Cancer

Cancer research now generates huge amounts of data, and sophisticated computational tools are needed to answer biological questions. Making sense of this variability at molecular level will help us better tailor treatments to individual cancer patients. Dr Benjamin Schuster-Böckler heads the computational group at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. His work has demonstrated that epigenetic modifications influence the mutational landscape in cancer cells. He studies the effects of DNA-binding proteins on transcription factors, with the aim to understand the regulation (and mis-regulation) of the transcription of important oncogenes and tumour suppressors.

Dr Bee Wee tells us about Palliative Care in Oxford and her research on end of life care and fatigue. Due to advances in medicine prolonging the lives of those with progressive, life limiting diseases, the need for long-term palliative care has increased. Dr Bee Wee is currently researching end of life care for people with incurable cancer and advanced non-malignant disease, symptom management and rehabilitation, to improve quality of life for patients. Dr Wee is the Head of Palliative Care Research and Development, based at Sir Michael Sobell House in Oxford.

Professor Xin Lu talks about the links between cancer and regenerative medicine. Identifying the switches that turn cell growth off and on would have profound implications for cancer medicine. If the right mechanisms can be found, cancer cells could be targeted specifically, resulting in more efficient treatments. Professor Xin Lu is working to identify the molecular mechanisms that naturally suppress tumour growth. Nuclear reprogramming could also enable cells to be utilized more safely and effectively in regenerative medicine.

Professor Yvonne Jones talks about cell-cell communication and how this can help us develop new drugs. Cells communicate through receptors on their surface; however, when these finely tuned systems don't work correctly, diseases can be triggered. Professor Yvonne Jones has been working to identify the structural biology of cell surface recognition and signalling complexes. Receptors embedded in the surface are potential targets for therapeutic intervention in many diseases including cancer. Professor Jones is director of the Cancer Research UK Receptor Structure Research Group.

Dr Patrick Pollard tells us about his research on cancer metabolism. Cancer cells produce energy predominately through a high rate of glycolysis; it has been suggested that this change in metabolism is the fundamental cause of cancer. Dr Patrick Pollard aims to elucidate the alternative metabolic strategies used by cancer cells with high concentrations of glucose to proliferate, even under conditions of stress. These mechanisms could then become targets for more effective cancer therapies.