Cancer detection
Improving early cancer diagnoses and predicting treatment response.
We are finding new ways to detect cancer and predict how well treatments will work for patients.
Our research is improving early detection and tailor treatments to individual needs, improving patient outcomes.
The Rosenfeld Group has led the way in using circulating tumour DNA to monitor how well treatments are working and to catch signs of cancer returning. They have developed precise methods to analyse these tiny DNA fragments from tumours. Recently, they have shown that ctDNA can be detected from dried blood spots, potentially allowing future patients to use a simple at-home test for regular monitoring.
The Brindle Group has created imaging tracers that give real-time information using a technique called hyperpolarized 13C MRI. These tracers help detect differences in the metabolic activity of tumours in the breast and brain and can measure how well treatments are killing cancer cells.
The Bohndiek Group uses photoacoustic imaging to track changes in tumour blood vessels over time, revealing important day-to-day changes. They are also developing new imaging methods to gather detailed information using optical fibres, with successful tests in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus.
We aim to expand our use of single-cell genome sequencing to link detailed genetic information with how cancer cells behave. This will help us to predict the best treatments and understand how cancers might resist future treatments. By combining various types of data with clinical information, we hope to improve our understanding of therapy responses and anticipate the need for future treatments.
Impact
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Improving early detection of cancer with hyperspectral endoscopy
The Bohndiek Group have developed advanced imaging technology to improve early detection of esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus.
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Personalising treatment for ovarian cancer patients: BriTROC-2
BriTROC-2 is a nationwide project developing personalised treatments for women diagnosed with High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.
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Related News
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Pioneering new ways to diagnose childhood brain tumours trialled by researchers in Cambridge
20th March 2023
Dr Jessica Taylor has been awarded a Future Leaders Award to develop novel techniques to distinguish different types of medulloblastoma.
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Personalised blood test can detect persistent lung cancer
17th March 2022
Patients who are at a higher risk of their lung cancer returning can be identified by a personalised blood test that is performed after treatment, according to researchers at the University of Cambridge.
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Scientists can detect brain tumours using a simple urine or blood plasma test
23rd July 2021
Institute researchers report that they have developed two tests that can detect the presence of glioma, a type of brain tumour, in patient urine or blood plasma.
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