Prof Roy Bicknell

Roy Bicknell

Cancer Research UK Molecular Angiogenesis Group
University of Birmingham
Birmingham

Halting the development of tumours

Professor Roy Bicknell heads the Cancer Research UK Molecular Angiogenesis Group at the University of Birmingham. He is an expert in understanding some of the key molecules involved in angiogenesis. Professor Bicknell is hoping to develop new drugs to disrupt a tumour's blood supply, stopping the growth and spread of cancer.

All the cells in our bodies need oxygen and nutrients to live - cancer cells are no exception. In order to keep growing, tumours send out chemical signals to attract nearby blood vessels, fuelling the cancer.

Professor Bicknell's group is looking at the chemical signals sent out during angiogenesis and investigating ways of blocking these messages to stop cancers forming their own blood supply.

The team is interested in a protein called Robo4, which is found in blood vessels. The chemical signals produced by cancer cells are thought to stick to Robo4 and switch it on. This triggers further signals inside the blood vessel to encourage the growth of new vessels.

Following promising results in the lab, Professor Bicknell has been working with Cancer Research Technology to license the development of Robo4-based drugs to a major biotechnology company.

Professor Bicknell’s research should lead to exciting new treatments in the future by tackling the Achilles’ heel of cancer.

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