Dr Janet Risk BSc PhD PgCert (HE)

Honorary Senior Lecturer in Dental Genetics Molecular & Clinical Cancer Medicine

    About

    Personal Statement

    Dr. Janet Risk is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine and is a member of the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre. Dr. Risk investigates the molecular biology of aerodigestive tract cancer and has previously published on the role of tumour suppressor gene methylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and the role of tumour associated fibroblasts in the aggressiveness of HPV negative oral SCCs. A recent, CRUK funded, multidisciplinary collaboration with Professor Peter Weightman in the Department of Physics at the University of Liverpool is investigating the utility of infrared imaging for the early diagnosis of oral cancer. In collaboration with Professor David Kelsell at the Blizard Institute, London, Dr. Risk has identified that the familial oesophageal cancer gene causing tylosis with oesophageal cancer codes for an inactive iRhom protein and has recently been part of a CRUK programme grant to investigate mechanisms of action. Dr. Risk has published more than 70 papers, 36 in the field of HNSCC and 13 on the tylosis with oesophageal cancer project, and has held more than £1.5m of grant money as PI.