News releases
LIVERPOOL CANCER CHARITY ANNOUNCES NEW RESEARCH WORTH OVER �385,000
10 August 2006
North West Cancer Research Fund is funding 3 new cancer research projects at a cost of �385,756.� All will take place at The University of Liverpool.
North West Cancer Research Fund is an independent regional cancer research charity which makes over �750,000 available every year for fundamental research into the causes of cancer.� Virtually all of this money is raised through voluntary efforts and donations.
Dr Joseph Slupsky at the Division of Haematology is receiving �113,384 for a three year study into chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, the most common adult leukaemia in the U.K.. This disease is often found on visits to the doctor for unrelated reasons. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia affects the body by suppressing the patient�s immunity and ability to form new blood cells. When this happens the patient becomes prone to infection, loss of energy, and bleeding problems, any and all of which leading to the significant illness and death associated with this leukaemia.� Although chronic lymphocytic leukaemia can be treated, it is considered by many medics to be largely incurable.
Dr Slupsky will investigate the relationship between two factors which contribute in important ways to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; a signalling molecule called protein kinase CbII (PKCbII) which is located inside the leukaemic cells, and a factor that helps the leukaemic cells to grow called vascular endothelial-cell growth factor (VEGF).
Dr Slupsky says: �Understanding the role these two factors play and how they interact will give us insight into the biology of this kind of leukaemia, and possibly lead to the development of new and more effective drug therapies.
Also, VEGF is found in every cancerous tumour so my research has the potential to inform many different cancer research projects.�
In the neighbouring school of Biological Sciences, Dr Nigel J Jones has been awarded �151,480 for his research into Fanconi anaemia which is a rare childhood genetic disease whose sufferers are very susceptible to developing cancer, particularly In the neighbouring School of Biological Sciences, Dr Nigel J Jones has been awarded �151,480 for his research into Fanconi anaemia which is a rare childhood genetic disease whose sufferers are very susceptible to developing cancer, particularly acute myeloid leukaemia and head and neck tumours. Fanconi anaemia individuals are cancer prone due to a defect in DNA repair. The award funds a 3 year project.
Dr Jones says: �� This grant award from North West Cancer Research Fund will enable us to study a process termed DNA repair that protects us from cancer and which, when defective, may lead to several types of cancer, including leukaemia and breast cancer.�
The third award goes to Dr Lu-Gang Yu and Professor Jonathan Rhodes at the University of Liverpool�s Division of Gastroenterology.� They will research cell division within cancerous cells and how this leads to development of cancer.� Their project is strongly linked to colon cancer but again, has opportunities to inform the treatment for other forms of cancer too.�� They have been awarded �42,954 for their one year project.
John Lewys-Lloyd, Chairman of North West Cancer Research Fund, said, 'Successful applications have to satisfy strict criteria and it is heartening that so many have achieved the high standard required.� I am especially pleased for our many volunteers without whose efforts in raising money, the research would not be possible.'
For further information about North West Cancer Research Fund, visit the website on www.cancerresearchnorthwest.co.uk
If you have helped to collect money for The North West Cancer Research Fund, don't forget to tell us all about how you raised the money so we can publicise your efforts.