Research

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Cancer

Tumour cells showing an activated c-Src tyrosine kinase (green) expressed in adhesion complexes, actin (red) and nuclei (blue)

Cancer research in Bristol is a vibrant cross-disciplinary and cross-faculty community which forms an integral component of a new city-wide virtual Bristol Cancer Biomarkers and Clinical Translation Institute.

Cancer research in Bristol focuses on three areas of internationally recognised research strengths: cancer cell biology, genetic and lifecourse epidemiology and health services research and service delivery. Specifically this includes research into:

  • cell signalling and gene deregulation
  • angiogenesis, cell death and the tumour microenvironment
  • cytoskeleton, migration and invasion
  • prostate cancer screening and aetiology (through the ProtecT and ProMPT collaborations)
  • Mendelian randomisation and genetic markers in the progression of cancer
  • methodological development for randomised controlled trials of cancer treatment
  • patient reported outcomes and health related quality of life measurements
  • statistical evaluation of diagnostic techniques
  • intervention and prevention programmes: promotion of health, diet and lifestyle
  • service delivery in secondary care
  • early diagnosis in primary care

We have unique access to extensive DNA and tissue banks, as well as patient/population data. Together these provide unrivalled opportunities to improve cancer detection, treatment and care.

Principally, but not exclusively, the therapeutic focus is on cancers of the gastro-intestinal tract (including colon) and prostate.

In Bristol we have unique access to extensive DNA and tissue banks, as well as patient/population data. Together these provide unrivalled opportunities to discover, understand and use novel and existing cancer biomarkers for improving cancer detection, treatment and care. Translation of our basic cancer research into clinical practice includes local partnerships with:

The Cancer Research community also works closely with SARTRE, a unique MRC-funded collaboration between the Universities of Bristol and Cardiff for exploiting translational opportunities in medical research across the region.

The Cancer Research Theme, with its strong translational emphasis, complements and synergises with other University research themes including: Dynamic Cell Biology, Population Health and Regenerative Medicine.

Further information:

View the full list of research themes

Contacts