Research

Head and Neck Cancer Research follows three main interlinked themes:

• Clinical Trials based at Cancer Research UK Liverpool Cancer Trials Unit.

• Basic/Translational Research through Mersey Head and Neck Oncology Research Group (MHNORG).

• Clinical Research based at University Hospital Aintree.

Exisiting Research Themes

Novel methods of detection of DNA methylation.
 
Epigenetic determinants of malignant progression in oral dysplasia.

Surgical margin analysis using sensitive methylation assay.

CIMP “methylator phenotype”  in HNSCC/ epigenetic determinants of metastasis.

Epigenetic silencing of HPV genome in oropharyngeal cancer.

Methylation biomarkers of HNSCC in salivary derived DNA.

Epigenetic silencing of CYGB in HNSCC. Gain-of-Function p53 mutations in laryngeal SCC.

The functional investigation of the unfolded protein response pathway in head and neck cancer cells.

The role of VEGF, MTBP, S100P, S100A4, osteopontin and AGR2 in the development of SCCHN tumour metastasis.

Next Generation Sequencing in H&N cancer.

The expression of p53 and MDM2 by human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Nutlin-3 as a radiosensitizing agent in laryngeal carcinoma cells harbouring wtp53.

HSP-90 inhibitors as radiosensitizing agents in laryngeal carcinoma cells harbouring mutant p53.

Comparative proteomic analysis of laryngeal SCC presenting with, or without, cervical lymph node metastases.

Voice outcomes after transoral laser resection of laryngeal SCC.

Cardio-pulmonary Exercise (CPX) testing as a predictor of post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing major surgery for HNSCC.

Base excision repair proteins as predictive biomarkers of radiotherapy response of SCCHN.