Prof. Alison Birtle, MBBS, MRCP, FRCR, MD

Prof. Alison Birtle is a consultant clinical oncologist specialising in the treatment of urological cancers, including prostate, bladder, renal, upper tract urothelial and testicular malignancies. Her key interests include chemotherapy and radiotherapy for urological tumours, targeted therapies, integration of clinical trials into routine practice, and improving patient information, advocacy and survivorship in uro‑oncology.

Clinical & Academic Focus

• Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Rosemere Cancer Centre, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, with a practice focused on prostate, bladder, renal, upper tract urothelial and testicular cancers.
• Specialist interests in chemotherapy for urological tumours, targeted therapy and radiotherapy developments across the uro‑oncology pathway.
• Completed an MD thesis on PSA‑negative prostate cancers at the Institute of Urology in London, underpinning expertise in complex prostate cancer biology.
• MAHSC Honorary Clinical Professor at the University of Manchester and Honorary Clinical Professor at the University of Central Lancashire, supporting academic oncology and regional training.
• Member of the Royal College of Radiologists Clinical Oncology Academic Committee, contributing to national academic strategy and trainee support in clinical oncology.

Research & Teaching

• Principal Investigator and Chief Investigator on multiple urological oncology clinical trials, notably Chief Investigator of the phase III POUT trial in upper tract urothelial carcinoma, which established adjuvant platinum‑based chemotherapy as a standard of care after nephroureterectomy.
• The POUT trial, involving 261 patients across 57 NHS hospitals, demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves disease‑free and overall survival compared with surveillance alone, influencing international guidelines and daily practice.
• Has published extensively in peer‑reviewed journals and presents nationally and internationally on urological cancers, trial design and delivery, and pragmatic, multidisciplinary care.
• Former Clinical Research Lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Research Network, former Specialty Group Lead for Cancer for the North West Coast Clinical Research Network, and former Group Lead for Cancer, Surgery, Oral/Dental and Haematology for the North West Coast CRN, building research capacity and accrual across the region.
• Currently Associate Group Lead for Cancer Research for the North West RRDN and an active teacher and mentor for trainees and multidisciplinary teams in oncology.
• A strong advocate of “a trial for every patient” and of clinical equipoise, promoting patient access to research and evidence‑based care.

Leadership & Honours

• Advisor to Macmillan on patient information for prostate, bladder and testicular tumours, shaping national patient‑facing resources.
• Trustee and medical advisor to Fight Bladder Cancer, providing expert clinical input to a leading UK bladder cancer charity.
• Secretary to the British Uro‑oncology Group, supporting strategy, education and policy development in uro‑oncology.
• Former Chair of the NIHR Bladder/Renal Research Group, leading portfolio development and collaboration in bladder and renal cancer research.
• Member of the ESMO Educational Faculty, contributing to European oncology education and scientific programmes.
• Member of the EAU Guidelines Group on upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and non‑muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) since 2022, helping to shape European guideline recommendations.
• Track lead for advanced urothelial cancer for EMUC, responsible for scientific content and educational delivery in this area.
• Named one of the national “70 Stars of the NHS” by NHS England and the NHS Confederation in 2018 in recognition of her contributions to cancer care and research.
• Recipient of awards such as Researcher of the Year at the North West Coast Health & Innovation Awards, an EAU Best Oncology Abstract award and Best of ASCO GU recognition, reflecting international impact in uro‑oncology.

A Personal Note

Alongside her oncology career, Prof. Birtle is an accomplished singer and performer, having achieved two UK number‑one singles as part of the NHS Voices of Care Choir and performing on the Royal Variety Show alongside Michael Ball and Captain Sir Tom Moore, using music to celebrate and support the NHS. She is a passionate supporter of rugby and cricket and a loyal Preston North End fan and is widely recognised by colleagues and patients for her energy, approachability and commitment to person‑centred cancer care.