Cancer Research UK Medical Oncology Unit: Churchill Hospital

Previous and current research
Our principal interest is in DNA repair and its role in the resistance of tumours to chemotherapy. To date investigations have focused on the oral alkylating drug Temozolomide, investigating the optimal scheduling of the drug and the factors that mediate toxicity and anti tumour effects. The Cancer Research UK drug Patrin-2, an inhibitor of 06-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, has emerged from this research and is been evaluated in phase II clinical trials in melanoma and colorectal cancer. We are also involved in evaluating a PARP inhibitor and hypomethylating agent in collaboration with other Cancer Research UK early clinical trials groups.

Future projects
Phase I development of Patrin-2 in a wider clinical setting will start this year. Ongoing investigations include the determination of the role of platinum repair in stomach and oesophageal cancer susceptibility to chemotherapy and investigation of potential synergy between topoisomerase one inhibitors and 06 alkylating agents in melanoma. Early clinical trials involving signal transduction inhibitors and the pro drug CB1954 are also due to start this year.