We carry out translational research on a number of inter-related research themes in the field of cancer biology. All our work is underpinned by extensive cross-collaboration with colleagues in the Hull York Medical School and the Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust.
Key themes include:
- biomedical microfluidics
- molecular imaging
- tumour microenvironment
- biomarkers
The group has research facilities on both the University and hospital campuses enabling us to capitalise on the provision of human samples from clinical collaborators. We have multiple national and international collaborations, built on our established expertise and thriving research culture. In addition, the team has considerable success in securing funding from research councils, major charities and industry.
Each of our themes considers multiple tumour types and applies state-of-the-art molecular and cellular analyses to address fundamental questions of science and promote medical advances in personalised medicine.
Featured project: Tissue biomicrofluidics
The interdisciplinary Lab-on-a- Chip group have been characterising and optimising devices that can maintain human tissue biopsies in a viable and functional state for the past decade.
We have extensive experience in the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices in glass and a variety of polymers. Funding has been awarded from Framework 7, Horizon 2020, Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council (MRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), NC3Rs; and major charities including British Lung Foundation, Heart Research UK.
Tissue from various human malignancies, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, ovarian and colorectal carcinoma, normal liver and heart have all been successfully studied. These samples have been subjected to clinically-relevant doses of chemotherapy and irradiation and the effects measured through analysis of the effluent supernatant or post-treatment tissue. This technology platform provides a robust and reliable method for delivering personalised medicine.