About Us...
The Cancer Research at Nottingham Centre (CRN) is strategically placed to exploit the new national cancer focus on translational research consolidated through initiatives directed by the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI). Individual groupings cover all aspects of the translational cascade from target identification / validation through pre-clinical examination and clinical evaluation followed by ex-vivo confirmation. Combining such groups provides a timely opportunity to establish an internationally recognised Institute, building on past successes with the infrastructure to respond to new initiatives.
Scientific and Clinical Goals
Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Modelling
The 'molecules to mechanisms to man' ethos of the medicinal chemistry group has led to both licensed drugs (Temozolamide) and drugs in trial (Phortess) and is associated with long-term CRUK funding. This established expertise is complimented by molecular modelling, structural biology and X-ray crystallography all of which is established within Phase I and is currently being applied to a range of new cancer targets.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer
An established CRUK programme examining cytokine interactions between host and GI cancer cell populations underpins the GI cancer group. This is complemented by the chemoprophylactic angle provided by the Digestive Diseases Cancer Centre established through a 5-year award from the Digestive Disorders Foundation which combines 3 main areas in which CRN has expertise; Cyclooxygenase enzymes, Helicobacter pylori and gastrin.
Cancer Cell Biology
The focus of cancer cell biology group is identifying malignant changes at the level of translation. This expertise has been applied to Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia but will be expanded into solid cancers through collaborations within CRN.
Immunology / Haematology
The Immunology group have been central in monoclonal antibodies and vaccines development for the past 20 years and current trials include anti-idiotype and dendritic cell vaccines. The Haematology group are international leaders in bone marrow transplantation using both antibodies to target host dendritic cells limiting acute graft versus host disease and donor leukocytes to treat relapsed myeloma post allograft.
Achievements to Date
Past and current successes in target identification/validation in the medicinal chemistry, immunology and gastrointestinal cancer fields have resulted in a series of new therapeutic agents being clinically evaluated at Nottingham. This track record is the launch-pad for the future development of the Centre's translational theme which has been supported by the University with sustained investment in staff and infrastructure since its conception at the beginning of 2003. This includes the appointment on both basic biology (Prof Anne Willis) and clinical oncology (Prof. Poulam Patel) areas which feed into the framework established within CRN. The research groups involved have active cancer research funding amounting to around £9.75 million (26% from Cancer Research UK [CRUK]) and it is our objective to increase this to establish Institute status within the next 5 years.