Prof Nick Lemoine

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Centre for Molecular Oncology and Imaging
Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry
London

Developing new ways to diagnose and treat cancer

Professor Nick Lemoine is the Director of the Institute of Cancer at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. He oversees a multi-million pound programme of research looking at new ways to diagnose and treat many types of cancer. Professor Lemoine is an international expert in pancreatic cancer and much of his work focuses on this disease.

Using viruses to kill cancer cells

Professor Lemoine's Gene Therapy Group are developing modified viruses that specifically infect and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. These viruses are being tested in the lab for the treatment of a range of different cancers including prostate, ovarian and breast cancer. However, the team are particularly focusing on pancreatic cancer as there are currently very few effective treatments for people with this disease.

Searching for biomarkers

His Molecular Pathology Group study genes and proteins inside cancer cells to understand how cancer develops. They are particularly interested in finding 'biomarkers', genes or proteins that can be used to predict how a person's cancer will progress or respond to treatment.

The researchers are using cutting-edge techniques including lasers to cut tiny pieces from tumours in order to look for molecules that are present at higher levels in cancer cells compared with healthy tissue. This has already led to the discovery of three genes, ABL2, Notch4 and SOD1, that play an important role in pancreatic cancer.

Professor Lemoine has also set up an online research database containing genetic information about pancreatic cancer. Scientists all over the world can use this important resource as part of their own work, boosting much-needed research into ways to improve survival.

Visit MyProjects to watch a video about Professor Lemoine's work and to donate directly to his research.

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