Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis of Blood Cancers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of the Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis of Haematological Malignancies including Myeloid and Lymphoid Malignancies, and Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
IRAS ID
293006
Contact name
Anastasios Karadimitris
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Haematological malignancies are cancers of the blood and bone marrow. Broadly, these are split into myeloid, lymphoid or plasma cell disorders depending on the type of cells affected. Although considerable progress has been made in the treatment of these cancers, a large proportion remain incurable. The purpose of our research is to study how these cancerous cells are different to their normal counterparts, for example what makes them survive and grow better/longer than normal cells and how they interact with the surrounding normal cells. This may lead to the development of better, more effective treatments.
For this purpose, direct access to cancer and normal cells is required to perform a number of studies of the molecules (these could be genes, proteins or sugars) that promote survival and growth of cancer cells. In order to emulate what happens in patients’ bodies and also to test potential novel treatments, we will also transfer and grow cancer and normal cells into appropriate animal models.
We aim to obtain cancers cells from patients with the diagnosis of a myeloid disorder, lymphoproliferative disorder, myeloma and the pre-cancerous condition of monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance. These cancers usually affect the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen but may affect other parts of the body. Cancer cells will be obtained through procedures (for example, blood taking, bone marrow aspirate, lymph node biopsy) performed because they are required for the patient’s care and not solely for research purposes. Normal cells will be obtained from patients that undergo procedures for non-malignant conditions.
The study will last for 5 years and will be conducted at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Hospitals (Hammersmith, St Mary's and Charing Cross Hospitals) and affiliated District General Hospitals. Research will be performed at Hammersmith and St Mary's Hospitals, and South Kensington Imperial College London.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0134
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion