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  3. Cancer detection
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  2. Research Themes
  3. Cancer detection

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.