Title: Manchester Cancer Research Centre
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: The MCRC supports laboratory-based basic research which will lead to a better understanding of the processes that drive the initiation, progression and maintenance of cancer in different tissues. Basic research is undertaken by research groups throughout the MCRC and there is an inevitable and rational overlap of groups that involved in basic, translational and clinical research. Key research themes include Comprehensive studies to understand cell adhesion, the cell cycle, cell division, cell regulation and cell signalling in health and disease Stem cell research to understand the processes and mechanisms involved in early development and how cells differentiate and specialise Cancer development and the molecular basis for the carcinogenic process Pre-clinical drug target validation and biomarker discovery Computer-based analyses of biological data. Translational and clinical research is also carried out by research groups across all partners of the MCRC. Key research themes include Developing gene and targeted therapy approaches Exploring late effects of treatment and outcomes Incorporating radiation therapy with other treatments Investigating the causes and treatments for breast cancer Studying paediatric, adoloscent and young adult cancers Translating laboratory findings into clinically relevant interventions Understanding genitourinary, gynaecological and lung cancers Imaging research supports many of the research groups by developing new ways to visualise cancer cells and monitoring how they respond to therapy. Imaging technology is essential for early detection of cancers leading to early intervention and potentially improved outcomes for patients. Within the MCRC, imaging research is carried out by teams at The University of Manchester Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC) and at The University of Manchester Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Key research include Correlating imaging data with biological information Developing new imaging techiniques and radiotracers Exploring new blood vessel formation in cancer through imaging Optimising and refining imaging methodology Radiation-related research(RRR) is a priority area for the MCRC with increased support for infrastructure development, new facilities and improved co-ordination of RRR at the MCRC. RRR is undertaken by research groups throughout the MCRC. Key research themes include Understanding how DNA responds to damage Optimising radiotherapy of cancer, with a focus on the complicated head and neck region Investigating long-term outcome for cancer patients Evaluating targeted therapies Developing and evaluating novel anti-cancer agents Driving technical advances in radiotherapy Supporting delivery of radiotherapy The MCRC undertakes research across a diverse range of tumour types but has a specific focus on key tumours, specifically breast cancer and haematological malignancies. The development of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unitdirected by Professor Anthony Howell and the expansion of the Manchester Breast Centreare two major initiatives that highlight the importance of tumour-specific research groups to the Centre For further information: http://www.mcrc.manchester.ac.uk/research/themes.htm


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS