, where it will run until Sunday, 23 February, as part of LTHT’s ongoing Research and Innovation Week.

From there, it will be displayed at the Parkinson Building at the University of Leeds until Sunday, 3 March, providing an opportunity for the public to visit.

It is also available at the Leeds Hospitals Charity website.