Our work

Latest updates from the labs

Action Against Cancer funds research carried out by various teams of dedicated scientists at Imperial College London, the University of Sussex and at the Professor Stebbing Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory at Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge.

Highlights of their work from 2024 are outlined below.

Cancer stem cells

A research team funded by Action Against Cancer at Imperial College London has further developed a powerful genetic system they designed allowing them to manipulate genes in cancer cells. The next stage in the research has also now been achieved, with the development and integration of specialist procedures and equipment.

Using a time-lapse microscopy technique, detailed 3D images of cancer cell cultures were captured at regular intervals over a specific time period. This allowed for detailed segmentation and classification of cancer gene nuclei. In combination with other advanced analysis techniques developed by the team led by Dr Nina Moderau, they have gained a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity and cell competition observed in certain cancers. The aim is for this knowledge to inform the development of more effective therapies and improve the ability to predict and manage cancer treatment outcomes.

Developing a new drug - A totally new approach to therapy

The team at the University of Sussex working on this drug development programme has been investigating the relationship between the structure and function of LMTK3, to find valuable information about ways to target this cancerous protein.

Their results so far have revealed that the family of enzymes of LMTK3 can interact with another domain of the protein and affect its activity. They aim to interfere with this interaction, via designing specific drug compounds, to find alternative ways to block or reduce the expression of LMTK3 and ultimately impede the proliferation of cancer cells.

The anti-LMTK3 drug that the team are working towards would revolutionise cancer therapy, as it will work with existing treatments, overcoming patient’s resistance that often develops over time.

Metastasis

Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide, responsible for 25% of cancers in women. Whilst treatment is effective and often curative in early breast cancer, metastatic disease is often incurable. The tumour microenvironment of breast cancer plays an important role in whether the disease will grow and spread to other parts of the body, and how it will respond to treatment.

A project at the new research facility at Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge, part funded by Action Against Cancer, is delving into the intricate dynamics of breast cancer. Dr Caterina Suelza (pictured) is exploring the relationship between tumour cells and the surrounding tissue, with a particular focus on the role of fatty tissue. By studying how fatty tissue cells and tumour cells collaborate in guiding communication pathways, the research aims to bridge gaps in understanding their molecular interactions. If the research identifies new fatty and / or cancer molecules that play a crucial role in these processes, improved diagnostics and treatments can be developed.

Genetic switches

Whilst chemotherapy is an important treatment option, due to its non-targeted interactions, it can also cause serious side effects. Some drugs suffer from poor bioavailability due to very poor solubility in water, resulting in unsatisfactory effectiveness. In addition, they can have lower effectiveness due to their absorption on the surface of plastic or glass containers, resulting in the drugs being stuck to the vials instead of being administered to the patient, leading to a requirement of higher doses.

In recent years, nanomaterials have been extensively studied and utilised as drug delivery systems for targeted treatment for certain cancers. Action Against Cancer is supporting a team at Imperial College London (pictured) developing a drug delivery system consisting of nanoparticles, which aims to provide a new method for targeted cancer therapeutics with minimal side effects and increased drug effectiveness.

Understanding the cancer brain

Another team at Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge are working on a project, part funded by Action Against Cancer, to improve treatment options for pancreatic and breast cancer patients. Dr Hussein Al- Ali and Melanie Cook are using innovative technology called the ImageStream (pictured), that combines microscopy and flow cytometry techniques to produce high throughput data and a comprehensive cellular analysis. They are using this tool to assess the DNA damage caused by a novel cancer antibody and its synergy with available chemotherapeutic drugs.

Some previous achievements in the labs:

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