NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Manchester
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The Manchester ECMC aims to improve cancer patient health outcomes, through improving patient access to early clinical trials within which innovative multidisciplinary translational research programmes can occur. Clinical focus is on early phase clinical trials of molecularly targeted agents; radiation-related research (RRR-encompassing radioimmunotherapy, translational radiobiology, and combination trials); and Biobanking. The translational research programmes continue to deliver rigorous, quality-assured multi-modality biomarker validation and clinical implementation. Training of clinical research fellows remains a high priority. The new, recently opened, trial unit, will double capacity; allowing early phase trial entry to 800 patients pa. The group’s objective is to move from early phase I/II trials enhanced by biomarker inclusion, towards ‘decision-making’ biomarker-driven trials. The RRR group aim to provide leadership in the technical development of radioimmunotherapy, establish Manchester as a "Central Radiopharmacy", and become leading in radiotherapy biomarkers. The Biobank aims to link high quality tumour tissue collection with patient fluid samples for full patient biomarker profiling, together with the production of tissue microarrays (TMA’s) linked with known clinical outcomes. Manchester ECMC is investing in future roles which promote collaborative integration for trial design, interface multi-modality biomarkers and aid patient journeys, and embrace information optimisation. Disease focus areas: Leukaemia, Relevant to all types of cancer.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Cambridge
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Cambridge ECMC aims to develop molecular prognostic and diagnostic tests to aid treatment decisions. The Centre focuses on genetic predisposition to cancer and the identification of high risk groups. This is being achieved by building on local strengths in genomics, pharmacogenetics, molecular pathology, molecular imaging, clinical informatics and computational biology. Disease focus areas: Brain, Breast, Kidney, Leukaemia, Liver, Lung, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Oesophageal, Ovarian, Pancreatic, Prostate, Sarcoma. Clinical Focus Area: Early phase trials and experimental therapeutics, Surgical oncology, Cancer imaging, Biomarkers, Screening, Neoadjuvant therapy, Brain metastasis. Scientific Focus Area: Cancer genomics and molecular stratification, Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, Cancer stem cells, Hormone receptor (AR/ER) regulation, Pre-clinical imaging, Pre-clinical drug development, Germline genetic variation.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Southampton
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The Southampton ECMC has a leading position in cancer immunotherapy in the UK. It has: • Taken 4 different vaccines, a novel anti-CD40 antibody and a novel radiolabelled anti-CD66 antibody into the clinic from our own laboratory programmes, and tested electroporation for vaccine delivery for the first time. • Developed and validated complex immunological endpoint assays, building collaborations with the European Cancer Immunotherapy collaborative (CIMT) and the US Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium (CIC). This has led to increasing work with industry partners, providing endpoint assays for multicentre immunotherapy studies. • Conducted a series of early phase studies of antibody and small molecule therapeutics with industry partners, mainly in lymphoma and melanoma. • Spun out a biotechnology therapeutics company, Karus, based upon collaboration between the ECMC and the Department of Chemistry in Southampton. This will shortly open its first phase I trial of a novel HDAC inhibitor. • Established an HTA-compliant tumour bank and appointed a Chair in Cancer pathology to build large scale molecular and immunohistochemical phenotyping. We have completed recruitment of over 3000 patients with early onset breast cancer for translational studies of pathology and genetics. • Developed trial management software (EDGE) to streamline trial set-up and monitoring, which is being made available across the ECMC and NCR networks. Planned developments in the next 5 years: - A multispecialty centre for translational immunology and novel cancer immunotherapy - Optimised readouts for complex trials of immunotherapy - Expansion of work in lymphoid biology and novel small molecule therapeutics - Expansion of molecular cancer pathology in the fields of epithelial transformation, genetic stratification, tumour microenvironment and immune responses. Disease Focus Areas: Colorectal, Laryngeal, Leukaemia, Melanoma, Myeloma, Neuroblastoma, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Oesophageal, Oral Cavity and Lip, Prostate, Thymoma.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Birmingham
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Our ECMC is focussed on improving further development of the translational cancer research and early phase trials programmes at the Birmingham CR-UK Cancer Centre. We seek to build upon our existing ECMC activity in biomarker development, immuno/gene therapy and cancer epigenetics whilst extending infrastructure support into two new arenas - risk stratification and cancer prevention - regional, disease-specific, cancer networks. Disease focus areas: Bladder Colorectal Leukaemia Liver Melanoma Myeloma Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Oesophageal Pancreatic Prostate Sarcoma Vulvar The specific aims of the centre are to: a. develop novel cancer prevention strategies for oesophagus, colon, bladder and vulva cancers. b. establish large disease-specific clinical networks to facilitate translational research programmes within the CR-UK Centre. c. expand our specialist early phase trials portfolio in viral-associated cancer, cancer immunology and gene therapy. d. permit a further marked increase in the number of patients entering early phase trials both locally and through engagement of affiliated Hospitals.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Barts and Brighton
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Barts and Brighton are large cancer centres that wish to work together to form a single ECMC, building upon the infrastructure and early phase trials experience at Barts and the areas of complementary expertise at Brighton to generate a single centre of excellence for translational oncology and cancer drug development. Specific aims By working together, Barts and Brighton will expand clinical trials activity at both sites, focusing on the delivery of novel targeted therapies to patients with cancer. The Centre will combine complementary laboratory research programmes, focusing on the identification of rational targets for treatment in cancer cells and in their microenvironment, development of biological and immunological therapies and the specific role of DNA damage responses to cancer treatments. The joint Centre will also focus on five specific disease areas – haematological, hepatobiliary, urological, thoracic (lung and mesothelioma) and women’s (breast and gynaecological) cancers, as well as cancer imaging. Disease focus areas: Bladder Breast Kidney Leukaemia Liver Lymphoma Myeloma Ovarian Pancreatic Prostate Translation of these basic science findings will strengthen and expand the evidence base for the management of cancer, thereby resulting in improved patient care and in increased access to novel clinical trials for our patients. Clinical Trial Information


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Glasgow
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background The Glasgow ECMC will take ideas from laboratory programmes and develop these into clinical studies. This will include the development of novel therapeutic agents and the use of biological markers to optimise, target, and individualise treatment in order to improve the design and information obtained from clinical trials. Relevance to Cancer The ultimate aim is to enhance our understanding of drug actions and host response in order to facilitate more efficient drug discovery and development programmes in the future, thereby improving the success rates in developing new therapeutic strategies for patient benefit. Specific Aims The specific aims of this centre are: to take laboratory ideas through the stages necessary to test hypotheses in appropriately designed clinical studies that incorporate biological objectives; to provide laboratory-based proof of principle studies concerning target selection and validation, mechanism of action, anti-cancer activity and patient selection; to develop bioassays which can be used within clinical studies of new agents, validating such assays, and then conducting them in real time to quality assurance standards which allow decision making to take place with confidence (and in compliance with regulatory authorities). Disease Focus Areas: Brain, Colorectal, Leukaemia, Pancreatic and Relevant to all sites.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Edinburgh and Dundee
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background to the proposal Edinburgh ECMC has successfully created the required infrastructure for early phase clinical trials and translational research including IS, QA programme and GCLP accreditation. Dundee offers significant additional capacity, potential enhanced collaboration across Scotland, and additional expertise in non medicinal areas and basic science. Relevance to Cancer Maximising therapeutic opportunities for stratified medicine in cancer patients, using novel biomarkers of susceptibility to disease or treatment, will have a direct impact on patient care. Specific aims Improve treatment options for cancer patients through interventional studies designed to identify factors predicting for specificity and sensitivity to treatment, as well as targeted interventions to enhance understanding of cancer biology. Analysis of studies supported by clinically annotated tissue collections in both centres. Build a virtual two-site centre with shared infrastructure, governance and standards with complementary expertise enhancing capability and expertise for experimental medicine. Exploit the leading environment created by significant recent investments (CRUK Cancer centres, Scottish AHSCs, systems medicine and imaging) to benefit experimental cancer medicine. Complete the translational cycle by interactive linkage of clinical studies to local expertise in drug discovery/development, imaging and genomics. Communication through CRUK centres to enhance patient and public engagement in experimental cancer medicine. Disease Focus Areas: Bladder, Brain, Breast, Colorectal, Kidney, Melanoma, Oesophageal, Ovarian, Pancreatic, Prostate, Skin, Relevant to all sites.


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Leeds-Bradford-Hull-York
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Leeds ECMC draws on the scientific framework from four Yorkshire universities (Leeds, Bradford, Hull and York) to provide infrastructure for experimental cancer medicine studies in early clinical trials and clinical pharmacology, developmental therapeutics, and molecular pathology and biomarkers. The Centre has wide experience of first-in-man and proof-of-principle early clinical trials of small molecules and biotherapies, both as single agents and in combination. The Centre will carry out research into the development of new ways of treating and monitoring cancer. It draws on an excellent scientific framework in four Yorkshire universities and will work to develop new drugs and biological therapies, and to test them in clinical trials carried out to the highest standards. We will exploit novel pharmacodynamic (biomarker and/or imaging) as well as pharmacokinetic studies to facilitate the optimal development of new therapies. Disease Focus Area: Basic Research, Brain, Breast, Colorectal, Kidney, Liver. Clinical Focus Area: Medical oncology, Radiotherapy, Surgical Oncology, Pathology. Scientific Focus Area: Clinical pharmacokinetics and metabolism, Sample collection/processing, Biological therapies, Molecular pathology, Early clinical trials, Imaging (PET and MRI), Surgical robotics.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Sheffield
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Sheffield was designated an ECMC-in development in 2007 and awarded full ECMC status in 2009. Since 2007, clinical and laboratory cancer research in Sheffield has expanded, with particular strengths in bone oncology, imaging biomarkers and vascular biology. We now propose to build on this by further integrating the early clinical trials and translational research activity. Clinical areas of focus are: • Drug development, including early clinical trials of new anticancer drugs and developing novel agents • Bone oncology, including myeloma, breast and prostate cancer • Thoracic cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma • Sarcomas, including angiosarcoma and AIDS-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma • Radiotherapy, including developing better ways of giving radiotherapy and testing new drugs in combination with radiotherapy In the next 5 years we aim to: • Make more new treatments available to our patients in early clinical trials • Help develop new active anticancer treatments • Develop biomarkers to predict who will benefit from treatment ECMC funding will provide infrastructure support for research nurses, data managers, a lab technician and support for pathology and radiology to enable us to achieve these aims and improve access to new cancer drugs for patients in South Yorkshire. Disease Focus Areas: Breast, Kidney, Lung, Melanoma, Prostate, Sarcoma, Relevant to all sites.


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Imperial
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background and relevance Patients die from cancer as a consequence of inoperable, therapy-resistant, metastatic disease. Consequently, reversing resistance and targeting choice of therapy to the most appropriate patient populations is necessary to achieve improved patient survival. Research at Imperial College has increased understanding of drug resistance, led to innovative approaches to mechanism-based imaging and identified prognostic/predictive biomarkers. This research has already led to novel Phase I/II and III trials, and through patient sample analysis facilitated reverse and forward translational research. However, more needs to be achieved. Specific aims To enhance our ECMC translational capacity and fully harness our Imaging Centre and Cancer Research UK Centre awards, we will establish an Imperial Core Resource Cancer Centre (ICRCC). This will coordinate quality assured sample collection, biomarker evaluation and biostatistical analysis across Imperial’s cancer research groups. The ICRCC will incorporate technological advances into clinical studies by providing expertise in the latest generation genomics/epigenomics, imaging, immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics. Translation of pre-clinical knowledge will be achieved through early coupling of imaging, target identification and stratification biomarkers into trial design. The result will be to deliver an integrated approach, focused on established strengths in imaging, biomarkers and drug resistance with the purpose of improving clinical trial success and patient survival. Disease Focus Areas: Breast, Colorectal, Leukaemia, Lung, Ovarian, Prostate.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC): Belfast
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The Belfast ECMC is a partnership between Queen's University Belfast and Belfast Health and Social Care NHS Trust and is based in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) and the Clinical Cancer Centre. Disease Focus: Bladder, Breast, Colorectal, Leukaemia, Lung, Myeloma, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Oesophageal, Ovarian, Pancreatic, Prostate, Relevant to all Cancer types The Belfast ECMC will take an active role in the development and implementation of a UK-wide stratified medicines initiative for cancer treatment. Our translational research activity has been prioritized to address the crucial clinical questions within focused areas of disease while trials activity will be focused on innovative, biomarker-based protocols. Specifically, our programmatic aims will be to: 1) advance the discovery and implementation of novel biomarkers that aid earlier diagnosis of cancer, provide improved insights of a patient’s prognosis, or predict patient response to molecular-targeted therapies. 2) identify and validate novel targets for therapeutic intervention in poor prognosis disease sub-types exploiting pathology- and pre-clinical scientific expertise and resource 3) prioritise patient recruitment to innovative clinical trials which prospectively aim to validate or apply accepted companion biomarkers, gene signatures and/or novel therapeutics, and 4) contribute fully to the development of the ECMC network.


Research activity codes: 6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Functional genomics of ovarian cancer
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Previous and current research: Ovarian cancer has a disproportionately high health care burden because of low cure rates and frequent symptoms caused by recurrent bulky abdominal disease after primary therapy. The fundamental clinical problem remains the acquisition of drug resistance, and studies on clinical samples to identify common mechanisms are of the utmost importance to improve treatment and survival. Our approach to identifying critical pathways in resistance has been to develop novel phase II clinical trials with sequential collection and profiling of ovarian cancer tissues before and during therapy. Array-based expression profiling and bioinformatic analysis has identified misregulated extracellular matrix proteins in association with resistance. Array comparative genomic hybridisation is also being used to identify copy number changes associated with chemoresistance. From these studies we are now studying a novel secreted protein that is significantly underexpressed in taxane-resistant ovarian cancer samples. Somatic cell knock-out experiments and cell biology approaches are currently being used to define the signalling pathways involved. ****Future projects: 1. Characterisation of ECM ligands that modulate taxane sensitivity. 2. Further development of chemotherapy response studies in ovarian cancer using dynamic contrast enhanced MRI and sequential tissue sampling.


Research activity codes: 5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Nuclear Receptor Transcription Laboratory
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Research Goals: 1. Clarify the role of cis-regulatory elements in regulating Estrogen Receptor transcription. 2. Identify and characterise transcription co-operating factors using novel methods for analysis of in vivo chromatin-protein interactions. 3. Understand the molecular mechanisms of growth arrest by anti-oestrogens, including tamoxifen and subsequently investigate mechanisms of drug resistance.


Research activity codes: 5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS;2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS
Title: Pancreatic Cancer and Melanoma Models and Mechanisms
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: "Previous and current research Our laboratory created two distinct models of early and advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) by conditionally expressing endogenous oncogenic alleles of Kras and P53 in the murine pancreas. The first model was established through the pancreatic directed expression of a mutant KrasG12D allele and all mice developed pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), a presumed precursor of PDA, before succumbing to invasive PDA at late ages. Mice with PanIN may be a suitable resource for developing biomarkers of early stage human pancreatic cancer, and evaluating potential chemoprevention strategies. The second model involved the pancreatic co-expression of endogenous mutant Kras and P53 alleles, which caused the early development of metastatic and lethal PDA. This model is particularly useful for the exploration of epithelial tumour metastasis, and for the evaluation of various therapeutic strategies. Our efforts in melanoma involve the production of conditional endogenous alleles of mutant Braf, for targeted expression in melanocytes. We also participate in a clinical trial that uses a Braf inhibitor in patients with advanced melanoma. Future projects Characterisation of the biochemical pathways involved in all stages of pancreatic neoplasia, particularly PanIN cell invasion, migration, survival and metastasis. Identification and functional analysis of the cell types that comprise PanINs and PDA. Evaluation of cytotoxic and targeted therapies for PanIN and PDA. Discovery of biomarkers of PanIN and PDA. Use of transposon mutagenesis to facilitate the evolution of PanIN to PDA. Establish a murine melanoma model. Clarify the role of oncogenic Kras and Braf in tumour initiation and maintenance."


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES;5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS;2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS