About Us
GFCT Focal Therapy was established by Graham Fulford after a conversation with Professor Hashim Ahmed of Imperial College. Professor Ahmed highlighted the need for HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) equipment in all hospitals participating in the TRANSFORM trial. This led to the creation of the charity, with our primary mission to raise funds for HIFU equipment through ethical loans and donations.
Prostate Cancer: A Growing Concern
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, affecting over 52,000 men each year. Despite its prevalence, there is no nationwide screening programme in place. Approximately 490,000 men are currently living with and after prostate cancer, and tragically, around 14,000 men die from the disease every year. Prostate cancer often shows no symptoms until it has progressed, making early detection crucial for successful treatment.
A New Screening Initiative: The TRANSFORM Trial
In response to the growing need for early detection, the UK government has announced a groundbreaking prostate cancer screening trial. The TRANSFORM trial, set to begin in the third quarter of 2025, will use MRI scans to detect prostate cancer and eventually screen hundreds of thousands of men across the country. The trial, led by Professor Hashim Ahmed and managed through Imperial College London's Imperial Prostate group, has a research funding envelope of £42 million.
HIFU Equipment and the TRANSFORM Trial
One key requirement for hospitals to participate in the TRANSFORM trial is the availability of HIFU technology, a leading treatment for prostate cancer. However, many hospitals lack the necessary equipment. This gap in resources is why GFCT Focal Therapy was founded: to raise the necessary funds for HIFU equipment to be placed in hospitals throughout the UK. By ensuring that hospitals have access to this vital technology, we are helping improve treatment options and support the success of the TRANSFORM trial.
Our Mission
At GFCT Focal Therapy, we are committed to ensuring that NHS hospitals can provide the best possible care for prostate cancer patients. By facilitating the acquisition of HIFU equipment, we are working towards a future where more men can benefit from effective treatment of prostate cancer.