Overview

The programme strategy is to drive research for the benefit of patients affected by cancer and by inherited disease in Wales and beyond. The programme of research maps onto the translational research pathway ranging from fundamental science through to pre-clinical testing of new therapeutic agents as well as early and late phase clinical trials. Our translational research focuses on the genetic and molecular basis of human disease within a central theme of cancer. The Division of Cancer and Genetics provides expertise and facilities to conduct research into human genetics and disease, prognostic and diagnostic markers for cancer, novel therapies for solid organ and haematological cancers, metastasis, cancer immunology and cancer cell biology. The programme will lead to a research degree in cancer and / or genetics that could be used in a variety of academic, clinical and industrial settings.

Course structure

Translational research encompassing fundamental biology, applied and clinical research is undertaken in all areas of research. The translational loop is closed by aiming to provide new diagnostics for cancer risk and new cancer therapeutics by facilitating the partnerships between Patient, Scientist, Clinician and Pharma Industries. The areas studied include genome instability (telomere-driven genome instability and DNA damage and repair), the molecular genetics of cancer and inherited tumour predisposition including tuberous sclerosis and Rett syndrome. Solid cancer research includes prostate, bladder, breast, colorectal and head and neck whilst non-solid cancer research encompasses haematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and other lymphoid malignancies, myeloma and clinical stem cell transplantation. The underlying science is multidisciplinary including imaging, cell and molecular biology as well cross-cutting themes with immunology and pharmacy. In all cases, designing and delivering multi-centre late-phase clinical trials and associated translational research in various solid cancers and haematological malignancies is a significant area of research within the Division. Here the development of therapies designed for specific individuals with specific cancers is an objective.