Applied Cancer Therapeutics and Outcomes
We develop, deliver and test novel strategies, interventions and therapeutics relevant to cancer. In this respect, our research activity spans the entire patient and cancer therapeutic journey from primary prevention to end of life. Our overarching goal is to reduce cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality.
Cancer research at Newcastle is an area of research excellence. We form an integral part of the University wide Centre for Cancer. We also link with other faculty research themes with overlapping and complimentary research interests, with joint expertise enriching our ability to develop and deliver novel strategies and therapies. These themes include:
Research Impact
Research carried out by members of our theme have had a significant impact in the world of oncology, as highlighted by the following highlights:
- Development of the PARP inhibitor drug Rubraca licenced for the treatment of ovarian cancer
- Adoption of the NICE approved Endocuff vision for the early detection of colorectal cancer
- Establishment of a national centre for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring to support the treatment of childhood cancer patient groups including neonates and infants
- Development of international guidelines for long-term follow-up and surveillance in the area of childhood cancer survivorship
- Working in partnership with cancer screening programmes to understand determinants of uptake and develop and test interventions to improve participation
- Development of nationally adopted guidelines for surveillance of patients with colorectal adenomas and a UK Covid recovery strategy for endoscopy
Research areas
Our core theme members have specific expertise in the following key areas.
Cancer epidemiology studies focus on the identification and investigation of factors linked to cancer incidence and outcomes. As well as those factors that can help prevent against the development of cancer or death from cancer. Research outputs provide evidence to guide public health recommendations and regulations.
Some of our work uses data from population-based cancer registries or other large datasets (e.g. UK Biobank). These studies include analyses of trends, clustering and socio-demographic variation in incidence and survival; investigation of routes to, and timeliness in diagnosis; analyses of inequalities in cancer treatment receipt; and investigation of lifestyle factors in cancer risk and survival. Other epidemiological studies involve primary data collection to investigate risk factors for cancer and better understand disease aetiology.
Contacts:
Research in the area of screening and early diagnosis focuses on a wide range of areas including:
- the identification of mechanistic predictive and prognostic biomarkers to stratify for patient benefit and/or toxicity
- optimisation of screening programmes
- optimisation of referral pathways
- understanding influences on patient and health service delays in diagnosis
- development of novel preventative strategies
- improving the quality and experience of cancer diagnostics
Contacts
The individualisation or personalisation of patient treatment has become established as having a major impact in the field of oncology over the past two decades. Newcastle has a strong track record in this area, with active research activities focusing on the development of novel biomarkers to predict clinical outcome. As well as pharmacogenomics research and the utility of clinical pharmacology and therapeutic drug monitoring approaches to treatment.
Contacts
Newcastle has an excellent track record in first-in-human, first-in-class trials, working with small molecules through to cellular therapies. In addition, we lead on national and international late phase cancer clinical trials. These test the effectiveness of translational research outputs resulting from our areas of strategic focus. Research in this area centres around the design, development and delivery of biologically-rich clinical trials with translational sample collection incorporating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic endpoints in both adult and childhood cancer patients.
Contacts
Newcastle has a strong-track record in research in cancer survivorship and patient outcomes following treatment. Our work spans paediatric and adolescent cancers and cancers diagnosed in adulthood. We have several priority areas of interest including understanding experiences and outcomes of those treated with more novel cancer therapeutics and the incorporation of molecular biomarkers into survivorship research. The rigorous design, development and testing of interventions and services to improve survivorship care and/or patient outcomes is a key focus.
Contacts
Collaborative Research
Our research builds on the well-established reputation of cancer research carried out at Newcastle over many years. Members of the theme have an excellent track record in securing funding from major sources including:
- NIHR
- Wellcome Trust
- Cancer Research UK
- UKRI
- MRC
- European Commission
- AMRC
- Sir Bobby Robson Foundation
- North of England Children’s Cancer Research
- Others: Guts UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Brain Tumour Charity, Children with Cancer UK, Bone Cancer Research Trust
We strongly believe that collaboration lies at the heart of successful research and have key partnerships with:
- NHS - in particular Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
- North East and North Cumbria NIHR CRN
- AHSN NE
- Charities – national and regional
- Other academic partners in the north east and beyond