A new cancer institute, the first of its kind in Ireland, is to be developed by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and St James's Hospital.

The incidence of cancer in Ireland is projected to double by 2040 and this new institute, which will be located at St James's, will serve a population of 1.4 million people.

"This cancer centre will place research, education and treatment side by side, which is in line with the model for the very best cancer centres internationally. The best outcomes for patients are achieved in centres that combine high volume and highly specialised evidence-based cancer care with scientific and technological advances. This exciting joint development between TCD and St James's will achieve this goal," commented St James's CEO, Lorcan Birthistle.

Both St James's and TCD have been preparing for the institute by recruiting new key clinical academic and research appointments in oncology. Meanwhile, accreditation for the institute is being sought from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, which sets the gold standard for leading cancer institutes in Europe.

According to TCD provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast, the new institute 'will deliver substantially improved outcomes for cancer patients by providing research-led diagnosis and treatment'.

It will also promote a better understanding of cancer through interdisciplinary research, he insisted.

"We will be educating the next generation of cancer clinicians, health professionals and scientists. Both Trinity and St James's Hospital share a long history together training medical doctors, nurses and health professionals who have treated the people of Dublin and Ireland with expertise and dedication. With this new institute we intend to lead the way in innovative new cancer treatment," he added.

The National Cancer Registry estimates that the incidence of cancer will increase by 50% by 2025, compared with 2010, and by 100% by 2040.