Our Research
imaging Intracellular targets
We develop novel radionuclide-based imaging agents that target intracellular biomarkers which are overexpressed in cancer.
By looking inside the cell, we broaden the spectrum of biomarkers at our disposal. These targets are abundant and frequently differentially expressed in tumours, producing high-contrast images. These agents also allow us to better understand the mechanisms that go awry during malignant transformation.
Small molecule radionuclide therapies
To pass the plasma membrane, we use small drug-like molecules as our imaging agents.
Switching the radionuclide from a diagnostic to a therapeutic alpha or beta emitter allows us to deliver precision radionuclide therapies to the tumour itself, resulting in sustained growth suppression.
Therapy resistance
We are dedicated to making a difference for cancer patients whose tumours no longer respond to conventional treatments. To do this, we are developing tools to detect and treat resistant disease. We employ a multitude of different approaches to tackle this important unmet need, targeting biomarkers causal for resistance and those universally upregulated in refractive disease.
Cancer metabolism
A key area of interest in our lab is cancer metabolism. Tumours upregulate multiple metabolic pathways to sustain cell proliferation and resist treatment. With radionuclide imaging, we are studying these processes in living subjects. We have designed new imaging tools to examine amino acid transport, redox signalling, beta-oxidation, and glucose utilisation in cancer, with many more currently in development.
Advanced animal models
We use genetic and pharmacologic tools to determine the specificity of our tools to their target. Following thorough validation, our agents are then tested in a range of animal models that represent the human disease. Models include syngeneic, orthotopic, genetically engineered, and patient-derived tumour models.
Additionally, we are dedicated to reducing the number of animals used in research. To achieve this, we have implemented the fertilised chicken egg as a substitute model to simple mouse tumour xenografts. You can find more out about this research below:
Clinical translation
Our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of cancer patients. To do this, we have developed a translational pipeline to bring the very best of our agents to cancer patients.
We perform all early-stage clinical trials in collaboration with King’s PET Centre. To ensure these discoveries help the most patients possible, we partner with biotech and pharma for regulatory approval and clinical adoption. Partners include GSK, Apollo Therapeutics, Nuclide Therapeutics, and AgilVAX.