Robert Metcalf
Name
Robert Metcalf
Job title
Consultant in Medical Oncology and Divisional Medical Director, Clinical Networked Services Division
Email Address
of secretary/PA: Lesley.Drain@nhs.net
Phone number
of secretary/PA Lesley Drain: 0161 446 8581
Qualifications
MB ChB PhD MRCP
Specialities
Head and neck
Started at The Christie (Year)
2009
Responsibilities
At The Christie:
Consultant Medical Oncologist specialising in head and neck cancers and salivary gland cancers.
Divisional Medical Director for the Clinical Networked Services Division, with responsibility for Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology, Haematology/Teenage and Young Adult Oncology, Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy, Radiotherapy, Pharmacy, and the Christie Medical Physics and Engineering services. Responsibilities include operational performance, workforce leadership, service development, quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical governance across these specialist cancer services.
At other sites:
Honorary Reader at The University of Manchester, contributing to research, education, and academic leadership in oncology.
National Clinical Lead for Rare Cancers within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and part of the National Cancer Board, advising DHSC/NHS England and government ministers on national policy, research strategy, service development, innovation adoption, and reducing inequalities in rare cancer care.
Medical/Scientific Trustee of Salivary Gland Cancer UK, where I help guide the organisation's research portfolio, policy positions, and patient-focused initiatives to improve outcomes for people living with rare salivary gland cancers.
Professional biography
Dr Robert Metcalf is a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Divisional Medical Director at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. He specialises in the treatment of head and neck cancers and salivary gland cancers, and is internationally recognised for his research in rare cancers, particularly adenoid cystic carcinoma and salivary gland malignancies.
He leads a translational research programme focused on understanding rare cancer biology and developing novel treatment approaches through biomarker-driven research and clinical trials. He has established national and international collaborations that have helped improve access to research and innovative therapies for patients with rare cancers.
Dr Metcalf is an Honorary Reader at The University of Manchester and serves as the National Clinical Lead for Rare Cancers within the Department of Health and Social Care on the National Cancer Board, where he advises on rare cancer policy, research strategy, service development, and equity of outcomes across the NHS. His work aims to improve both survival and quality of life for patients affected by rare cancers through research, innovation, and service improvement.
Research Interest
My research focuses on understanding the biology of rare cancers and translating scientific discoveries into improved patient outcomes. Particular areas of interest include salivary gland cancers, adenoid cystic carcinoma, cancer immunology, precision oncology, biomarker development, with a line of sight of developing new treatments through early-phase clinical trials. I lead national and international collaborations aimed at increasing research opportunities and access to novel therapies for patients with rare cancers.
Educational Interests
Undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, oncology training, clinical leadership development, research mentorship, and supporting the next generation of clinical academics. I have a particular interest in fostering research careers in rare cancers and translational cancer medicine.