Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine

Bridging discovery science with therapeutic applications in cancer patients. Our mission is to optimise effective collaborations between scientists and clinicians to find better ways to detect and treat cancer.

We have built a strong reputation for clinical and non-clinical cancer research, and our translational oncology programme covers a wide spectrum of research activities, starting from the identification of novel targets, through their validation in pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo models, and ultimately their validation in early phase clinical trials. Our clinical research covers different cancer types, including pancreas and hepatobiliary cancers, head and neck cancers, brain tumours, haematological oncology, lung cancer, breast cancer and ocular oncology.

Staff in the Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine

Our challenges

Earlier detection, screening and diagnosis of cancers

Most cancer patients already have advanced disease by the time they present at the clinics, which makes it difficult to treat. We are currently developing effective ways to detect and diagnose cancer at its early stage of development.
Cancer vulnerabilities, novel therapeutics and therapy response markers

Tumour cells carry a multitude of genetic changes. These changes provide them an advantage to grow and disseminate in our body. At the same time, it also makes tumour cells vulnerable for targeted therapies. In our department, we are carrying out research to identify those vulnerabilities and find novel therapeutic targets.
Tumour–stroma-immune interactions

Tumours contain not only cancer cells but also numerous non-malignant stroma cells, including immune cells and fibroblasts. These cells are activated in cancer, influencing progression, therapy response, and immune reactions. We study how fibroblasts and immune cells support cancer progression to develop therapies targeting both cancer and stroma/immune cells.
Cell Signalling: membrane to nucleus

In cancer, cell communication fails due to genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional or post-translational changes. We use advanced molecular, biochemical and cellular biology techniques with multi-omics, bio-imaging and complex preclinical models to study dysregulated cell signalling in cancer or in response to therapies.

Research centres

Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC)

Led by Professor Daniel Palmer, the primary strategic areas of the Liverpool ECMC are pancreatic cancer and haemato-oncology, with expertise in cancer biology and pharmacology to develop novel biomarkers of efficacy, resistance and drug safety. Other areas of focus supported by local expertise are breast cancer with brain metastases, hepatobiliary cancers, head & neck cancers and uveal melanoma.

Liverpool Head and Neck Centre (LHNC)

Led by Professor Terry Jones, Liverpool Head and Neck Centre (LHNC) brings together a breadth of internationally recognised clinical and scientific expertise, providing a unique opportunity to make impactful differences for patients with diseases of the head and neck locally, nationally and internationally.

Study with us

Cancer Biology and Therapy MSc

This programme is taught by both internationally renowned biomedical scientists and clinicians in practice, to provide in-depth scientific knowledge of the molecular mechanisms driving different cancer diseases and their relevance to clinical treatment options.
Continuing Professional Development

The Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine hosts a number of professional development and intensive revision courses.

Case studies

Cancer Research

Our department conducts national and internationally recognised cancer research. Our preclinical and clinical cancer research has led to changes in clinical practice and improved patient treatments.

Facilities

Liverpool University Biobank (LUB) and Good Clinical Practice Laboratory (GCPL)

Supporting the journey from discovery to translational research, the LUB and GCPL provide access to human cancer tissue. We assist clinical trials led by chief or principal investigators in Liverpool. Academic leads: Prof William Greenhalf (GCP lab); Prof Keith Hunter (LUB).
Egg Facility (CEF)

Fertilised hens' eggs offer a quick and cost-effective preclinical model, to replace or reduce the need for rodents in various scientific studies, including cancer cell and patient-derived xenografts, angiogenesis and drug testing. Academic lead: Prof Judy Coulson.
Centre for Cell Imaging (CCI)

Based within the Biosciences Building, the CCI features custom-designed, temperature-controlled rooms for live cell imaging. Microscopes are equipped with temperature and gas control to keep cells or organisms alive in their natural environment. Academic lead: Dr Tobias Zech.
Centre for Pre-Clinical Imaging (CPI)

We offer advanced technologies for non-invasive imaging of small live animals (in vivo), tissues, and organs from pre-clinical models (ex vivo), as well as non-biological samples. This includes monitoring physiological or environmental changes at the organ, tissue, or molecular level. Academic lead: Prof Harish Poptani.
Cell Sorting and Mass Cytometry

Our facility is equipped with advanced technologies for sorting, characterising and isolating cell populations. This includes state-of-the-art Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and Flow Cytometry using BD FACS Canto and FACSAria III instruments. Our Fluidigm Helios mass cytometer analyses highly complex cell populations that may be challenging for traditional FACS techniques. Academic lead: Prof Joseph Slupsky.
Biomedical Electron Microscopy Unit

We offer top-tier scientific insights with high-resolution 2D and 3D imaging in a leading biomedical electron microscopy facility. Our capabilities cater to a diverse range of researchers, including cell biologists, engineers, materials scientists, and chemists. Academic lead: Prof Ian Prior.