Title: Manchester/MCRC Early Recognition of Cancer And Decision Options (MERCADO)
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background: Manchester/MCRC Early Recognition of Cancer And Decision Options (MERCADO) is based in the unique devolved healthcare system of Greater Manchester (GM) and draws upon the synergistic research power of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (a partnership between Cancer Research UK [CRUK] the University of Manchester and the Christie Hospital), other Manchester NHS Foundation Trusts, the CRUK Manchester Institute and Manchester Centre, the Manchester Centre Cancer for Biomarker Sciences and the Manchester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. MERCADO builds on the strengths of the proven “One Manchester” approach to cancer team science with full consideration of NHS health economics and cancer care change, particularly in medically underserved populations. MERCADO aims: (1) To define inflammation and immune cell biology in relation to genomic and proteomic biomarkers of early detection in lung, breast and endometrial cancers; (2) To activate a GM Cancer team in “research mode” to realise the potential of the GM population as cohorts for national and international screening and early detection studies (pre- and post-diagnosis settings); (3) To develop novel ex vivo models that define the micro-environmental and genetic instability mechanisms driving early tumourigenesis in lung, breast and endometrial cancers. Methods: Over the next 5 years, MERCADO will increase critical mass through early detection biomarker collaborations in three key tumour sites (lung, breast and gynaecological) with cross-cutting themes of: cell heterogeneity and inflammation; inherent and acquired genetic instability; machine learning and modelling of biomarker-driven early detection into the NHS. It will deliver the highest quality, novel PhD studentships and clinical Fellowships to train future early detection researchers in the basic, discovery, clinical and population sciences. How the results of this research will be used: This research will help identify the right personalised early detection strategy by both reducing ‘over diagnosis’ in low-risk individuals and late cancer diagnoses in underserved populations. The objective is to shift the balance from late cancer diagnoses (associated with aggressive cancer treatment) with demonstrable effects on improving cancer survival.

Lay abstract: Background: Manchester/MCRC Early Recognition of Cancer And Decision Options (MERCADO) is based in the unique devolved healthcare system of Greater Manchester (GM) and draws upon the synergistic research power of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (a partnership between Cancer Research UK [CRUK] the University of Manchester and the Christie Hospital), other Manchester NHS Foundation Trusts, the CRUK Manchester Institute and Manchester Centre, the Manchester Centre Cancer for Biomarker Sciences and the Manchester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. MERCADO builds on the strengths of the proven “One Manchester” approach to cancer team science with full consideration of NHS health economics and cancer care change, particularly in medically underserved populations. MERCADO aims: (1) To define inflammation and immune cell biology in relation to genomic and proteomic biomarkers of early detection in lung, breast and endometrial cancers; (2) To activate a GM Cancer team in “research mode” to realise the potential of the GM population as cohorts for national and international screening and early detection studies (pre- and post-diagnosis settings); (3) To develop novel ex vivo models that define the micro-environmental and genetic instability mechanisms driving early tumourigenesis in lung, breast and endometrial cancers. Methods: Over the next 5 years, MERCADO will increase critical mass through early detection biomarker collaborations in three key tumour sites (lung, breast and gynaecological) with cross-cutting themes of: cell heterogeneity and inflammation; inherent and acquired genetic instability; machine learning and modelling of biomarker-driven early detection into the NHS. It will deliver the highest quality, novel PhD studentships and clinical Fellowships to train future early detection researchers in the basic, discovery, clinical and population sciences. How the results of this research will be used: This research will help identify the right personalised early detection strategy by both reducing ‘over diagnosis’ in low-risk individuals and late cancer diagnoses in underserved populations. The objective is to shift the balance from late cancer diagnoses (associated with aggressive cancer treatment) with demonstrable effects on improving cancer survival.

Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES;4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS