The research institute will form part of a new cancer centre

NHS Greater Glasgow said the centre would help shake off Scotland's unenviable reputation as Europe's worst cancer blackspot.

Patients will have access to the latest cutting edge treatment trials at the National Cancer Research Institute, said the health trust.

The research hub will based at the new �100m cancer centre in Glasgow.

It is currently under construction on a site next to Gartnavel General Hospital.

The complex, which is due to be completed in 2007, has been dubbed "the new Beatson" after the city's existing cancer research centre.

This greatly enhances quality of care to produce better outcomes for patients Health Minister Andy Kerr

The Beatson Oncology Centre at the city's Western Infirmary will remain open but many of its services will transfer to the the new site at Gartnavel.

Professor Jim Cassidy, of the Beatson, said the new research institute would bring hope to thousands of patients.

"Already Glasgow is co-ordinating more than 80 revolutionary world-class cancer treatment trials in the fight to beat a range of cancers including breast, lung, colon, bladder, prostate and many more," he said.

"This means Glasgow is uniquely placed for the new unit with some of the finest expertise and the city's status as one with the highest cancer rates in UK."

'Leading edge'

Health chiefs believe the new unit, which is funded by Cancer Research UK and the Scottish Executive, will attract world-class research experts on the disease through links with Glasgow University.

Health Minister Andy Kerr said: "I'm delighted Glasgow will continue to play its part at the leading edge of cancer research. This greatly enhances quality of care to produce better outcomes for patients."

The announcement follows the news that the new site at Gartnavel is to receive �8m of funding for a centre dedicated to research into leukaemia.