Our research in Leeds

Our researchers at the University of Leeds have a superb track record in the field of cancer genetics. They are investigating how our genes and lifestyle combine to influence our risk of developing cancer. Other research at St James’s University Hospital aims to develop new treatments for a wide range of cancers, including bowel cancer.

We also fund the clinical trials work of the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) at the St James's University Hospital in Leeds. The group co-ordinates the care of virtually all the UK’s children with cancer, ensuring they receive the most up-to-date treatments.

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  Prof Tim Bishop

  Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory
  St James's University Hospital, Leeds

  Finding cancer genes

  Professor Tim Bishop, head of the Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory in Leeds, is a leader in the field of cancer genetics.

  His team is comparing the genetic make-up of people with cancer with that of healthy people, to see which genes are different in people with cancer. Through these pioneering studies, they hope to identify genes that increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer, as well as bowel and testicular cancers.

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  Prof Maggie Knowles

  Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre
  University of Leeds, Leeds

  Investigating bladder cancer

  Professor Maggie Knowles is at the forefront of research into bladder cancer. She is investigating the genes and proteins involved in the development of this disease. In particular, she is researching a family of proteins known as the 'fibroblast growth factor receptors' that are potential new targets for bladder cancer treatments.

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  Prof Peter Selby

  Section of Oncology and Clinical Research
  Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds

  Developing and testing new ways to treat cancer

  Professor Peter Selby is head of the Section of Oncology and Clinical Research at the University of Leeds. Teams in this department are carrying out lab studies to develop new cancer treatments and improve existing ones. Professor Selby also directs the Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre in Leeds, which brings cancer scientists and doctors together to develop new approaches to cancer care and test these in clinical trials.

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  Prof Matt Seymour

  School of Medicine
  University of Leeds, Leeds

  Testing new treatments for bowel cancer

  Matt Seymour is Professor of Gastrointestinal Cancer Medicine at the University of Leeds. His team carry out clinical trials testing new treatments for bowel cancer and cancers of other parts of the digestive system including the stomach and pancreas. Professor Seymour is especially interested in developing treatments with fewer side effects to give patients the best possible quality of life. He is also working to develop tests to select the best treatments for individual patients.

• Dr Galina Velikova

  Psychosocial Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre
  St James' University Hospital, Leeds

  Monitoring patient well-being

  Dr Galina Velikova leads the Psychosocial Oncology Group at the University of Leeds. Her research focuses on monitoring the well-being of people diagnosed with cancer and those undergoing treatment.

  A key area of her work is refining the use of computer touch-screen technology to collect important information about a patient¿s quality of life. This information can then be used by doctors so that they can manage the care of their patients in the most effective way.